Letrozole Intolerable digestive side effects

Hi there, 

I started Letrozole 10 days ago, taking it at 830pm. Initial side effects of hot flushes but they are ok. But then I developed constant indigestion with bloating, nausea, burping and intermittent stomach pain. Then diarrhoea. This has made every day really miserable and uncomfortable and I am scheduled to take this for 7 years as I had a positive lymph node as well as a breast tumour.

I have a hiatus hernia and I am on long term steroids for Polymyalgia Rheumatica which adds to stomach problems. 

I have had to stop letrozole while I try to get my stomach settled and then I'm going to try it at lunch time mid meal. I will try a few dietary changes and having small drinks and a walk after meals.

Any help or advice is much appreciated 

  • Hi Vanessa26,  I am sorry to hear about the troubles Letrozole is causing you.  Have you discussed this with your oncologist.  I have been put on Exemastane which I tolerate a lot better than any of the others so there are other alternatives.

    Lee x

  • Thank you so much. I have spoken to team and they are happy for me to stop Letrozole whilst waiting for consultant to get back within a week. I felt so ill it was ridiculous, thankfully my stomach / guts are much better now they took 6 days of TLC to recover. I start radiotherapy next week, it will be good to get that hurdle cleared! Wishing you good health and happiness x