LETROZOLE SIDE EFFECTS; PLEASE HELP

[Marla13]

MS55, I am so sorry to hear about your fall, but couldn't agree more with Optimissy and before reading her reply was going to suggest the very same thing: your fall may be unrelated to the Letrozole. Whenever we start a new medication (whatever the medication is) it is too easy to conclude that any symptoms/side effects are related to the medication. It may just be coincidence that your legs gave in (as unpleasant and scary as that was for you). 

I've been on Letrozole for 5 weeks, and though I do get achy knees at times, I *can* still walk, though admittedly I don't own a dog and haven't gone on my 17K walk in Greece (one I love to do whenever I go to Greece). That will be the true test for me! 

But back to you...I agree with Optimissy...see your doctor for a check-up and just make sure there are no other explanations for your fall or your knees giving way-sometimes these things happen to us for no reason at all and I do think that a one-off can be "inconclusive". If this were to happen to you each day or each time you took the dog out, I'd be more concerned, but as it was just the once (thank goodness) it may just have been a missed step, or a bit of a balance issue or something else very innocuous (nothing to worry about).

I feel for you but as someone who is taking Letrozole and who also worried about the "horrible" side effects that many women report, I am here to say that 5 weeks on and I feel fine, on the whole. So please don't conclude it's the Letrozole until you have more evidence. It's a powerful drug that can help us post menopausal women and according to my consultant at a very large teaching hospital in London-Letrozole (of all the hormone therapies) has the best evidence base and over and above the others. 

Sending lots of love and positive thoughts to you...xxxx

[Optimissy64]

ms55 that must have been horrible for you and very scary to fall down.

Please see your gp or talk to your bc nurse, as there may be other reasons unconnected with the medication why this happened - it seems really early on in your treatment for it to be the Letrozole - I would think it would take longer than a week for it to be settling into your system. But if it is the Letrozole, then there are other brands you can try, or other oestrogen inhibitors or, though you are post-menopausal, Tamoxifen may be prescribed which works differently but still protects against cancer recurrance. But if it were me I'd be inclined first to get myself checked over to rule out any other cause for a collapse like you describe. I do hope things improve. X

[ms55]

Hello

I hae been taking Letrozole for a week, I cant walk or function. My legs gave way whilst out with my dog and I couldnt get up. I just sat there crying till a kind person helped me up. I was so embarrassed. I seem to have most of the side effects listed. I phoned doc and they said try to persevere.

I think I will give it one more week and then just do without it. I dont care if the cancer comes back. I enjoy walking and other outdoor sports and now I cant walk. My poor dog is stressed out because she is used to long walks in the woods. What is not what if. 

Good luck to all the ladies taking this horrible medication

[Appletree]

Hello Pippi

So sorry you are worried about your weight; I do hope you get some good advice from Weightwatchers.

Artificial sweeteners are not any better for us than sugar and can prompt their own problems, so it is down to you which you prefer.

To reduce weight, we need to reduce our intake of fattening foods, but that doesn't mean removing them from our diets altogether, just getting the right balance for us. Here is a link to some helpful information on the Breast Cancer Care site for Healthy Eating.

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-ca...

They stress that reduction in the quantity we eat will lead to weight reduction, so reducing the amount of sugar you have in tea and coffee, rather than cutting it out altogether, would help. You might also find it helpful to list for a week or so what you eat everyday. That would give you some pointers to where to start with reduction of fattening foods and increase of fibre.

How much exercise do you take each week? Increasing that, initially very modestly, can also help.

Best of luck.

[pippi1969]

I have just joined Weightwatchers as I have put quite a bit on since my diagnosis due to too much eating, being at home and not working. 

I am a bit confused as I have always used Sucralose in teas, coffees and cereals but since breast cancer was put off as its not a natural product but have just read on the NHS website that its harmless and does not cause cancer.

since my diagnosis I have started using sugar but I want to lose weight so dont like to use sugar and yes I have tried not using any sugar or sweetener but just cant drink coffee or tea without it.

