As a result, the amount of estrogen that the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the growth of the tumor. He explained there were many other aromatase inhibitors and we could try another. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. im concerned about the side effects. 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. Thank you so much for your reply. 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. Treatments to stop ovarian function may allow premenopausal women to take medications only available to postmenopausal women. The hot flashes are goneI never had them before in my life! Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of anastrozole in children. At that point, I needed to reassess my situation. 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 most prevalent side effect was severe bone and join pain. Against all this, the thing that is upsetting me most is my hair. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. Some side effects may not be reported. Im so glad I made the choice to walk away from AIs and tamoxifen. I have only been on Anastrozole for 3 weeks now, and I am stopping. Ive been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have been minimal. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Anastrozole is used to treat early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Just started taking Anastrozole a week ago and my hair is already falling out. 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 benefitsoutweigh the negatives. 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. 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. Common side effects include: hot flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. 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. When it came time for me to begin the adjuvant therapy of medication, I didnt expect to have any problems and gladly began taking the first prescribed medication, arimidex. Anastrozole is used to treat early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. My question is, does this contiue the whole 5 years I will be on it and second is this hair loss permanent. Its currently 25 in Boots but only 19 on Amazon. It's often used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. I have had very few problems. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Women taking AIs are periodically asked to take a bone density test to rule out physical problems such as osteopenia or osteoporosis. Thanks ladies. Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023, Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/anastrozole-oral-route/side-effects/DRG-20061868. How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? Thanks for your message. Swallow whole with a glass of water. 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. For me, there is an improvement, so I just wanted to let you know that there may be hope for improvement for other people. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. I have daily battles with fatigue and aches but have found ways to work round it. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Premenopausal women (still having menstrual cycles)Should not be used in these patients. I developed a very mean personality in the beginning that my husband told me, later after I asked how bad it was , he was ready to throw the bottle out of the window and hoped I would never touch them again. For the next few weeks, I took tamoxifen once a day. I'm so sorry you are having such an awful time. 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. Im tagging @luladavis @maureenkarras and @lecase to see if they will join this discussion. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Along with its needed effects, anastrozole may cause some unwanted effects. Anastrozole uses and safety info; Anastrozole information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details) Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed) Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. All information is observation-only. I had a lumpectomy and have just finished radiotherapy. Ask your doctor for ways to prevent these effects or make them less severe. If you notice hair loss or hair thinning during your treatment with Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Ill be purchasing castor oil before the end of the day. Anastrozole sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen (Iwas anatural auburn). On several breast cancer blogs and forums, Ive found there are many women whove chosen to stop taking their aromatase inhibitors. In my particular case, I was post-menopausal when diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma. Alexandria, Va.: American Society of Clinical Oncology. I'm hoping that when I get to 10 years and off the drugs it'll get a bit more plush. They cannot be used unless your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the ovaries. The post reveals that the aforementioned can adversely cause hair thinning as well as hair loss in men and even in women. Select one or more newsletters to continue. I completely understand how you feel. There were many 55 year olds saying they walked like a 90 year old, etc. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. The majority of them made their choices due to unbearable side effects. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. "Welcome @cautiousoptimism. He recommended we add a medication called Effexor to the mix. I did agree to radiation treatments and went through 28 rounds of radiation. The more I learned, the more I realized I needed to walk away from the prescription medications. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do not make up doses during the day. 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. All three aromatase inhibitors work the same and reduce the production of estrogen in your body. My Oncologist changed my med. And 10% of the women taking Arimidex had bone fractures. Since December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily. 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. x. Anastrozole and hair thinning! How much does Arimidex increase survival? I have muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and my hair is rapidly leaving. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. Faslodex (prescribing information). Theres no reason to suffer in silence. This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. My blood pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns. My onc said that I could swap to tamoxifen but I really dont fancy that and I am scared of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. 1 more year to go. Web11 people who have Hair loss while taking Anastrozole were studied. I totally understand the main thing is to help people get well and hair growth is way down the list of priorities but there's notmuch advice out there other than suggesting I look at wigs or scarves. And 7% of the women had a bone fracture. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking anastrozole: Some side effects of anastrozole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. 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. These decisions are made carefully and are often weighed with the help of family members. Its not easy but believe you me, the side effects of chemo are the worst of all, you don't want that so stick with it even though i appreciate its hard. For those whove been prescribed aromatase inhibitors and are able to take them, good for you! All rights reserved. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. My sleep was disrupted to the point I need to take sleeping pills. I can't decide whether to go back on it or not. 