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Itchy scalp on Letrozole

Cocobob
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I've recently been taken off Tamoxifen (due to a dreadful reaction)  and put on Letrozole and monthly injections of Zoladex. I'm about 3 weeks into the Letrozole and my head has started to itch like crazy. It's unbearable. There's a slight rash that's on my neck and I'm sure I can feel a rash in my scalp too. My head feels like it's on fire and I just want to scratch my scalp constantly. It's so miserable especially at night.... I've heard that this could be a side effect of Letrozole. Does anyone else have this and what can you do about it? I want to change brand of Letrozole and see if that makes a difference, but I'm not sure if that's possible. I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back torture but just thought  I would ask on here and see if anyone else had any advice? Thanks in Advance

Parents

  • Hello Cocobob

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with some possible side effects from the letrozole. I've had a look through the forum and can't find that anyone else has reported a rash and itchy scalp and those symptoms are listed on our information page as known side effects of the medication. However, we know that many women report anecdotal side effects from the medication so it may be that someone else sees your post and replies to share their experiences with you. 

    In the meantime, please do get in touch with your GP if you've not done so already. Get this rash checked out to make sure that there's nothing else going on that needs treatment. 

    In terms of changing the brand of letrozole, just speak to your pharmacist next time you fulfill the prescription and ask for another brand. Most pharmacists are used to patients with regular prescriptions having a preferred brand and will try to be as accommodating as possible. 

    If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses for some advice and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    I really do hope that things settle for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply

  • Hello Cocobob

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with some possible side effects from the letrozole. I've had a look through the forum and can't find that anyone else has reported a rash and itchy scalp and those symptoms are listed on our information page as known side effects of the medication. However, we know that many women report anecdotal side effects from the medication so it may be that someone else sees your post and replies to share their experiences with you. 

    In the meantime, please do get in touch with your GP if you've not done so already. Get this rash checked out to make sure that there's nothing else going on that needs treatment. 

    In terms of changing the brand of letrozole, just speak to your pharmacist next time you fulfill the prescription and ask for another brand. Most pharmacists are used to patients with regular prescriptions having a preferred brand and will try to be as accommodating as possible. 

    If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses for some advice and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    I really do hope that things settle for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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