Just wanted to find out what others think or know about this topic

[pippi1969]

Hi sorry I took long to reply. I'm glad the calcium and Vit D tabs are helping you I will get some today 

[Tinkabell]

Annie

Thank you for your concerns. . My surgeon wants to see me again this Friday to discuss  the bone scan.  I am thinking of agreeing to it (once again).

Paulus mentioned self prescribing, and I agree with her that I would not be too happy with any side effect which cripples me. 

Everyone on this forum has their own problems to contend with, yet  they have written kind words of support and advice.  

Best wishes to you all. 

[Anniej]

Hi Tinkerbell, I'm very concerned for you on a few points. I have been on Letrozole for 2 years, plus a trial for Palbociclib for a year . I have had to tweak my Letrozole brand to get one that suits me, and also the time of day I take it.  My oncologist is more than happy to chat and explain everything to me. I take a list of questions along to clinic every month,  but he invariably answers everything before I can ask! My lead nurse is the same. In fact I pop into Maggies where she is based every week for a cup of tea and chat. It seems you don't have that relationship which I feel has left you short of professional support. I think you have made a very general, and sweeping statement re NHS. Perhaps I'm very lucky as I am not far from both hospital and Maggies centre. This relationship means that I trust their medical advice and know that my success is their success. As I haven't tolerated Palbociclib very well he has altered my prescription and schedule so that I am managing the dosage and consequently my secondary mets have shrunk. I am not a medical professional, and although I think I am very well read on my meds, reading is not researching. Research is funded, has a beginning, a middle and an end. My personal feeling is that twiddling with dosages without any medical knowledge could do more harm than good. 

 Finally, as the chief Onco here reminds all us secondary BC girls , Google is not a doctor, and the daiky newspapers are not medical journals, no matter what they print.

You appear to be a very strong person, and I wonder if you could use this strength to have a constructive and positive discussion with your professional team, either face to face or on the phone. Are they aware you are self medicating? You don't actually say. I am really worried you are putting your health at risk. Best wishes. X

[Paulus]

Hi, 

I was automatically prescribed Evacal D3 1500mg ( apparently these replaced AdCal ) when prescribed letrozole.  I have some scoliosis in my lower back, and have had back twinges for years - I'm 63 and was diagnosed in March this year - and the bone/DEXA scan showed 'some' bone thinning.  I declined the offer of bisphosophonates though, as I won't risk any 'jaw necrosis' as I have pretty rubbish teeth as it is.  ( I think I was extremely fortunate that it was the therapeutic radiography consultant who told me about that, in that it is rare but it does happen  -  I don't think the oncologist agrees with my self-prescribing, which is fair enough, but I have to live in this body, as much as I appreciate her help and advice ).  I've been on Letrozole since June/July.  I can't honestly say if they are causing me any problems, but my joints are definitely clicking a lot more !! All the best everyone x

[Patriciamay]

Hi.  Yes I do.  I take the calcium tablets from H&B with vitamin D combined.  I think they are really helping me, so not just in terms of healthy bones, but my legs and joints.  I stopped taking them for two weeks in the summer and I could hardly walk.  I have no idea if this is scientifically proven. But this is what I have found.  Good luck.

[pippi1969]

Do any of you take vitamin D and calcium tabs to combat bone thinning from Letrozole?

[pippi1969]

Hi Flora B sorry I took quite a while to read your message. I have been on the Letrozole now over 2 weeks and the only thing that has changed is that I feel a bit achy in my lower back and that's one of the side effects but nothing else. Anyway I will see what else may happen as it's still early days.
Yes it is a very individual thing but it's nice that you can exchange experiences on here though 😊

[Marla13]

Hi Tinkabell,

Well done on the Letrozole! I genuinely believe that reading about other people's side effects can influence what we experience, and I anticipated having every awful SE under the sun, but it's fine! I'm sorry to hear about the bone scan; perhaps you can schedule it for another day when you feel more mentally prepared for it? At the end of the day, it *is* your choice.

