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Hints and tips for taking Letrozole

GoonerGirl68
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Hi everyone,

I know lots of you will be taking/ have taken Letrozole. Could you please give me any hints and tips for taking it? Best time of day, any supplements (I know about calcium and vitamin d), dealing with side effects etc. I’ve been discharged today by the consultant, with a prescription for Letrozole, and want to make sure I am fully prepared for what’s ahead.

Many thanks xx

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    Hi GoonerGirl,

    Some people don't have any problems with Letrozole, but there are some fairly common side-effects for others. If you have any side-effects it is best to talk to your breast care nurse or GP for advice. Letrozole can cause increased sweating. This can be helped by certain mild anti-depressants, or something like Clonidine, which are available on prescription. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches and constipation or diarrhoea can also be a problem and there are medicines to treat these. We can also have an increase in appetite, which can lead to weight gain, so it is worth being aware of this from the outset and controlling your diet. Rashes or dry skin can be controlled or helped with various creams and emollients. Arthralgia and musculoskeletal pain can be helped by exercise, pain management clinics, or self-help groups and can be eased with anti-inflammatories and pain killers. Osteoporosis and fractures, seek medical help. Depression can be helped by exercise, social activities, self-help groups and prescribed medication. Alopecia can sometimes be helped with certain shampoos to increase hair growth. Coronary, eye, urinary, joint and memory problems, all need the input of a suitable medical practitioner or surgeon. Fatigue can also be an issue and you just have to allow yourself the necessary rest periods and again, exercise can help. Dry mouth and mucosa - there are sprays or pastilles, which you can use to increase saliva in the mouth.

    This is just a quick run through of some of the potential problems and their fixes. I am not a doctor, so am not advocating any of these. These were some of the fixes I used and some were more successful than others. 

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi again,

    I forgot to mention that some people have problems with different manufacturers of Letrozole. I stuck to the one brand, after the first few months and this helped. If it doesn't agree with you when you take it in the morning, take it in the evening instead. Mentioning a list of side-effects is not always a good idea, as few people will get many of these. I sometimes feel that just by mentioning them, there is an element of auto-suggestion.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you Jolamine,

    I’ve got my tablets now and have bought calcium with vitamin D and magnesium. I’m already taking a multivitamin with iron, as my iron was low a year or two ago (which I now know can be a sign of cancer, which makes sense as I’d never had low iron before.) I get the feeling I’m going to be rattling with all the various tablets, but never mind! I’ve made myself anxious worrying about how the various side effects are going to impact my life, but I obviously need to just get on with it now! xx

  • Offline in reply to GoonerGirl68

    Hi GoonerGirl,

    It took me a while to take the tablets, even after I got them, but taking them is better than the alternative. Try not to worry about the side-effects and just deal with them as and if they come along - Good luck!

    Regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hello Goonergirl68, I have been on Letrezole since finishing Chemotherapy in March,the sweats increased but I take Vencarm and Clonidine ,prescribed by Gp and it is getting better . Have achy bones sometimes but nothing terrible ,gets better as the day progresses. I do take some supplements and hope they are helping as well . I am going to persevere xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi GoonerGirl,

    Check any supplements, alternative or homoeopathic medicine with your care team, before you invest in it. Some of these counteract with Letrozole or reduce the effect. For example, I had to stop taking Evening Primrose Oil and was advised to take Starflower oil instead.

    Jolamine xx.

  • Offline in reply to rumpelstiltskin

    Hi , some people get no side effects ( my ex boss had none , and she’s been on it 10 years!) I got nearly all listed ! That said , 6 months on things have settled somewhat / under control with my supplements : 

    Magnesium 150 mg morning & night

    Calcium /vit D midday

    Letrozole at night

    Citalopram for hot flushes 

    Silica for hair shedding & nails ( my nails have been awful! )

    Good luck ! You may not get any ! X

  • Offline in reply to LCR

    Yes , I take all of those and have started on Collagen as that can help with the bone and muscle discomfort . I checked with the team when I was having chemo xx

  • Offline in reply to rumpelstiltskin

    Oh that’s interesting , I read on one of the forums that you shouldn’t take Collagen or Biotin ? Confusing x

  • Offline in reply to LCR

    Thank you- I’ve just taken my first Letrozole today and have taken calcium and magnesium too. I’ll see how the hot flushes go. I’ve bought some shampoo that’s supposed to help and will try silica as well if need be. My nails aren’t good at the best of times! 
    Fingers crossed for minimal side effects, but I’d rather be prepared! x

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