Apixiban and Letrozole

[HelenClare]

Hi All,

Recently been diagnosed with PAF and on Apixiban. I have been taking Letrozole for 3 years for Breast Cancer. Just been put on Lipitor for high Cholesterol. Also have SVD ( small vessel disease ) identified last year and was put on Clopidrigel - but was changed to Apixiban after PAF diagnosed. I’m 62 and feel a hundred! It’s the first time Cancer hasn’t topped my ‘ Worry List’. Obviously have read up via Dr. google about PAF, my own doctors are beyond useless, but should I be requesting a Cardiologist appointment or EP ( I don’t know what an EP is!) I’ve had palpitations for years and was told they’re good for you! Mind you I was told my ‘lump’ was nothing and have had Breast Cancer twice!!!! How I long for a good doctor....

[Clyde12]

Hi there, I am also on letrozole for breast cancer diagnosed 2014. I’m on warfarin, (plus other tablets) for Afib diagnosed a couple of yrs ago. Read up as much as you can about Afib on this site. Like you it terrified me even more than the aggressive cancer! Cardiologists are ‘plumbers’, electrophysiologists (EP) are heart ‘electricians’ . GP’s know a bit about everything medical but you will end up knowing more on Afib than most of them. This site is wonderful for allaying fears and has helped me enormously. Good luck to you.

[HelenClare in reply to Clyde12]

Do you ever think Letrozole could be to blame? I know it’s a brilliant drug for keeping cancer away but stripping the body of Estrogen must create problems?

[Clyde12 in reply to HelenClare]

It is highly likely to be the letrozole .....BUT I’m too scared to come off it! Lack of oestrogen does cause problems ( mainly lots of aches and pains) but it has kept the cancer at bay for 6 yrs for me! Best wishes. X

[Carol133]

I have been on Letrozole for two years and wouldn't come off it as everything I have read about it points to it preventing the cancer coming back. My consultant wants me to take it for at least five years, possibly longer. I also have AFib - had that long before breast cancer and am on blood thinners, betablockers and statins. Had one cardioversion -worked for about a year - then an ablation followed by another cardioversion - lasted about 18 months. Now just living with AFib.....

[Frances123]

Hi, I’m on Anastrazole for 5 years which is a sister to letrozole for BC since September 2017. I’ve had L.P Afib for 15 years and take Flecainide and apixaban. Had ablation a year ago after seeing an E.P and on waiting list for a second touch up one.

Anastrazole is a wicked drug and side effects are awful. My only option is to switch to Letrozole with same or different side effects or stop taking it. My fear of cancer returning is greater and won’t stop taking it although it’s making me feel awful times and has robbed me from doing so much and affected my quality of life. Never had anything like this with Afib even when I have an episode for 20 hours or more and I am symptomatic.

One thing I have learnt though is that different brands of letrozole/Anastrazole can have a big effect. The active ingredient is exactly the same but the fillers and coatings they use can be different or in different quantities. Many ladies on the BC forum will attest to this, myself included.

Read all you can on hear and ask as much as you like. There are also information leaflets you can download on here covering just about everything to do with Afib. They are very useful and informative.

Take care

Frances xxx