Keep us posted, OK?

xxxx

[Appletree]

Tinkabell

It's very good that your BCN is kind, sympathetic and ready to act as your advocate; don't every feel that you shouldn't contact her because other patients have a greater need, you are just as important as everyone else.

As for Macmillan, it's not necessary to have been asigned to them by your hospital in order to obtain help from them. You can phone them on their advice line, Macmillan Cancer Support, at 0808 808 0000, and find out how they can help you in your part of the country. A friend of mine who lives in a rural village in North Yorkshire, who hadn't been assigned a Macmillan nurse either, contacted them and was able to arrange for weekly home visits from a Macmillan nurse who gives him counselling sessions to help him cope with everyday life. He has cancer of the bone marrow, but at present is still able to live a reasonably normal life and can still drive. Thanks to this nurse, he is able to keep more cheerful and make good use of everyday to his satisfaction, whilst allowing for fatigue and other limiting factors.

All the best, and I do hope you can enjoy some pain free time.

[Tinkabell]

Flora,

Your comments have been taken on board, but again unfortunately a Macmillan service was not offered so I am really on my own with this.  

My surgeon offered a bone scan to see if the cancer had spread to my hips as I had pain (from osteo-arthritis). I agreed to it, but when the appointment arrived,  it was a 3 to 4 hour wait between the injection and the scan which could take up to an hour lying still without moving. 

No contact to be made with another lady to pass the time to talk to  in case she was pregnant or had a small child in tow, as I could be giving out radioactive something or others.  I didn't like the sound of all that, so after discussing it with my BCN,  I asked her to cancel it, and she agreed immediately as she had that scan herself and knew what it entailed.

I will try it later as the surgeon can reinstate it.

Best wishes  to everyone.  

[Marla13]

Hi Appletree,

I agree with everything you said, specifically re-biological depression and the possible effects that estrogen depletion/endorcrine therapies may have on these particular individuals. I also agree with what you said re-women who have predisposing hormonal imbalances. It shouldn't be a "one size fits all" approach with these meds, but sadly it is. I'm also really pleased to hear that you had a clinician who was able to advocate on your behalf.

Side effects, indeed, need to be taken seriously, and I also agree that quality of life is important.

We all have to make decisions that we feel are best for *us*, and I ditto your final sentence-we will all die someday.

xx

[Appletree]

Marla, I am sure you are correct that there are many factors to consider when explaining side effects different women experience with individual AIs and with Tamoxifen.

Not only does smoking and obesity (as opposed to mild over-weight) contribute to a range of health issues, but other cancer treatments can cause long-term problems. There is evidence that women who have had chemo involving taxanes are more likely to get more severe joint and muscle pains with endocrine therapies than women who have had no chemo. (I'm not suggesting people should avoid chemo for that reason. )

There is also the question of how oestrogen depletion affects individual women. As all endocine therapies are designed to block oestrogen by some means, this is something to take into account, along with possible long-term effects of oestrogen depletion on the body as a whole, including the brain. Again, different women are likely to have different medical profiles. A specialised nurse on the Breast Cancer Care site told me that most women who have a history of depression find they have to come off endocrine therapies. I'm referring to severe depression of a biochemical nature, and not the general distress of having cancer or dissatisfaction with everyday life.

Having been on Anastrozole for 9 1/2 weeks, and having eperienced a gradual increase of the severity of a range of side effects to a debilitating level, I stopped taking it. My BCN referred me to a clinician in the local Breast Clinic. The doctor, who had specialised in cancer treatments for 20 years, took my concerns seriously, especially as I have a long history of problems with hormonal imbalance: PMT as a young woman, the menopause, HRT, coming off HRT (I was ill in bed for a week) and then having to cope with the menopause difficulties without any assistance, which took some time.

