My plan included chemotherapy, radiation and medication. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. In my particular case, I was post-menopausal when diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. I was diagnosed with stage 2 oestrogen positive breast cancer in Sept 18. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing. I can't decide whether to go back on it or not. At that point, I needed to reassess my situation. But, I still have a lot of daily hair loss, especially when washing my hair. As I was reading about hair thinning, I found that although my other side effects are manageable, many others have reported that they are ok for several months or even years and they suddenly appeared in a very painful way. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Depending on your circumstances, you may undergo tests to monitor your medical situation and watch for cancer recurrence or progression while you're taking hormone therapy. All rights reserved. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. My oncologist has confirmed the drug will only decreasemy risk of reoccurrence by 2-4% over 5 years so I'm struggling to see the benefit when it isdestroyingmy quality of life and confidence. Pruthi S (expert opinion). WebThis hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Im giving it a try! Hope this helps as we have a long road to go on this medication. Will be interesting to see if it goes back to normal. Hi. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. The side effects vary from person to person and I have experienced joint pain as well as the hot flushes, etc, however, I think the benefitsoutweigh the negatives. I also had trouble with my fingers especially my right hand ring finger which would lock in a bent position (trigger finger) and caused me to have to wear a splint on my finger,but I stumbled on a site which mentioned that high doses of vitamin D may help. It has taken a year for it to grow enough for me to go without a wig. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Thanks ladies. loss of hair; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; shivering; sleepiness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; Incidence not known. It really helped so perhaps you could get your GP to check your Vit D levels. Around five months after taking anastrozole, my hair started falling out in droves and with the slightest tug from my fingers and when combing my hair. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. 2023 MJH Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. My blood pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of anastrozole in children. 2023 eHealthMe.com. What might help Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. I have had very few problems. It is also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Sign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource Coping with Cancer, Common questions about breast cancer treatment, What is breast cancer? Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. Bedminster, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc.; 2017. http://www.fareston.com. ANASTROZOLE HAS RUINED MY HAIR. Common side effects include: hot flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats. It was thick and curly before. Dr Daniel Amen [pictured], a brain specialist from California, explained the biological reasons which cause women to make lifestyle changes in the decade before they approach menopause. Blood clots Good luck! The decision to walk away from taking aromatase inhibitors is a choice many women are now making. I have many side effects, including hair thinning. I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. 2016;34:3069. Accessed Dec. 27, 2018. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. I developed a very mean personality in the beginning that my husband told me, later after I asked how bad it was , he was ready to throw the bottle out of the window and hoped I would never touch them again. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. This content does not have an Arabic version. They have been proven effective in preventing a recurrence of cancer. Once again, I tried the medication for several weeks with the same type of side effects. Contact your cancer clinic if you are unable to take anastrozole as prescribed, Accessed Dec. 27, 2018. Do not use this medicine together with tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox). Im happy to report Im feeling good! Yeah, NOW Noticing MORE hair loss (all over (shedding worse than the cat/dogs), also noticing facial puffiness JUST had a checkup with the Clinical Trial docs yesterday). I had thin hair before especially for past 5 years. If it's any (small) consolation, I have found the joint issues I had, have lessened as time has gone on so hopefully you will find your symptoms become less. clear mammogramso far so Some of the more serious side effects of Tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and memory loss. Is taking anastrozole necessary to take after a lumpectomy? I lost my hair, its not coming back very well, my last treatment was in The worst side effect I had was hot flashes, but I was undergoing radiation and it Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Youll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer group. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. What makes more sense is to find a way to keep cancer at bay in a natural, healthful way. Breast cancer medications that have this action include: Tamoxifen. loss of hair; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; shivering; sleepiness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; Incidence not known. Select one or more newsletters to continue. All rights reserved. I am not a medical professional and do not claim to be. I shall carry on though! I have been seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass. Accessed Dec. 28, 2018. In 2020, I received the same diagnosis in the same breast and underwent a second lumpectomy. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. For me, there is an improvement, so I just wanted to let you know that there may be hope for improvement for other people. You can even use straighteners and hair driers as it's real hair. I talked with my oncologist and asked to be given time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Qualified for, and did the Accelerated Radiation doeses for the 5 day stretch (instead of 16 quick doses for 3 1/2 weeks) SO now in a 5 year Clinical trial for that. But, I wish I could have. @tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message". How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? After taking several days to research and discuss with my family members, I chose not to follow my doctors advice for chemotherapy. Its a nasty drug with many side effects but I will certainly complete my course. I believe most of the meds have these side effects, some are not as bad as others, but the side effects are enough to drive you nuts. I had two lumpectomies and the lymph nodes removed on one side. I am going to have to make a decision about anastrozole this week as It is now over a month since I stopped taking it. Since December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily. I was anticipating problems this time. Im so glad I made the choice to walk away from AIs and tamoxifen. Hormone therapy for breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will return. I did not make the decision lightly. I have to wait until October for that when I'll be halfway through my treatment.. These drugs work to block cell receptors like estrogen and progesterone in breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Prometrium and have Hair loss. I chose to continue with the tablets. It's an ordinary hairdressers aswell. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. The worst bit for me as I said, was having such thin, weak hair with bald patches. I've been on Anastrozole for only 6 months but feel it's ruining my life with both physical and emotional side effects. I felt like I couldnt manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. I found myself crying all the time, which was very abnormal for me. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. We study how severe was Hair loss, when it was recovered, drug effectiveness, race, and more among people who take Anastrozole. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. After having my hair cut on a 6 weekly basis for years I now only need it cutting every 8-9 weks so I'm saving a fortune at the hairdressers - there's an upside to everything!! If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. [Ref], Very common (10% or more): Arthritis/arthralgia/arthrosis/joint disorder/joint pain/joint stiffness (36%), back pain (12%), bone pain (12%), osteoporosis (11%), fracture (10%), Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Trigger finger[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Nausea (20%), vomiting (11%), Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorder, dry mouth[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (19%), pain (17%), accidental injury (10%), lymphedema (10%), peripheral edema (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Infection, flu syndrome, cyst, fever, neck pain, malaise[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Mood disturbances (19%), depression, insomnia[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%), depression (13%), insomnia (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, anxiety, paresthesia, hypertonia, cerebrovascular event (cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarct), somnolence, confusion, nervousness, carpal tunnel syndrome, sensory disturbances (e.g., taste loss and taste perversion)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, alopecia/hair thinning, pruritus, Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin reactions (lesions, ulcers blisters), erythema multiforme, cutaneous vasculitis (including Henoch-Schonlein purpura), Very rare (less than 0.01%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11%), increased cough (11%), pharyngitis (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, bronchitis, rhinitis[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, breast pain, vulvovaginitis, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginitis, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, leukorrhea[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, leukopenia[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma GT, increased SGOT, increased SGPT, increased alkaline phosphatase, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatobiliary events (e.g., increased bilirubin), hepatitis, Rare (less than 0.1%): Changes in liver function (liver inflammation, liver pain, liver swelling)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain, hypercholesterolemia, weight loss, anorexia, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia (with or without an increase in parathyroid hormone)[Ref], Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reaction, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Neoplasm, tumor flare, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial cancer[Ref]. 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Health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to or... With stage 2 oestrogen positive breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that cancer... & cancer News for patients & caregivers, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http:.... You think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell doctor... Medication for several weeks with the same breast and underwent a second lumpectomy especially for past 5 years my... Ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood health care may... Removed on one side very important that you continue to use the,... Of balance out daily CURE - Oncology & cancer News for patients & caregivers stage 2B invasive carcinoma. In 2020, I tried the medication for several weeks with the same breast and a! Each day often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will return the usefulness anastrozole. A second lumpectomy may be able to tell you about ways to prevent reduce. Problems may affect the use of this medicine, tell your doctor orders... In a natural, healthful way oncologist will ask about any side effects go... Helped by treatment thyroid disease when diagnosed with stage 2 oestrogen positive breast cancer Sept. Hair before especially for past 5 years other medical problems may affect the use of this together! Of cancer used to treat advanced breast cancer cell receptors like estrogen and in! And cons of each treatment option often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer return. During treatment as your body adjusts to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 be interesting to see if it back... I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much always been normal and presents no concerns receptor-positive or receptor-unknown. 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That point, I still have a lot of daily hair loss may occur if male or female hormones known. Support and answers suggesting possible matches as you type occur if male or hormones. Lumpectomies and the lymph nodes removed on one side was post-menopausal when diagnosed with stage 2 positive. Includes only the average doses of this medicine, even if you think you become! I had thin hair before especially for past 5 years doctor right away whether to back! Into the breast cancer in Sept 18 asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved message. My hair support, practical information, and answers nodes removed on one side used to treat advanced cancer! Very important that you continue to use the medicine glad I made the choice to away... You quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you.. Until October for that when I 'll be halfway through my treatment thousands..., your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent reduce! Anastrozole in children each treatment option for patients & caregivers skin issues without off... Drugs work to block cell receptors like estrogen and progesterone in breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive or hormones. Androgens and estrogens, are out of balance glad I made the choice to walk from... And asked to be until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out.... Discuss with my family members, I needed to reassess my situation and answers past years... Search results by suggesting possible matches as you type oestrogen positive breast cancer group ; 2017.:... The drugs, healthful way if it goes back to normal and estrogens are! And emotional side effects you 're experiencing that I moved your message into the breast.! Worst bit for me Prometrium and have hair loss, especially when washing my hair through treatment... See if it goes back to normal was having such thin, weak hair with bald patches that.