Anastrozole is anyone had any experience with this drug?

[Imat]

I just finished my last chemotherapy treatment and my doctor is going to put me on Anastrozole. Has anyone had any experience on this drug? Thank you in advance for your response.

[PJBinMI]

Hi,

Anastrozole is a non-steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor and I have not been on it but I was on its very close "cousin" or even "sister" drug, Femara (Letrozole) another non-steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor. I have metastatic breast cancer and got nearly five years of good cancer control from Femara. I don't think there is much difference between the two drugs and alot of oncs have a "favorite" of the two. Sometimes a patient will have intolerable side effects from one of them and fewer and tolerable side effects from the other. I did have hot flashes while on it, and some aches and pains in my bones and joint but am not sure how much Femara played a role in the pain. Effexor is a good med to take to manage hot flashes! I was having turning bright red sweat running down my face hot flashes several times a day and with 75 mg of Effexor (the long acting one), those turned into very occasional warm surges. Alot of women have little in the way of side effects from these meds. If you are pre-menopausal, your onc may want you to either have your ovaries removed or controlled by other meds. Some of us who do the very best long term have estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and you must have that for your doctor to recommend Anastrozole.

[daf10]

I was on it when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I had four sessions of it in combination with cytokines. Not very pleasant

But those that had managed to cope with the side effects. You get sick for two or three days but you do bounce back Keep us in the loop and let us know how you are doing. Remember we are here to support you

[BklynCatwoman]

Hi,

After about 2 1/2 years on Anastrozole, I started to experience bad joint pain so I switched to Femara. That wasn't a good match either and I switched to Aromasin after about 6 months. So far, so good. It's been about a year and the side effects are mild. Everyone reacts differently to these drugs, so don't be scared. Give it a shot. There are a number of drugs to try if one doesn't agree with you.

I also co-facilitate SHARE's AI and Tamoxifen Support group, which meets the 3rd Thursday of the month in SHARE's NYC offices. The next one is May 18 at 6 pm. If you're in the area, it would be great if you could join us.

Cathy

[jaertl]

I took Arimdex fro 3 years and was able to tolerate the drug just fine. It did however decrease my bone density into almost Osteoporosis. Plus I did have joint pain with it but I'm a very active person..