The clinician wrote a very helpful letter to my Consultant Oncologist (I wasn't due to see him, or more likely his registrar, until the end of January), asking him to give me an appointment to see him personally within the next few weeks, with a specialised pharmacist present.

The clinician was disarmingly honest, said she knew very little pharmacology herself as she left it to the pharmacists in the cancer hospital, and that I needed specialised advice which she couldn't give. She also obsered cheerfully that very few doctors know much pharmacology and, as every patient is different, the approach is to prescribe one drug, and if that causes problems to try another, until a medication is found which the patient can tolerate. She observed, with a big smile, that the knowledge held by the medical profession is very limited in comparison to what is unknown.

Another problem is that pharmaceutical companies, on whom research depends, focus their research on the benefits of their products, and do not explore the adverse effects. So, adverse effects are picked up on and listed by a gradual process during trials and through the yellow card scheme. I have been told this by a consultant pharmacologist whose research is funded entirely by pharmaceutical firms. New drugs, once licensed, are strongly promoted by their manufacturers as the research is very expensive and the pharmaceutical industry needs to recoup the money they've spent, promptly. 

Before trying another endocrine therapy, I shall be weighing up very carefully the possible benefits against the probable problems, especially those that are likely to be long term, taking into account my medical history. Quality of life is extremely important to me. There is no point in making myself ill to the point of being dependent on other people, simply to extend life by a few years.

The reality is we all have to die some day.

[Marla13]

Just to add: I think that whether a woman experiences some of the side effects (i.e., joint pain) may also depend on their pre-Letrozole health, and mobility, etc. For example, I have osteoporosis in my family, though I haven't yet had the bone density scan (my oncologist is not in a hurry to scan me), and so I don't know if I have osteoporosis, *but* I have always been relatively "supple", and flexible, in good physical shape, and my BMI is at the high end of normal (I love a potatoe)!. So I'm not obese, I *am* in the normal weight range, but high end of normal, and just wonder whether joint pain is related to BMI or weight? I'm only putting this out there because my mother has severe joint pain, bursitis, is awaiting a double hip operation (both hips) and is overweight. Her weight and pain make it hard for her to mobilize. And so I see what weight can do to one's overall health. It's just a thought. My main point is that I think it's really important we consider *all* possible factors in what might be contributing to a particular side effect, before concluding it's the Letrozole.  

[Marla13]

Hi Bella,

I couldn't agree with you more re-the side effects one experiences with Letrozole depend on how far into the menopause they are and whether they were on HRT. I've never been on HRT and was confirmed "post menopaussal" when I started Letrozole. I probably had very little estrogen in my body when I started on Letrozole. I haven't had a hot flash in months if not years and if I do get any now, they are short-lived (over within 20 seconds)-it's more like a "wave" of heat, but nothing my A/C (in my car), or a hand held fan can't help with.

[Marla13]

Hi Pippi-sorry I'm so late replying-I take my Letrozole in the morning-for the first day or two I took it right after my breakfast but then wanted to experiment with taking it *not* with food and I've been fine. I've always been a coffee drinker and tend to take it just before or with my morning coffee. Everyone has different experiences with certain side effects...I had very mild nausea for a few days but I've also started a new BP med (2 days prior to the Letrozole) so wasn't sure which drug was causing my nausea but it was so low-level (2/10) and I now don't experience the nausea. Sometimes our bodies just need to get used to a new drug in our system and some of the side effects you *may* have in the first few days may dissipate, *or* you may habituate (get used to them). xxxx

[Marla13]

Hi Tinkabell,

I just thought I'd throw my two-penneth in because I, too, am on Letrozole (about 2 weeks in) and luckily, bar the occasional joint pain (on a scale from 0-10 it's a 5-6 but duration=2/10 so very tolerable), I just wanted to pick up on:

"Now the side effects have stepped up, but surely this is confirmation that the drug is working properly".

