I have thinning, dry hair, sagging skin, joint pain, and back pain. I can tolerate most of these if I feel that the pain will subside and I will regain some of my hair and skin health.
After taking anastrozole for the 5 years, do the side effects reverse or are you stuck with them?
Question posted by Cheekycarol on 15 Jan 2013
Last updated on 23 May 2017
Answers
Inactive
16 Jan 2013
Hi Carol,
I assume that you are on Anastrozole for cancer survival reasons? The drug's main purpose is to supress estrogen in women (supposedly also helping to suppress the cancer cells). The symptoms you mentioned are all the result of taking this drug. Are you saying you are no longer taking this drug? I would definitely take daily packets of Knox gelatin--proven to strengthen hair and skin, and also ask about being put on a low dose ERT (estrogen replacement therapy). To me, it's about quality of life. I'm not interested in beating the disease if I gotta be miserable, know what I mean? Keep us posted. And blessings upon you. ~~millison
Cheekycarol
16 Jan 2013
I am on it for cancer and I still take it. I am on a low dose estrogen vaginal cream, but I have tried to reduce my dosage for fear that cancer will return. I do have estrogen fed breast cancer. Quality of life is important and it seems that this drug is bad for that. It also causes joint pain... one day the knees, next the hips or back. I can see why women say to heck with it and don't get to 5 years. I have been on one year. I love tennis and it interferes with that also. I would love to hear from people who gave up on it, and lived to tell about it. Supposedly, it decreases my chances of recurring cancer from 15% to 7%. I wish doctors could give an honest opinion and not just the latest thinking on the subject.
Inactive
17 Jan 2013
Carol have you joined any other support sites? I hope you go live your life. None of us has any guarantee. My husband was at the peak of health when he was killed suddenly in a plane accident. I know it's a very personal decision. You hang in there!
linverselli
23 May 2017
I have been taking this drug for going on 3 years and I have had it. I tried to deal with the day to day pain, but I just can't anymore. I am not doing anything until I discuss with my doctor, but it's getting to the point I don't even want to get out of bed in the morning. That is not how I want to live the rest of my life. I want off this drug and if that means I need to go for screening ore often, then fine, but this pain is awful and not getting any better. I have tried everything, exercise, Motrin by the bucket full and am not getting any relief. This is no way to live, I am done. Anyone else having the same issues?
Related topics
osteoarthritis, pain, back pain, anastrozole, side effect, skin
Further information
- Anastrozole uses and safety info
- Anastrozole prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed)
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