Cancer Research UK main site

Side Effects of Letrozole

lynnea56
Offline

Hi,

My name is Lynne and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2024 and I was prescribed with Letrozole. I have been taken the medication with mild side effects up until last month, when the hot flushes and cold shivers become unbearable at times and I have had real trouble sleeping ever since.

I am also on anxiety medication but my anxiety levels have also increased at the time, leading to me struggling to cope with the side effects and the exhaustion.

I have had numerous tests at the hospital, who have ruled out anything else causing this including kidney function.

I was hoping that by reaching out on here, there would be someone who has experienced similar to this before and could maybe give some advice for something that helped these symptoms? Or maybe just to see if the side effects did eventually ease? I know that everyone’s journey is different, but I am struggling to cope at the moment so wanted to reach out.

Thank you

  • Hi Lynne and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm really sorry to hear about the side effects you've been experiencing since starting Letrozole. It sounds like it's been very tough.

    Many of our members have experienced similar side effects to yourself, so you are not alone Lynne, and I'm sure it won't be long until some of them stop by to share their experiences and advice.

    If you'd like to discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're really easy to talk to, and insightful too, so do give them a call to talk things through.

    Coping with side effects is never easy but we are here for you Lynne and sending all our support your way.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • in reply to Moderator Steph

    Try not to worry Lynne. The side effects are awful but are to be expected. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, had a lumpectomy and axillary lymph node clearance in May and put on Letrozole mid June. I have experienced shivers and mild flushes which make me feel unwell and nauseous. I try to sit down and rest when they occur and let the feelings pass, as they do eventually. My main problem is with constant indigestion and abdominal pain causing gas and a bloated stomach. Again this is one of the listed side effects. These are depressing but at least you know there is nothing seriously wrong now you have had other tests. I think it is just a matter of trying to tolerate this drug and hope our systems will settle down in time. I have been told this can take several months.

    I wish you the best of luck.

    Anne

  • Offline

    Hi Lynne,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you are suffering so much with the side-effects of Letrozole. The side-effects you mention are fairly common ones, but it is worth trying to persevere with these. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. First time around, I had a lumpectomy and followed that by taking Tamoxifen for a year. At this stage, I found a second cancer in the same breast. I had a double mastectomy and took Letrozole for 6½ years. I had a number of side effects, as well as the ones you mentioned, but this treatment has given me an extra 14 years so far. As a result, I would certainly do it all again, if I had to.

    Have you spoken to your specialist breast care nurse? She could prescribe medication to reduce the hot flushes, which in turn, should reduce the cold sweats. Mention the increase in your anxiety levels too, as you may need to have your anti-depressants tweaked. 

    Some people find it easier to take their Letrozole at night, instead of in the morning. This might also help. Some people do find that the effects settle down eventually. Unfortunately, for me, they lasted right through.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.