No, this is not necessarily the case, because this would also suggest that women who are not experiencing side effects (SE) are not gaining the full benefit of the drug, i.e., the drug isn't working.

It's a myth to think that side effects mean a drug is working and the lack of SE's mean it isn't. I just thought I'd point that out. Some women have SE's and others don't but this is not an indication of whether the drug is working. You'd want to have further ultrasound scans etc. to check whether the cancer is shrinking. I understand that Letrozole has been shown to shrink cancer (not all cancers, but some, i.e., ductal ones if I'm not mistaken) and a scan would be the way to assess whether the drug is working-not the side effects.

xxx

[FloraB]

To add to my last post:

I should say that the services offered by MacMillan nurses and this Cancer Care Forum are complementary. They are BOTH useful but in different ways.
Your proposed method of taking the tablets is quite unusual and perhaps requires an answer from someone closer to your particular circumstances.

[FloraB]

Tinkabell
I understand the difficulties you have in getting answers to your queries.
When I was first registered at my local Breast Cancer clinic I was assigned to a MacMillan nurse and given her contact details. I called her once or twice by phone with "minor" queries. She couldn't necessarily answer straight away but she was very useful in talking me through what was puzzling me. Do you have a similar service? It is SO useful being able to talk to a sympathetic and understanding person who is willing to go through answers with you.

[Tinkabell]

Appletree,

Firstly, many thanks for the info regarding the size of the tablet.  It did not occur to me about the extra packaging.  That's a relief and very helpful.

Your comments re. website information contradiction makes sense also.  Yes,I could make an appointment to see the oncologist but the clinic at my local hospital has been moved to another hospital across the other side of the city.  This hospital is huge and I hate to "take a seat" for an hour waiting time.  It is at least a two week wait to get a GP appointment just for advice when dozens of patients want appointments more urgently than me

 Another thing, a lot of  the cancer forum threads are from ladies whose oncologists  have told them to take a month or more holiday from taking  it.  Or they go away on holiday and do not take it until they return after three weeks or so (and dread starting it again)

I will do my very best with this new drug. 

Best wishes

[Appletree]

Tinkabell

I am in the UK too, and am fully aware it is possible for breast cancer patients to obtain information and advice from their Oncologist and GP by making appointments. I do this myself. Your BCN can assist you to do this. It is far better than relying on 'advice' from Internet sites and forums, which can be seriously flawed.

As for research on the Internet, reputable sources of information such as Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan and Cancer Research UK, all advise patients to keep to the full dose of endocrine therapy unless otherwise advised by their Oncologist. They advise against lowering the dose.

If a patient has forgotten a dose of their AI, Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan booklets advise not to take an extra pill because some of the previous dose is still in their system and they would than have too much of the drug, which has its own dangers. This advice does not translate into 'it's all right to lower your prescription and have your pill on alternate days'. They are simply saying that if you miss a dose, it is better to wait for the next time it's due and be slightly low on the drug for a few hours, rather than overdosing. They don't mean you can keep skipping doses; they all say that to do that can decrease the protection given to you by the drug. They strongly advise that you should keep to the stated dose, unless otherwise advised by your Oncologist or GP.

There are many Internet sites which hand out misinformation and are not reliable. On researching online, it is advisable to keep to the NHS, the Lancet, NICE and the BMJ for searches.

All the best.

[Tinkabell]

Appletree

After reading the information booklet given to me by the BCN, I did hours of research both on anastrozole before taking it, and also on letrozole. 

Below is the thread I posted re. anastrozole side effects.

"After having two lumpectomy ops. I have been taking anastrozole for five months. 

Hours of research revealed it is a very powerful drug and very effective at blocking estrogen production.  Also that if a dose is missed, there is sufficient in your system from the day before. This is also stated in a booklet the hospital breast care nurse gave me.

The website said that estrogen should be controlled not squashed and that 1mg  on Mon/Wed/Fri  would be sufficient.  

