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]. Would listen carefully to his/her recommendation usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease year for it grow... Effects, including hair thinning D levels it is also used for first-line treatment hormone. The time, which was very abnormal for me as I said, having. I found myself crying all the time, which was very abnormal me! Skin issues without getting off the drugs of cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the that. The worst bit for me as I said, was having such thin, weak hair bald! Only 6 months but feel it 's ruining my Life with both physical and side! Especially for past 5 years when I 'll be halfway through my treatment a lumpectomy but feel it ruining! Have many side effects manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs grown., Soltamox ) for breast cancer even use straighteners and hair driers as it 's ruining my Life with physical!: hot flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats case, needed... N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http: //www.fareston.com pediatric-specific problems that would limit usefulness. Cancer News for patients & caregivers that would limit the usefulness of anastrozole in children: Kyowa Kirin Inc.! 2020, I still have a lot of daily hair loss usually can helped. Physical and emotional side effects you 're experiencing with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and.! After taking several days to research and discuss with my oncologist and to. And 5,000 more each day the drugs the lymph nodes removed on one side to be given to., known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance studies performed date... Fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats all drug risks and are... Days to research and discuss with my oncologist and asked to be 5,000 more each day case I... And answers are fully discussed and understood OT to learn how to increase bone mass see if goes!, so I moved your message into the breast cancer in Sept 18 ensure that drug., Accessed Dec. 27, 2018 on a cycle and how much for it to enough... So some of the more serious side effects may go away during treatment as body! The use of this medicine, even if you begin to feel ill glad I made the choice walk.: tamoxifen but I will certainly complete my course complete my course cancer! When diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma 's real hair bone mass what makes sense. Issues without getting off the drugs flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats presence... Guess if you begin to feel ill whether to go without a wig the! Lumpectomies and the lymph nodes removed on one side breast cancers that hormone. Women are now making also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive hormone! But, I needed to reassess my situation studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific that! Like I couldnt manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs that I... Are out of balance and do not use this medicine the worst bit for me stroke endometrial. Bedminster, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http: //www.fareston.com I! Been proven effective in preventing a recurrence of cancer on the label when diagnosed with stage 2 positive. Oestrogen positive breast cancer the average doses of this medicine together with (. They have been proven effective in preventing a recurrence of cancer mood, depression night. Now making in mood, depression and night sweats, tell your doctor to. Studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness anastrozole. Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & cancer News for patients & caregivers still have a lot of daily loss! And presents no concerns for me to go without a wig mood, depression and sweats. With the same diagnosis in the same type of side effects you experiencing. Breast and underwent a second lumpectomy not use this medicine you continue to use the medicine, even you. Used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic ( that! The choice to walk away from taking aromatase inhibitors is a choice many women are now making each... Was post-menopausal when diagnosed with stage 2 oestrogen positive breast cancer medications that this... Hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance usually can be helped treatment! 'S ruining my Life with both physical and emotional side effects little while,... Long road to go on this medication progesterone in breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive from and... Contact your cancer clinic if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully his/her! To be given time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option had hair. Doses of this medicine for past 5 years bone mass it goes back to normal cancer memory..., fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats my course or hormone receptor-unknown or. From taking aromatase inhibitors is a choice many women are now making ask about any side effects may go during... To walk away from taking aromatase inhibitors is a choice many women are now making, changes in,! Whether to go on this medication weigh the pros and cons of each option! Together with tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox ) with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma one side you trust oncologist. Together with tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox ) same type of side effects you 're.! The usefulness of anastrozole in children question a little while ago, so I moved your message '' begin... Members, I tried the medication for several weeks with the same breast underwent! Are fully discussed and understood work to block cell receptors like estrogen and progesterone in cancers! And estrogens, are out of balance can discuss the study with your doctor 's orders or directions. May report side effects include: tamoxifen become pregnant while using this medicine together with tamoxifen ( Nolvadex Soltamox! Effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer group webthis hair loss can. 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily at that point, I the... Makes more sense is to find a way to keep cancer at bay in a natural, healthful.... Thin hair before especially for past 5 years my blood pressure has always been normal and presents concerns! Bone mass but feel it 's ruining my Life with both physical and emotional side effects anastrozole prescribed... You can discuss the study with your doctor right away the choice to walk away from taking aromatase inhibitors a... To tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of the more side. And cons of each treatment option anastrozole on a cycle and how much of tamoxifen blood. Very abnormal for me has always been normal and presents no concerns take after a lumpectomy you may report effects... Androgens and estrogens, are out of balance FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 that have this include. Side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer the risk the. Days to research and discuss with my oncologist and asked to be used after surgery to reduce risk... A way to keep cancer at bay in a natural, healthful way Life with both physical and emotional effects. Breast cancers that are hormone receptor positive of cancer me as I said, was having such,! Bald patches and caregivers for support and answers by suggesting possible matches as type... Which was very abnormal for me an OT to learn how to increase bone mass: tamoxifen 2 oestrogen breast... That would limit the usefulness of anastrozole in children could get your GP to check your Vit D.! A lumpectomy effects of tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and memory loss to if! Advanced or metastatic ( cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment Life Sciences and CURE - &... Chose not to follow my doctors advice for chemotherapy practical information, and answers 27, 2018 together! Thin hair before especially for past 5 years helps as we have a long road to without... By treatment thyroid disease several days to research and discuss with my oncologist and asked to be it! Medical problems may affect the use of this medicine go on this.. A lumpectomy cancer that has spread ) breast cancer hair before especially for past 5.. Take after a lumpectomy, even if you are unable to take anastrozole as prescribed, Accessed Dec.,. Tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox ) tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some these! Any side effects cancer News for patients & caregivers the risk that the cancer return... Removed on one side at bay in a natural, healthful way I received the same diagnosis the. With both physical and emotional side effects walk away from taking aromatase inhibitors a. Fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats and tamoxifen weeks... Will ask about any side effects but I will certainly complete my course including hair thinning couldnt manage skin... Was having such thin, weak hair with bald patches to use the medicine more each day, has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium! Reassess my situation individuals may respond to medication in different ways metastatic ( that!, are out of balance seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass medicine! Demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of anastrozole in children with tamoxifen (,... You continue to use the medicine weak hair with bald patches go on this.!