Femara side-effects you are experiencing

[needabreakfromcancer]

What kind of side-effects are you having with Femara? I have severe brain damage from Exemestane that has taken away at least 50% of my balance. I can't ignore the fact that Femara has SO MANY possible side-effects including dizziness and would suffer such a detriment to the quality of my life that has already been so diminished by the Exemestane.

[AuntyJane]

I did well on Femara -switched to generic version Letrozole when it came out. I got total of 9 years out of it until this summer with mets to lungs. Now on Ibrance/Faslodex. I tolerated Femara well -some minor joint pain mostly in hands and feet but nothing debilitating. Everyone is different. Good luck to you.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the side effects that you are experiencing. I have been on letrozole for 18 months and I am fine on it. I had a hot flush shortly after I started and the odd few here and there (the last one was three months ago). But mostly, it's just the cessation of periods (zoladex takes care of that) and vaginal dryness. Do you have other options you can try that might suit you better?

Sophie

[Hidden]

I have been taking letrozole for two years and while I have wicked hot flashes I don’t think it has affected my my balance. My balance isn’t good but it is a mixture of after affects of a car accident and the many meds I take so I honestly don’t know if the letrozole is the culprit. I’m so sorry you have this side effect. I know how hard it is with vestibular issues. I hope you use a walking aid. Good luck.

[needabreakfromcancer in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have been diagnosed by a balance specialist and was told I have brain damage from a drug they had given me for the cancer. I was on the Exemestane and they did say that if you have vision problems, are dizzy or are having balance problems, tell your doctor right away! I did to no avail! They, I had two oncologists, were not aware that this was a possible side-effect. I just recently found out that Exemestane is a steroidal drug. I wish I would have known that while taking it. I was on it for almost exactly a year and am suffering the results of doctors being ill-informed.

[Barb5 in reply to needabreakfromcancer]

Wow so sorry to hear that. I was on Exemastane for 4 years had side effects like fatigue didn’t know it could cause brain damage. Of course my memory is awful maybe from that🤷‍♀️

[Staysha]

Ive been on letrozole for 14 months. I am having trigger finger in my thumbs and middle fingers. It even hurts to text. I figure that’s joint pain side effects from the letrozole. I also have a small bump above the back of my ankle that I believe is from my Achilles’ tendon I also think is caused from the letrozole. I was on the monthly zolodex shots but I had my ovaries out in June. I have hot flashes everyday. It seems to be helping with the cancer so I’m dealing with it. I’m starting to think my eye sight is getting bad. Guess I need to mention it to my onc and do some research. So sorry you’re having balance issues. I appreciate you bringing up the issue. Wishing you the best.

Hugs, Stacy

[Bailey3266 in reply to Staysha]

Hi:

Sorry about the extreme stance side effects. I hope letrozole is tolerable for you. I have been on it for 25 months and NED for 8 mos (Mets to lymph & lungs) fingers n toes crossed!!! I feel extremely fatigued from that or Ibrance (not sure which) in muscles (weakness) n joint pain—which does affect me as I’m 54; but feel about 74-84 @ about 1 week per month=the week I’m off the Ibrance. My Onc offered me another AI & after much thought I decided to stay with “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” attitude; happy cancer has been halted. My bone scan says I have severe bilateral knee hands & feet arthritis—knees were always bad since 1st do in 2010 with stage 1; but hands/L wrist, & feet are terrible @ times.

PT did home EVAL & I was 1 point under for balance issues therefore I was discharged. Nurse discharged me & I’ve yet to call SW. Anyone have home care palliative care yet-I thought the sooner the better to start this? Sounds like you may benefit from this service and they will come to your home & should pay for it as well.

[Selmac]

I was on it 3 years with no side effects st all. Sorry about your problems with this drug.

[mariootsi]

So sorry for your side effects. I know it's so hard. I have to say , though, that Letrozole made me very stiff and achy. It was relieved by moving around. Worse in the morning.

But, remember everyone reacts differently.

Good luck and I hope the side effects are minimal.

Love,

Marianne

[laurac1014]

I recently tried taking my meds at bedtime (Ibrance & Letrozole) to lessen the gi problems. it took me a while to figure out < i get insomnia on the Ibrance Off weeks.

Guess its back to taking meds in the morning.