 I started with 3 to 4 tabs. a week for one month, then tried 2 days with and 1 day without.  Now the side effects have stepped up, but surely this is confirmation that the drug is working properly. 

 The doctors will simply prescribe 1 mg. a day to one and all, as it would be time consuming to say start slowly and build up the dose gradually. but  I thought it was worth a try"

Here in the UK. we do not have oncologists to informally chat to.  We only have the BCN.  We cannot informally chat to the GP either.They have not got the time or the know-how.  I always research on-line any new drugs given by the hospital or GP before taking it.

Regards

[Appletree]

Tinkabell

You have specified a rather unusual regimen for taking Letrozole. Do you mind my asking, is this an approach advised by your Oncologist or BCN, or is it something you have arrived at yourself?

It is very important to take medications in the manner we are advised, or they might not be effective at all. Different drugs will have different doses to allow for differences in their chemical nature. Some medications need more packing in the tablet than others, so will be administered at what appears to be a higher dose. It doesn't mean that a drug given at a higher dose is going to be more powerful or have worse side effects than one at a lower dose. You might find it helpful to ask your pharmacist about this - I'm sure they can put your mind at rest. 

The half-life of a drug is the time required for the concentration or amount of drug in the body to be reduced by one half. It doesn't mean there is enough in your system to skip doses, in fact it is very unwise to do this unless advised by the doctor supervising you. (Forgive me if you are acting on your Onc's advice.) For some drugs to be effective, it is important to maintain a particular level in your system.

You do need professional, expert advice on this. Your problems with Anastrozole could relate, at least in part, to the effects of oestrogen depletion and not purely to the drug itself. Perhaps a specialised pharmacist could help you with this.

All the best

[Tili]

Happy Monday Rosie,

was as wondering how your doing, just stopped taking the dreaded Letrozole after almost 3 years, feeling so much better after 3 weeks a little frightening at time asking myself am I doing the right thing ?? 

Wishing you you lots of luck Tili x

[Tinkabell]

Hello everyone,

I am starting on letrozole this week after stopping anastrozole  (Arimidex) after six months because of evil side effects.  I am going to take it every other day for two weeks, then I will take it two days then miss a day for two weeks and so on.  

I did   this with anastrozole but I could not  manage 1mg a day of it.  All the side effects kicked in big time after two months of slight s/e's. Really awful time.  

Letrozole has a "half-life" of two days, meaning I can safely miss a dose because there is enough in my system from the day before.  According to the little booklet the breast nurse gave me, letrozole can diminish or even shrink existing tumours.  

I am worried about the dose being 2.5 mg whereas anastrozole was only 1 mg.  Can anyone help me on this please?   Is it a more powerful drug which can turn out to be worse than the anastrozole (anasty tablet).

[FloraB]

Hello Pippi

Going back to your first question, I agree with Loolarch and Sandra49.  Most people are drawn to a web-site like this once things have started to go wrong, so the comments are bound to be more negative.  You are unusual in thinking ahead and looking for the pros and cons.

I took Letrozole for about two and half years before I realised I was in trouble.  During that time, I was regularly asked how I was getting on with Letrozole and I thought I was OK.  It is difficult to tell the side effects of the drug from the effects of the menopause.  I was 69 when I started on Letrozole, so way past the menopause.  I only gradually realised that I was getting more cramps in different places and feeling in more of a fog than before. Was this menopause? was this ageing? 

Two things made me question the drug. I developed glaucoma and was worried there could be a connection with the Letrozole. The cancer specialist went through the assessment tool with me. The connection with eye problems is possibly not really there.  Also, it seems the preventative effect of Letrozole is highest in the early years and decreases as time goes on. 

The other factor which un-nerved me was that I began to lose weight without really trying.  You might have thought I would welcome this, but after a few weeks and a few kilos, I got scared. I have put back some weight now I have stopped the Letrozole.  I think I have lost muscle mass, but sadly not the fat.  I continue to take the alendronic acid and combined vitamin D/calcium to prevent against incipient osteoporosis. I still get annual mammograms.

