Femara for Breast Cancer, Adjuvant User Reviews

• cau...
• August 30, 2013

"I had stage 3 breast cancer, have been through chemo, radiation, and have been on Femara for 4 months. I started on Aromasin but had terrible joint and muscle pain, so my oncologist changed me to Femara. My joints and muscles feel better, but I am so tired that even my oncologist tells me I look worn out. I will live with the fatigue as I know this medicine works. I am 58, and I can no longer do what I did less than a year ago. I ride a bike 40 minutes a day, I eat healthy, but I just have no vitality. I miss my old self."

• dog...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2014

"I was diagnosed in 2009, had lumpectomy, chemo, radiation. Managed to continue working through it all. Then took tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years... had horrible muscle cramping and hot flashes, switched to letrozole after determining I was postmenopausal. The major muscle cramps lessened considerably, as did the hot flashes. I took this for 2 1/2 years, just stopping 3 weeks ago. I have muscle, joint, bone achiness 24/7, no energy, tired always, feel like I'm in a fog, tinnitus, heartburn, slow metabolism with weight gain. How long will it take to reverse all of these side effects now that I no longer take it? I even quit taking ibuprofen because it doesn't do anything for the pains. I am now 2 months from being 50 years old."

• mar...
• May 21, 2013

"When I switched aromatase inhibitors from Arimidex to Femara, it was a world of difference! The terrible side effects I was experiencing made me question whether survival from breast cancer was worth it, if my life would be spent with Arimidex side effects of irritability, more hair loss, joint pains, etc. My oncologist switched me to Femara, and my life returned to be more pleasant and energetic. I have been suggesting this change to all my blogging support group members who are having problems with Arimadex. Later, adding OTC Biosil and SamE have also helped with the hair, joint, and mood issues."

• Anonymous
• November 18, 2011

"After reading of so many negative side effects of Femara, I was hesitant to start. Since it decreases my chances of recurrence by 25%, I felt I must try it. I've been on it for 1 year now and have had very few, if any, negative side effects. My hair regrowth has been spotty and slow, whether due to the Femara or just the general effects of chemo and radiation, I'm not sure. I switched 2 months ago to the generic formula, have noticed no changes. I feel very fortunate not to have suffered many of the effects other women have reported."

• mar...
• May 13, 2016

"Joint pain, no energy, no enthusiasm for social life, tiredness, weakness, low appetite. Femara is extending my life. I know this since I have been in remission for 5 years after taking Femara. My breast cancer started in the right breast 32 years ago. Chemo and radiation therapy stopped it for 22 years, but 5 years ago it metastasized to lung and bones. This is when the oncologist prescribed Femara. I'm now in my 'golden' years, a widow for 16 years but determined to find relief for this pain and relief from this depression so I can be happy and enjoy life."

• Bod...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2018

"Right mastectomy 2016, 5 months chemo and 5 weeks radiation therapy. Started Femara 15 months ago, prescribed for 5 years. I am experiencing increasing pain in my joints, muscles, liver, and overall depression. Am considering stopping Femara as the tumor was removed with no spread to lymph nodes. Lymph clearance all the same as the sentinel node was infected. I am 55 but feel a lot older than ever before!"

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2015

"Stage IIIc lobular breast CA, node, started generic Femara 18 months ago after radiation. Minor side effects - hair loss, nails, skin, vaginal dryness. Major - started out with tolerable joint, bone, and muscle pain. But about a month ago, these symptoms became severe enough to decrease my quality of life. My oncologist did blood work, all okay. She wanted a bone scan, but after reading reviews, this is the Femara, not bone cancer. She just has not had any patients do this, the literature is based on trials, not the general population. The literature (and she told me) the symptoms go away by 8 months! Not!! I also have MS (still mobile, but that has some same/similar side effects) but Femara more like arthritis. Knees, ankles. Stay on though!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2021

"Bone pain, trigger fingers, joint pain, hip pain, wrists/thumbs repeated tendonitis, low energy. From anastrozole to letrozole, issues persist, worse over time. Still on it, but had to stop working. Managing to stay on as benefit outweighs risk."

• Sta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 25, 2023

"I have been doing fine with it and have not had any serious issues except for the common side effects like blurred vision and other minimal problems, which I cannot link to the medication. I am healthy and doing well so far. I hope the good effect of using this medication along with a whole-food plant-based diet, with the occasional cheat treats, will continue to help me fight off breast cancer and its spread."

• Luc...
• March 12, 2012

"I have been on Femara for five years now. I have had some side effects like dizziness and slight joint pain. All in all, if it keeps breast cancer away, I am happy to take the medication."

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 8, 2023

"Changed to Femara after 18 months on Letrozole Accord (Generic) and really still feel just the same. Aches, joint pain, muscle pain, etc. Was hoping to feel a little different."