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Letrozole (Femara) side affects

kebb
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Hi everyone,

we'll just thought I would report back on my experience so far with Letrozole. I am starting my 5th week now and taking the tablets every other day. (I realise it ought to be every day but this is my best effort!)

 

So far no ill affects at all. I feel fine. Sleeping better and no sweating whatsoever. A slightly aching back in the mornings sometimes but nothing that stops my activities. 
 

Did wonder the other day if I am a bit less 'up' for things as I had one low-mood day but I had a disappointment about something completely unrelated so I think that explained things. 
 

So far so good. I MAY up the dose but probably won't!!  I don't want to tempt fate. My attitude still isn't very positive about taking these hormones given I realise they will damage my bones.  I already have osteoporosis but thankfully only very mildly. Still conserving my bone density IS very important and it's an uphill fight taking these things. They literally eat your bones!! I take  a high dose calcium and Vit D plus have annual infusions to try and protect myself. 
 

if anyone else has any comments to add on this topic please write! 
 

Take care everyone. 
Kebbs x 

 

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    Hello Kebb, 

    It's great to hear you are suffering no ill effects at all yay! Perhaps you could talk to your doctor or specialist and update them on how well you are doing at the moment and whether it is ok for you to keep taking the tablets every other day or if you should consider upping the dose. 

    I hope that you will hear from others on the forum who are also taking Letrozole  and that they will be along shortly to share their experiences with you. I did a little search for you and found that MB01‍ commented recently on this thread about invasive ductal cancer and mentioned taking letrozole with minimal side effects so she would be a good person for you to exchange notes with on the subject. You can also do a search for relevant threads on the subject by clicking on the 'search forum' option on the blue banner at the top and typing in the words "letrozole". 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Taking letrozole daily and supplemental calcium vit d, I am fully aware of the increased risk to cardiovascular disease with breast cancer treatment and how calcium supplement will increase that risk. Research shows letrozole must be taken daily or it does not offer the protection required.The aches bone wise is difficult but should settle after 6 months hence why I am sticking to it ,I have been taking the drug since May 2021,so 6 months now, at present the bones still ache first thing in morning. The side effect of nausea is now lessening unless I forget to eat then it returns. I also now take 1000.g  x 4 cbd sativa in gel capsules and this is fabulous for pain. I take plant sterols to reduce cholesterol as letrozole increases this. I have lowered it significantly.i also take DIM and calcium d glutamate as I know this lowers oestrogen but also supports bone formation. Hope this helps.

  • Offline in reply to DRKS

    Im going to be starting letrozole after I've had radiotherapy. I'm dreading it! I already suffer with joint pain but am otherwise healthy. I feel like I'm going to be poisoning my body, giving myself High blood pressure and cholesterol when I've never had those issues. Am I going to hasten the descent into old age?

  • Offline in reply to DRKS

    Hi. I have just bought Plant Sterols because my cholesterol is high due to Letrozole.  Can I ask how many you take? Thanks

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