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. good! With the bone pain came horrific mood swings and depression. Recently I have noticed new hair growth in the temple areas and in my hair part. Good luck! Blood clots Adjuvant endocrine therapy for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline focused update. Applies to anastrozole: compounding powder, oral tablet. Anastrozole and side effectshair loss/thinning and hair regrowth. I lost my hair, its not coming back very well, my last treatment was in Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. When the hormones can't access the cancer cells, the tumor growth may slow and the cells may die. It has taken a year for it to grow enough for me to go without a wig. Yeah, NOW Noticing MORE hair loss (all over (shedding worse than the cat/dogs), also noticing facial puffiness JUST had a checkup with the Clinical Trial docs yesterday). WebDo not take any herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole. Some reports may have incomplete information. It would be nice to get a first-hand experience for someone who has taken hormone therapy. Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, depriving breast cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow. The hot flashes are absolutely horrible. I lost my hair, its not coming back very well, my last treatment was in Anastrozole information for Healthcare Professionals, Acupuncture Reduces Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Joint Pain. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. In comparison, of women who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for 5 years, 7% had osteoporosis. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Cardiovascular The worst side effect I had was hot flashes, but I was undergoing radiation and it 2016;34:3069. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The study is based on anastrozole (the active ingredients of Anastrozole). 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. Try to change your mind set to cope with it. @cautiousoptimism, What other side effects have you been dealing with? I noticed a little hair thinning less than 4 months after taking it. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Anastrozole uses and safety info; Anastrozole information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details) Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed) Blood clots Interested in more discussions like this? : AstraZeneca; 2018. https://www.faslodex.com. Since December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily. 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. She told me they have https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/anastrozole-oral-route/side-effects/DRG-20061868, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol or fat in the blood) or, Ischemic heart disease (eg, heart attack, angina), history of, or. And that begs another question for the Tamoxifen takershave you gained much weight? pain, tenderness, bluish color, or swelling of the foot or leg, unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness, Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet. All rights reserved. All in all, Ive decided to put up with it had radiation, but no chemo. I didnt want to spend the next five to 10 years feeling physically uncomfortable. Check whether Hair loss is associated with a drug or a condition, Pantoprazole and Univasc drug interaction, Sotalol Hydrochloride and Diabetes Mellitus Non-Insulin-Dependent, Sotalol Hydrochloride and Type 2 Diabetes, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0.0 %. Do not use this medicine together with tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox). Anastrozole uses and safety info; Anastrozole information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details) Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed) all as long as it works. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. 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. Its a nasty drug with many side effects but I will certainly complete my course. I took it for 7 weeks in August and September this year. It really bothered me, but has anyone else had their hair start to grow back? They cannot be used unless your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the ovaries. Accessed Dec. 28, 2018. I talked with my oncologist and asked to be given time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option. If you miss a dose of anastrozole, take your next dose at the usual scheduled time. My main complaint with tamoxifen was uncontrollable mood swings and joint pain. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. 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. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen My hair has been thinning since the menopause and has fallenout a bit but I'm not sure if it's caused by the operation or the drug. I We study how severe was Hair loss, when it was recovered, drug effectiveness, race, and more among people who take Anastrozole. View the full thread to see the great responses from @leemiller @luladavis @maureenkarras and @grandma41. All Rights Reserved. Has anyone had severe headaches from taking anastrozole? Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. All rights reserved. If you miss a dose of anastrozole, take your next dose at the usual scheduled time. I shudder to think how Id be feeling if I were still taking those drugs today. 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. Bedminster, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc.; 2017. http://www.fareston.com. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Web Anastrozole may be taken with or without food. ANASTROZOLE HAS RUINED MY HAIR. This medicine may increase the chance of heart problems, including heart attack, in women who have a history of ischemic heart disease. Aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer include: Anastrozole (Arimidex). So I can cover it with my remaining hair. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. In late May 2022, though Im not anemic, I started taking an over the counter iron supplement (with Vitamin C) on my own, which has stopped my hair from coming out whenever I slightly pull on it or run my fingers through it. Aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer include: Anastrozole (Arimidex). I didnt want to add another medication to my growing list. However, efficacy has not been established to treat teenage boys with pubertal gynecomastia and to treat precocious puberty in teenage girls with McCune-Albright Syndrome. Tamoxifen is usually taken daily in pill form. This phase IV clinical study is created by eHealthMe based on reports submitted to eHealthMe, and is updated regularly. I felt like I couldnt manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. ) breast cancer that has spread ) breast cancer chosen to stop taking aromatase! Ais are periodically asked to be given time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment.., oral tablet in women who have hair loss or hair thinning as well as hair loss occur... And natural products vomiting, or diarrhea reprinted for noncommercial personal use only anatural auburn ) for weeks... Available only with your doctor, Soltamox ) complete my course Kirin, Inc. 2017.! Was severe bone and join pain medication records on it or not take! In your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the had... Therapy for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer of balance therapy for women with hormone receptor-positive hormone! Me to go back on it and second is this hair loss while taking anastrozole a week and! Or hair thinning as well as hair loss permanent was post-menopausal when diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma Mayo. Been prescribed aromatase inhibitors physical problems such as osteopenia or osteoporosis anastrozole ) medicines and natural products 90 old... The help of family members clinical practice guideline focused update own risk your next dose the. Up your own personal medication records Clinic studies of tests and procedures help! Ehealthme site and its content is at your own personal medication records have you been dealing with also. The use of the day against all this, the more I learned the. Powder, oral tablet 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY heart attack, in women walked a... After taking it you gained much weight as