This forum has been very useful.  It has put my feelings about the side effects into perspective. It is all very individual.  However, the drug is a very powerful one, and I would have benefitted from more explanation on how to cope with its effects from the beginning. I signed consent forms for surgery and radiotherapy, but nothing similar for the drug regime.

Pippi - I wish you the best in your treatment. It is good to hear what others have to say, but ultimately the decisions have to be your own.  Good luck.

[pippi1969]

Thanks
Yes think I will invest in some
😊

[JacquiT]

Hi pippi1969
No I take VitD & Calcium to counter the effects of Letrozole. So for bone strength etc. Feeling fine on Letrozole though, just took time to decide which time of the day was best to take the different tablets.
Take care xx

[pippi1969]

Did you mean you take VitD and Calcium to prevent nausea from the Letrozole??

[JacquiT]

Hi, I've been taking Leyrozole for over 6 weeks and am fine. I take it just before I go to bed. Still wake up with hot flushes a couple of times but no other side effects so far. I also take VitD after breakfast and Calcium after evening meal, as they can make you feel nauseous. Good luck xx

[pippi1969]

Great thanks I will start tomorrow night then 😊

[Sue C]

Hi pippi
It seems to be best taken in the evening, with food, which prevents the nausea.
Sue xx

[pippi1969]

Thank you Bella99 I will just see how it goes hopefully I won't have too severe side effects.

[pippi1969]

Well I'm starting my Letrozole tomorrow is it better to take them at night or is there a better time when to take it?
Thanks

[pippi1969]

Hi Loolarch yes never thought that. The people who do alright won't post on here as they feel ok and it is usually when people have problems that they post here for support.
Will start mine tomorrow 😊

[pippi1969]

Thank you Ali49 that was really helpful as I was quite worried about taking it. Yes I will try it out and see what happens 😊

[Ali49]

Hi Pippi, it is all individual i think. I have never had nausea with letrozole. I take it every evening with my tea. The bone pain is my weakness i think as i had it through chemo too. I dont have hot flushes either. Dint be put off just give it a good go xc

[Loolarch]

Hi Pippi

I've been on Letrozole for three months now (two different brands so far, and no difference between them) and side effects have been very little problem. I do get hot flushes but no worse than I experienced during menopause. I think Its likely that people who are having little or no problem are probably not even looking at this forum, let alone posting, so you might get a biased view of the likelihood of problems. 

Good luck xx

[Bella99]

Side effects have got a bit better on letrozole.  I also think the impact is very dependent on how far into the menopause that you are.  I think I also suffered horrible symptoms at the beginning because before being diagnosed with breast cancer i had been on HRT for two years.  So the combination of losing HRT and a drug that takes away oestogen was pretty grim.  I did also get bladder infections at the beginning.  Symptoms have got better over time although there is an ongoing impact on my bones and I am do get more sweaty and tired (though tiredness could also be down to the surgery).  As I have mentioned in an earlier post I do not think I will be on Letrozole for 5 years but might be on the drug for 2 years (which I understand is the most productive time).  So you may be lucky and you may not get many symptoms or they may be controllable.  Whether you stay on the drug is a different matter - and that I am sure will depend on your risk factors and the impact of the side effects.

All the best.

[pippi1969]

Hi I have been prescribed Letrozole today but not started them yet. But reading on here it sounds like this drug is going to give me a or of pain, fatigue and possibly nausea. For me the nausea would be the worse. Is there anybody o here that actually can say that they are managing ok with the side effects or the side effects got a lot better after some time? Bit worried now really...

