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blackj's avatar
blackj
Member
10 years ago

side effects form aromatase inhibitors

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.  I had a mastectomy radiotherapy and femara. For several months I had no side effects and then experienced the onset of bilateral arthralgia which is unresponsive to panadol plain or osteo and improves somewhat with non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.  I have been on a "drug holiday" from femara for 3 weeks prior to switching to exemestane.  I have noticed very little lessening of the arthralgia so far and am wondering if people in the same situation have had to have a longer time to notice improvement.  I also would love to know whether people switching between these 2 drugs have noticed that one is better than the other in terms of side effects.  I notice that exemestane has androgenic effects such as facial hair and wonder how bad this is and does it occur with arthralgia as well .  If so I may as well just stay on the femara!

Would be grateful to hear of anyone's experience

Thanks in anticipation

Judy

side-effects

3 Replies

  • blackj's avatar
    blackj
    Member
    10 years ago

    thanks Chris- I have trawled through the scientific literature but personal experiences are so valuable.  I was thinking if when I switch to exemestane, I have androgenic side effects plus the joint ones , I should just opt for femara.  I guess I will just have to see

    Judy

  • Chixon's avatar
    Chixon
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Judy, I was on Femara after finishing treatments for breast cancer. I found Femara very difficult to take...causing joint pain and terrible stiffness in my hands and feet. I too had a 'holiday' X1 month before commencing on Exemestane. I have some joint stiffness..particularly after periods of sitting or lying down...but nothing compared to Femara..so I am very happy. Just remember that we are all very different...having different responses to drugs...what suits one doesn't necessarily suit another. Hang in there...there are different drugs out there that will be offered....just need to get the right 'fit' Good Luck. Chris.

  • Aqua_sunrise's avatar
    Aqua_sunrise
    Member
    10 years ago

    Very interested to read the comments, judy, I will be on femara when my radiation finishes,

    Not looking forward to it, after all I've heard & read about it, but we are stuck between a rock & a hard place it seems to me ! 

    I would quite like to live ! 

    Good luck ??