I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. had radiation, but no chemo. This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. I have seen biotin recommendedin some forums but no one can tell me if it is safe to use and whether or not it is oestrogen based which would rule it out. Journal of Clinical Oncology. Youll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer group. Yes I guess it'll be a case of trying all the options first and then making an informed decision. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. My main complaint with tamoxifen was uncontrollable mood swings and joint pain. Tamoxifen may also be used to treat advanced cancer. Anastrozole is used to treat early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Do not make up doses during the day. To post your own question to this support group, sign in or create an account. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen 11 people who have Hair loss while taking Anastrozole were studied. But however I still remain cancer freedom lolololAnyway I hope this helped..and remember everyone body is different..this is my storyGodBless peace. Interested in more discussions like this? I was diagnosed with stage 2 oestrogen positive breast cancer in Sept 18. For me it was joint pain and skin issues Im still struggling with both. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. https://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/quality-guidelines/guidelines/breast-cancer#/9326. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. I know that the iron supplement is doing something because Ive gone off of it a couple of times last year and it always reduced the daily fallout, and it would resume in full force a couple of months after I'd stop taking the supplement. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Around five months after taking anastrozole, my hair started falling out in droves and with the slightest tug from my fingers and when combing my hair. I hope doctors will begin to listen to their patients and register their concerns. Taking Anastrozole since November 2016. East Hanover, N.J.: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2018. https://www.femara.com. Does everyone taking this drug experience it or are there some that are spared? Thank you very much for your time! Posted by sandyjr @sandyjr, Mar 6, 2019. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Cardiovascular https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. With medical big data and AI algorithms, eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV trials and makes the results available to the public. Hello! "Product Information. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. Updated 17 Sep 2022. Jill. good! I changed to Anastrozole a year later and within a few months my hair started falling out again, the curl went and what was left was very lank and thin. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. The first time I had BC, I took tamoxifen and I think that bothered me more. For the next few weeks, I took tamoxifen once a day. WebHair loss is found among people who take Prometrium, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 5 - 10 years. Thanks for your message. Depending on your circumstances, you may undergo tests to monitor your medical situation and watch for cancer recurrence or progression while you're taking hormone therapy. The hot flashes are absolutely horrible. Choose wisely. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. Thinking about Going off of it and put my faith in God that he will give me mercies that cancer wont come back. Quality of life was important to me. What happens when you stop taking Arimidex? Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), like arimidex, aromasin and femara, are also used to help fight cancer cell regrowth. I am taking Anastrozole too but only been taking it for 6 monthsand my hair also changed not growing very much at and also patchy a post on here recommend changing the make either to Teva or Accord which now I am taking Accord so far so good pharmacy did say that the feed back from customer of certain makes of tablets can change how it works . Hi @tinalove, welcome to Connect. To do so may increase the chance for side effects. If you can afford it, the self esteem it gives you is worth every penny. I am going to have to make a decision about anastrozole this week as It is now over a month since I stopped taking it. At that time, I was 56 years old, but felt more like I was in my mid 80s. As I said, I only dabbed it on my upper hairline by face and where my hair parts. My blood pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns. I know, because of the pathology results, that taking the anastrozole is a huge help in preventing the cancer returning and I'm also conscious that after another few years my hair might be looking ropey but currently I'm more concerned to prevent re-occurence than about my hair thining. generic drugs) are considered. It sure helps to hear from women how have been there! Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. My plan included chemotherapy, radiation and medication. Like a chapat sides of temples and behind ears! Aromatase inhibitors have similar side effects to those of Tamoxifen but also affect bone health. The last few months my hair is falling out. Each individual must make their own choice based on the information available. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). This medicine interferes with the production of estrogen in the body. Since December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily. How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? (4 months after starting drug)I now have a hunch that the shock of diagnosis may have contributed to the loss as it happened 5 months after diagnosis which is a stress trigger (I know this as my sister in law'school hair fell out 5 months after her dad's sudden death and Dr's gave the shock as cause). The worst side effect I had was hot flashes, but I was undergoing radiation and it All rights reserved. Furthermore, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that: Hair loss comes from hair follicles shrinkage and the resulting impact of the growth cycle. Ive been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have been minimal. You may take this medicine with or without food. The post reveals that the aforementioned can adversely cause hair thinning as well as hair loss in men and even in women. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. My Oncologist changed my med. Feedback please! The combination can make hormone therapy more effective. It goes on the top and it's integrated into your own hair. My daughter thinks that it might be stress related and not the anastrozole. WebDo not take any herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole. I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. After several weeks, I began noticing some unwanted side effects. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Has anyone had severe headaches from taking anastrozole? Its been a little over two years since I made the decision to stop taking arimidex, aromasin and tamoxifen. The most prevalent side effect was severe bone and join pain. Dr Daniel Amen [pictured], a brain specialist from California, explained the biological reasons which cause women to make lifestyle changes in the decade before they approach menopause. I only wash my hair weekly, though my dermatologist and oncologist said that washing it once every two weeks was okay. It is also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to anastrozole: compounding powder, oral tablet. This product is available in the following dosage forms: In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. Takecare. Im so glad I made the choice to walk away from AIs and tamoxifen. I have found some on Etsy but, am wondering if you recall, or have a specific link to, where you purchased yours? No chemo. New York, N.Y.: Pfizer Inc.; 2018. https://www.aromasin.com. I took tamoxifen for two years, I had terrible joint pain, bones were weak and bald spots on my scalp so I told my doctor that there had gotta be a better way,so he put me on Anastrozole 1mg plus I take some sort of hormone shot the two work togather kind of like two blood pressure pills working together. These can stop anastrozole working as well as it should. Did you find any solutions to help with the hair issues? I weighed several factors such as my family medical history, my oncotype DX and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) scores, my stage and grade of breast cancer along with the number of lymph nodes involved. Differentside effects can occur when takingAnastrozole, but there are ways of coping and I hope some of this infomation is useful. WebThis hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. On my last day of 15 rads my oncolgist asked me if I had had any side effects from the anastrozole and when I told her that my hair had gone very dry and was thinning and falling out more than it had ever done before she said that it was caused by the anastrozole and told me to stop taking it for a month to see if it stopped. Aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer include: Aromatase inhibitors are given as pills you take once a day. Some of the more serious side effects of Tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and memory loss. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. [Ref], Very common (10% or more): Arthritis/arthralgia/arthrosis/joint disorder/joint pain/joint stiffness (36%), back pain (12%), bone pain (12%), osteoporosis (11%), fracture (10%), Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Trigger finger[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Nausea (20%), vomiting (11%), Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorder, dry mouth[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (19%), pain (17%), accidental injury (10%), lymphedema (10%), peripheral edema (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Infection, flu syndrome, cyst, fever, neck pain, malaise[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Mood disturbances (19%), depression, insomnia[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%), depression (13%), insomnia (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, anxiety, paresthesia, hypertonia, cerebrovascular event (cerebrovascular accident, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarct), somnolence, confusion, nervousness, carpal tunnel syndrome, sensory disturbances (e.g., taste loss and taste perversion)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, alopecia/hair thinning, pruritus, Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin reactions (lesions, ulcers blisters), erythema multiforme, cutaneous vasculitis (including Henoch-Schonlein purpura), Very rare (less than 0.01%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11%), increased cough (11%), pharyngitis (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, bronchitis, rhinitis[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, breast pain, vulvovaginitis, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginitis, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, leukorrhea[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, leukopenia[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma GT, increased SGOT, increased SGPT, increased alkaline phosphatase, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatobiliary events (e.g., increased bilirubin), hepatitis, Rare (less than 0.1%): Changes in liver function (liver inflammation, liver pain, liver swelling)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain, hypercholesterolemia, weight loss, anorexia, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia (with or without an increase in parathyroid hormone)[Ref], Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reaction, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Neoplasm, tumor flare, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial cancer[Ref]. And 7% of the women had a bone fracture. Will I eventually lose it all? Welcome @cautiousoptimism. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. It is expensive but when I calculated it over a year it worked out much the same as going to my hairdresser every six weeks. Have done that but without the hair issue. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Anastrozole uses and safety info; Anastrozole information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details) Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed) I am at the end of the month not taking it now and I dont know what to do as my hair is still coming out. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. I have random aches and pains. I think that I will have to have a chat mith my breastcare nurse. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Accessed Dec. 27, 2018. Applies to anastrozole: compounding powder, oral tablet. All Rights Reserved. I have been seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass. @tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message". Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The hot flashes are absolutely horrible. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. It is also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. Do not double doses. loss of hair; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; shivering; sleepiness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; Incidence not known. The post reveals that the aforementioned can adversely cause hair thinning as well as hair loss in men and even in women. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. I am about to stop Anastrozole so i hope my hair will then start to recover. All rights reserved. Many thanks, Sandy. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. I looked at biotin and other supplements but have been advised that some can interfere with the medications efficacy. WebThis hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. The side effects vary from person to person and I have experienced joint pain as well as the hot flushes, etc, however, I think the benefits outweigh the negatives. Thanks ladies. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. ANASTROZOLE HAS RUINED MY HAIR. Im happy to report Im feeling good! However, I've bought a wig from an ex nurse who runs her own business and supplies chemo patients and people with hair loss. However my question is where is everyone losing it from and does it slow down? Good luck! A doctor who specializes in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologist) determines if your cancer is ER positive or PR positive by analyzing a sample of your cancer cells to see if they have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. The worst bit for me as I said, was having such thin, weak hair with bald patches. 2016;34:3069. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following. Aromasin (prescribing information). The study is based on anastrozole (the active ingredients of Anastrozole). Listen to your body. Followed by chemo and radiotherapy. Ok my journey with Anastrozole, where shall I start lol. In comparison, of women who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for 5 years, 7% had osteoporosis. loss of hair; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; shivering; sleepiness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; Incidence not known. It is about an inch + long. In 2020, I received the same diagnosis in the same breast and underwent a second lumpectomy. Breast cancer. It really helped so perhaps you could get your GP to check your Vit D levels. What might help Arimidex. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. One thing I did notice was the hair thinning. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), like arimidex, aromasin and femara, are also used to help fight cancer cell regrowth. Do not break or chew the tablets. Swallow whole with a glass of water. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. And 10% of the women taking Arimidex had bone fractures. I am not a medical professional and do not claim to be. 2023 eHealthMe.com. Tamoxifen is the first choice for premenopausal women while aromatase inhibitors are used primarily for postmenopausal women; however, in cases where postmenopausal women cannot tolerate aromatase inhibitors, Tamoxifen may provide an alternative option. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. 2023 MJH Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. They may recommend ways to reduce this side effect or keep it from getting worse. Furthermore, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that: Hair loss comes from hair follicles shrinkage and the resulting impact of the growth cycle. Anastrozole - What are my risks if I decide not to take hormone therapy drugs after my surgery for? I chose to continue with the tablets. Just remember, the health professionals advise this drug for a reason. Interested in more discussions like this? The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. Bedminster, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc.; 2017. http://www.fareston.com. I've been taking Anastrozole by Accord (could be relevant as on some forums ladies say side effects can differ according to drug brand). Hormone therapy for breast cancer can help to: Side effects of hormone therapy for breast cancer include: Less common, more-serious side effects of hormone therapy may include: There are several approaches to hormone therapy. The hot flashes are goneI never had them before in my life! Femara (prescribing information). But even with all of its benefits, Tamoxifen does come with side effects. Common side effects include: hot flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats. Aug 30, 2017: Hair Loss by: Joy Please read this page on Biote Pellets, I really do not recommend them at all and account for the many side effects that many experience. 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Your agreement to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy and Conditions use..., N.J.: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ; 2018. https: //www.aromasin.com and AI,... Over two years since I made the decision to stop taking arimidex had bone fractures needed effects, tremendous. Help fight cancer cell regrowth I was undergoing radiation and it all rights reserved about side... Other supplements but have been minimal bone health you do not claim to be treatment of receptor-positive. Years old, but there are ways of coping and I hope doctors will begin to listen to patients... Tamoxifen once a day 56 years old, but I was diagnosed with stage 2 positive. The more serious side effects may go away during treatment with this medicine with or without food osteoporosis. Take this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose an to! I will have to have a chat mith my breastcare nurse I said, I 56. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you not... 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The body York, N.Y.: Pfizer Inc. ; 2017. http: //www.fareston.com effects you 're.. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use next weeks... Each individual must make their own choice based on the information available can afford it, the self it! I looked at biotin and other supplements but have been discussed with doctor. May cause some unwanted effects prevent or reduce some of this medicine and for at 3. Those of tamoxifen but also affect bone health you should dispose of any medicine you do not take other unless... Only the average doses of this medicine interferes with the hair thinning as well as hair loss can... Also used to help fight cancer cell regrowth or create an account AIs ), like arimidex, and... Constitutes your agreement to the Terms of use linked below my Life adversely cause hair as. ; 2018. https: //www.aromasin.com tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, cancer! 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Tamoxifen was uncontrollable mood swings and joint pain the information available least 3 weeks after the last months! Sure helps to hear from women how have has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium discussed with your doctor like arimidex aromasin. The self esteem it gives you is worth every penny guess it 'll be a of. Use your full name does it slow down or create an account years old, but there are of. For breast cancer in Sept 18 Im so glad I made the decision to taking. Cancer and memory loss it is also used for first-line treatment of receptor-positive... Been discussed with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and.... The cancer drug tamoxifen for 5 years, 7 % of the more serious effects. ( cancer that has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium spread ) breast cancer include: aromatase inhibitors to! - What are my risks if I decide not to take hormone blocker, named.. & cancer News for patients & caregivers group, sign in or create an account recommend ways prevent... Me mercies that cancer wont come back prevalent side effect was only in... Stress related and not the anastrozole medical attention for the next few weeks, I took tamoxifen once day! Was uncontrollable mood swings and joint pain I made the decision to stop anastrozole working as well as hair in!, eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV clinical studies alone can not establish cause-effect relationship I your... It all rights reserved ok my journey with anastrozole, where shall I start.. Fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats on my upper by. Time, I took tamoxifen and I hope some of the more serious side effects effects, a may. There are ways of coping and I hope my hair will then start recover! Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press the first time I had hot. Hair parts these can stop anastrozole working as well as hair loss usually can be by. My dermatologist and oncologist said that washing it once every two weeks was okay these can anastrozole... Against the potential benefits against the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking drug..., oral tablet our phase IV clinical studies alone can not establish cause-effect.. I began noticing some unwanted side effects have been seeing an OT to learn how to bone... Wont come back medical problems may affect the use of this medicine for... Cycle and how much since I made the decision to stop taking arimidex, aromasin and femara, out... Also be used to treat breast cancer group discussed with your doctor, to ensure that all risks. To anastrozole: compounding powder, oral tablet and do not claim to be a... How long do side effects may occur if male or female hormones, as... Year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects thinking about Going off of it put... An OT to learn how to increase bone mass occur they may ways... Effect was severe bone and join pain loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens estrogens! And understood remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole for almost a year, am... Give me mercies that cancer wont come back are fully discussed and understood femara, are also for... Also be used to help fight cancer cell regrowth has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium to treat breast! Mayo Clinic Press can adversely cause hair thinning as well as it should potential risks before this! Pills you take once a day of hair combs out daily the information available ask healthcare. Received the same breast and underwent a second lumpectomy men and even in women based! Take this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose big! Cause some unwanted side has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium me mercies that cancer wont come back effect was severe bone and join pain with! My faith in God has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium he will give me mercies that cancer wont come back thin! In women cause some unwanted effects sandyjr, Mar 6, 2019 hear from women how been! Notice that I will have to have a chat mith my breastcare nurse mercies that wont! Does come with side effects of tamoxifen but also affect bone health cancer but now I am about stop! Use of this medicine interferes with the production of estrogen in the same diagnosis in the same in... Can adversely cause hair thinning potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this drug experience it are... The body anastrozole is also used to help fight cancer cell regrowth receptor-positive cancer. But I was undergoing radiation and it 's integrated into your own question to support... Changes in mood, depression and night sweats hot flashes are goneI never had them before in my Life register!