Hi all, recently commenced and AI, and wondering if side- effects reduce over time. I was feeling pretty good, but since starting have had trouble sleeping, felt a bit down and stressed out and tired, achy hips and ankles and on an emotional roller coaster again, keep putting on weight... any advice or tips. Bloody Breast cancer is the gift that keeps giving. I also feel like I can’t multitask or remember stuff, it’s 1.5 years after treatment, for me, I think I feel pretty good, then have a set back....

You’re nervous to start with, so just wait til the end of the day to see how you feel. Unless it gets severe, in which case call your doc. But it should settle. Don’t think about it and go do something fun 🙂. Cancer doesn’t deserve all the time we spend thinking about it

Remember too that if all women googled the potential side effects of pregnancy and childbirth, the human race would probably die out. Let's begin with A. Acne, bloating,candidiasis (thrush), diarrhoea, eclampsia. foetal death...and so on all through the alphabet. Most women get few if any. I've been on letrozole for four years now, and have other medical issues which affect all the connective tissues in my body. So, muscles, tendons, joints, blood vessels, internal organs...the lot. I can honestly say that although there has been an increase in joint and tendon issues, my feeling is that they would have deteriorated this much over the last four years in any event...letrozole or not. Other than that... my "lady garden" has dried up from formerly being a bounteous oasis, to now being sadly, the Gobi desert.

Being older and already having arthritis even before this shitfight started ...... I may have copped it 'more' than others - but my Onc (after I changed to a better one) was terrific & I tried 2 other AIs & the current one is working well for me.And also ..... remember that those who DON'T get side effects often aren't on the blog any more, so we don't always hear the 'good stories'! ;)

Please add higher cholesterol with Arimidex and hair thinning and brain fog/memory, or did the brain fog ramp up when I was on Letrozole for 6 months ........... see? I can't even remember now. I also get ringing in my ears, but I think that is left over from chemo. Oh the joys that go with all the trials and tribulations of being on the cancer bus! All this crap threw me into early retirement and I am still not at retiring age yet, yep keeping positive should be my motto, not my name here. Excuse the rant.

Above comment only applies if your cancer is hormone receptive.

AI side- effects | Online Network

FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Hello, how recently did you start the AI, and which one was it? I started Letrozole 2 weeks ago, also on Zoladex injections, and only feel hot flushes and worsened memory. I’m wondering whether symptoms need longer to appear. Hoping not
Spillsy
Member
5 years ago
About 3-4 weeks ago, Anastrazole
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Ok, I’m not far behind. I don’t have much experience with it obviously, but so many ladies on this forum do, and I’m sure they’ll be able to help you (and me) 🙂 x
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
I’m eight years in on Letrozole - I don’t have any of the most common symptoms, joint aches and pains and menopause type symptoms - flushes etc. Letrozole can thin bones so talk to your oncologist or GP about vitamin D or calcium supplements. It can also cause vaginal dryness - vaginal lubricants will help, as can oestrogen cream (sounds counter intuitive I know but the amounts are tiny). Main thing is that if you have significant side effects, don’t suffer in silence. Short breaks, changes in brand, small things can help. Best wishes.
Dory65
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Spillsy,
Your thoughts and symptoms sound like mine. I also want to know about long term use. Will the side effects continue, get worse or diminish over time? I'm a few months into Zoladex and Letrozole. The insomnia, hot flushes and aching joints seem to be getting worse.
Cathyw
Member
5 years ago
I was on arimidex for about 5 months, but had problems with sleeping and painful joints. My oncologist changed me over to exemestane. Have been on that for 2 weeks and although joints sore, I am sleeping better. It’s so different for everyone, but if it gets too hard talk to your medical team about a change...all the best to you.
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Dory65, when did your symptoms start?
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Dory65, when did your symptoms start?
Dory65
Member
5 years ago
Hi @FLClover,
the Tamoxifen related symptoms started straight away. I now have endometrial hyperplasia and have to go under a general anesthetic for numerous biopsies, hoping nothing malignant is found. I'm waiting for the appointment date. On the new drugs, I thought it was an improvement initially, but then the aching joints and insomnia gradually became obvious after about two - three months.
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Thanks @Dory65, so they are not immediate. Good luck with the biopsies, 🤞🤞 that it’s all good 🍀