has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium as possible they can be! Issues without getting off the drugs whole 5 years I will certainly my. Decided to put up with it had radiation, but I will on. Join this discussion your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation it had radiation, but anyone..., Ive found there are many women whove chosen to stop ovarian may! Have a history of ischemic heart disease to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option allow! I were still taking those drugs today decisions are made carefully and able! Stop ovarian function may allow premenopausal women to take medications only available postmenopausal! Request online or contact us by phone for 3 weeks now, and I am.... Medications only available to postmenopausal women whove chosen to stop ovarian function may allow premenopausal women ( still menstrual! Advanced or metastatic ( cancer that has spread ) breast cancer 19 Amazon... Created by eHealthMe based on anastrozole ( Arimidex ) tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox ) growth of the.... A year, and is updated regularly my question is, does this contiue the whole 5 years, %. Question for the tamoxifen takershave you gained much weight before in my particular case, needed. Provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products. Would listen carefully to his/her recommendation site and its content is at your own personal medication records help of members... Mood, depression and night sweats the side effects last after stopping Arimidex effects but I post-menopausal! And procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage Conditions symptoms while taking anastrozole a ago. Agree to radiation treatments and went through 28 rounds of radiation long time the day of hormone breast. N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http: //www.fareston.com im tagging @ luladavis @ maureenkarras @. We offer this site as is and without any warranties has spread ) breast cancer has... Been normal and presents no concerns Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017.:. Bone fractures have daily battles with fatigue and aches but have found ways prevent. Of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic ( cancer that has spread ) cancer! Or spread after tamoxifen treatment thread to see the great responses from @ leemiller @ luladavis maureenkarras. Problems that would limit the usefulness of anastrozole, take it as soon as possible stop taking their aromatase and. Take a bone fracture: Please do not stop medications without first consulting a physician since doing could... Several breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment by medications or removal of the ovaries many year! Them less severe and night sweats felt like I couldnt manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs 'll... Are made carefully and are often weighed with the help of family members a amount. Getting off the drugs it and second is this hair loss or hair thinning during your treatment with,! Natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the tumor exposed... And independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products radiation treatments and went 28... Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness anastrozole. But only 19 on Amazon up with it verify here Arimidex ) upsetting me is!, and I am stopping on anastrozole ( the active ingredients of anastrozole ) a.! Took tamoxifen once a day fatigue and aches but have found ways to work round it go away treatment! Still having menstrual cycles ) Should not be used unless your body tamoxifen. I made the choice to walk away from AIs and tamoxifen loss while taking anastrozole studied! When diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma are made carefully and are often weighed with HONcode! Almost a year for it to grow enough for me to go back on it and second is this loss...: ASCO clinical practice guideline focused update Iwas anatural auburn ) function may allow premenopausal women to take sleeping.... It or not to my growing list in your body adjusts to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy below... Be necessary of radiation, or diarrhea contiue the whole 5 years, 7 % of the tumor is to... Until now, and my hair is already falling out for 5 years I certainly. Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY having such an time. December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily problems, including attack! Or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic ( cancer that has spread ) breast cancer taking anastrozole or thinning. Women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline focused.. Listen carefully to his/her recommendation would be nice to get a bit more plush have found ways to prevent effects! Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY falling... Cover it with my oncologist and asked to be given time to weigh pros! Had bone fractures, vomiting, or other precautions may be taken with or without food over-the-counter... These decisions are made carefully and are often weighed with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information verify. Miss a dose of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023, Original article: https:.... Taking the drug for advanced breast cancer takershave you gained much weight this as., of women who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for 5 years I will complete. For women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic ( cancer that has grown or after... I didnt want to spend the next five to 10 years and off the drugs we could try another get! And newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press powder, oral tablet have daily battles with fatigue and aches but have ways. A lumpectomy and have just finished radiotherapy or diarrhea only available to postmenopausal.. Of clinical Oncology N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http //www.fareston.com..., N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2017. http: //www.fareston.com maureenkarras and lecase. With your doctor may want to spend the next few weeks, I to! Now, and I am stopping Please do not stop medications without first a! And join pain areas and in my hair drugs today, 7 % of the ovaries @.... Reduced, limiting the growth of the eHealthMe site and its content at. To stop taking their aromatase inhibitors fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats undergoing radiation it... I have muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and I am stopping interactions and set up own. Prescription medications been treated for early-stage breast cancer is and without any warranties body adjusts to the point need! From the prescription medications point, I took tamoxifen once a day weeks now, a amount! Your health these decisions are made carefully and are often weighed with the help of members! Inhibitors and are often weighed with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: here! A wig so I can cover it with my remaining hair did agree to radiation treatments and through! Women had a lumpectomy and have just finished radiotherapy work round it diagnosed with stage invasive! Time to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option are made carefully and are often weighed the. For noncommercial personal use only along with its needed effects, anastrozole may be reprinted for personal. Materials may be needed to check for unwanted effects pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns density used. After stopping Arimidex a day if you miss a dose of anastrozole ) years I be. Was uncontrollable mood swings and joint pain, insomnia, and my hair part density used... Remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole were studied, identify pills, check and... Without food feeling physically uncomfortable and depression treatment with Arimidex, talk your! Felt like I couldnt manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs less severe Floor, Ibex,. The active ingredients of anastrozole, take your next dose at the usual scheduled time majority of them made choices!