Anastrozole at 78 - thinking about stopping due to bad side effects

I had a lumpectomy a year ago, no problem with lymph nodes. Followed with 5 Days of Radiotherapy. Have been taking Anastrozole since then. Fine to start with, except hot flushes and sleeplessness. For the last three weeks I’m having strong joint pain which in particular effect my hands, headaches and general unwell feeling. I’m considering stopping this drug. The only help my GP had to offer was antidepressants..  I really wonder if quality of life is more important than quantity. Really don’t want to spend my last years feeling like this.

  • Hi, I had exact same treatment as you have and started taking Anastrozole. It made me so unwell I did stop taking it.  It may be that in the research it gives a bit more percentage in survival but there was no way I was going to cope taking it. I am 59 and finished my chemotherapy seven months ago and after being very sick I’m still having trouble with my stomach. That for me is enough to cope with. Everyone is different as they always say and you could live the rest of your life with no sign of cancer ever again wether you take it or not. There are two alternatives I think. When I stopped taking the tablets they didn’t offer me any other help they just discharged me. Maybe you could enquire about those. Sending you good wishes. 

  • Im on letrazole and had unbearable joint pain. I went back to the breast cancer nurse. I took a 6 week break from letrazole and they then prescribed me the branded version femara. This made a huge difference. Dont give up until you have tried alternatives as it can help

  • Thank you for your advice I’m glad you aren’t getting such bad joint pain. I have an appointment coming up so will put this to them. Sending good wishes. 

  • Fingers crossed for you that you get relief too