[Ali49]

Thanks for replies. I am on the accord brand and dont want to change! I will ploigh on and try to get through! I will ask my onc about predict though. I have signed up for couch to 5k starting tonight so will see how that goes too and i will remind myself to drink more as that is something i do forget. Goid luck ladies xc

[Susieone]

Ive only been on letrozole for 3 weeks but I'm already taking carbimazole for overactive thyroid. This has the same side effects so now I'm getting double se. I'm hoping it will settle down like the carb did (been on these 10months)

I try to go for a short walk each day and drink plenty of water. I'm also using muscle rub on knees, calfs and ankles and toes this helps. I take 2 naproxen before bed too, it's manageable but when I get new prescription from docs I'm asking for Accord brand as the hospital have me Crescent.

I've already asked the pharmacy if they can supply it and theve made a note on my record.

I'm almost 61 and thought I'd got past all the hot flushes etc but theve kicked in again. Got a mini fan to use again. Also if my joints get cold that makes them worse or if I'm not very active. I sit and craft a lot but the walks help .

Just hoping things settle down eventually. Going for my planning session on the 2nd Oct for radiotherapy. All done for xmas and feeling better,
Fingers crossed.

Susan x

[Bella99]

I have also been stuggling with Letrozole which I started to take at the end of May. 

I had a second opinion from a different oncologist about the need to take the drug and how long.  She also went through the NHS predict tool about reoccurence. Basically Letrozole is about protection from reoccurence.  You are entitled to get a second opinion which I found really helpful

I have also returned to work and I am struggling with tiredness and pain in my joints.  I will be taking a view going forward iwhether taking the drug is tolerable to my quality of life.  I may also ask to try another drug in the Letrozole family.  I will also consider whether I take the drug for the full five years.  I doubt whether I will as I have a low risk of reoccurance although the drug is protection for the longer term (15-20 years).  Apparently the drug does the most good in the first two years (they say 2-3).  The predict tool helped me really see my risk and allows me to think about my risk of staying on and coming off the drug.  Infact even though i am low risk I am prepared to stay on with the drug and have the side effects for the time being.

So you might want to get a second opinion including using the predict tool of your own circumstances.

[Sue C]

Morning Ali
Letrozole is very challenging that's for sure! I've been on it almost 2 years now, and I struggle with fatigue, bone pain and muscle aches. Sadly, I don't think it's possible to go back to the way we were before bc. Hormone therapy gives us a new normal.
What I would say is try different brands. I'm on accord, which seems to be one of the better ones. I had crescent once, and that was awful. Also, try taking the pill in the evening, with food. This seems to help.
I don't have any magic answers for you ( or for me!)I'm sorry to say. But personally I would rather the side effects, than risk not taking it.
Best wishes
Sue xx

[Ali49]

Hello all, i had grade 2, stage 1 idc, er+ 5/8 and her2+. This came 1 year after being treated for DCIS, a lumpectome and 15 shots of radio.

I finished chemo in january and had a masectomy in feb. I started letrozole in april and have had 13 herceptin with 5 left to have.

Within days of starting letrozole i could barely walk with the pain in my knees. However it did improve after about 10 days.

5 months on though i feel wrecked. I am constantly tired, my feet and ankles ache and my legs feel like lead. By far the worst thing at the moment though is my shoulder pain. My right shoulder, surgery side, is the worst. I cant reach up, i am struggling to put my bra on, if i reach sideways it feels like my shoulder is broken! I cry all the time!

I told my onc nurse and she said its 'disappointing' that i'm not exercising so to go swimming and come back in a month!

People think chemo is over and we are ok but i said to my husband today that i think i feel worse now than i did when i was having chemo! Is that awful to say?

I am totally fed up of moaning!

I returned to my teaching job full time in Septembet and i am wondering how long i can keep going. I am trying to keep a brave face on!

I am going to try pilates this week and find a swimming pool that i can walk into and not go down and up steps to get in and out of!

[Angel62]

Try Planctur 39 for the hair. I use the shampoo, conditioner and also the daily tonic.. I think it has made a real difference to mine x