Letrozole and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

• Smi...
• May 15, 2017

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I've been taking Femara for a little over 5 months and have yet to experience any side effects whatsoever. I'd been warned about hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, muscle pain, and so far nothing. I have two smallish tumors in one breast that we caught very early on, and at my 4-month ultrasound they've decreased by about 50%. I'll have a nipple-sparing mastectomy in about 2 weeks with DIEP flap reconstruction... the grossest part of this whole episode, in my opinion... followed by radiation. No chemo here, just a very healthy mostly vegetarian diet and tons of walking. I'm 69, 5'6'', 135 pounds, and so far consider myself about the luckiest cancer patient anywhere. Maybe I'll start feeling sick at some point, but not yet. Hang in there, ladies!!"

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2011

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I am 46 years old, Stage IV MBC to lungs. I have been on Femara for 1.5 years. My tumors were 40% down after one year, and I am about to do the next CT scan soon. My side effects are minor muscle pain (and possibly some anxiety but may be unrelated). I have simultaneously adopted a vegan lifestyle and do regular exercise (yoga and walking). I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it. I don't gain weight either, and my muscle pain is usually gone after a brief stretch or walk. I highly recommend a vegan diet and exercise to those who want to minimize pain. Thanks all and good luck."

• Eri...
• February 9, 2013

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I have been on Femara for almost a year. At first, I had nearly constant hot flashes and night sweats. I was started on Effexor with nearly immediate relief. I have had increasingly painful joint and muscle pain, especially in my knees. Nothing seems to be helping much with that, and it has been a major detriment to my quality of life. I have recently added Magnesium, Fish Oil, and Glucosamine/Chondroitin to the Calcium and D3 I had been taking. Hopefully, this will ease the joint stiffness and pain. I am 52, and some days I feel 92. Still, I am cancer-free so far, so I will continue to take Femara."

• tin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 29, 2023

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Awful! I've been on Femara for about 8 months. And since I started, I seem to have every single side effect. My joint and muscle pain is excruciating. In no particular order, I suffer with body pain (fingers, hands, shoulders, chest, back, sides, hips, legs, feet - basically everything head to toe). Plus, weight loss, hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, thinning of hair, dry mouth, high BP, night sweats. Even my scalp is tender. Chest pain that radiates to upper arms, shortness of breath, overall depression. Chills, insomnia, intestinal pain - sharp pains, plus dull aching. Constant feelings of nausea, diarrhea, constipation. I'm afraid to eat but also have little appetite. Brain fog, shortness of breath. Feeling that I am just going to die. Sitting up in pain all night. I hurt everywhere - too sick to move; too sick to cry. Feels like I am going to have a heart attack. Can’t lie down, can’t stand up. Full body chills, hands shaking. Haven't slept through the night in months."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

For Breast Cancer "In January 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 2. 58 years old. Left breast mastectomy with no radiation and no cancer in the lymph nodes. Given Letrozole 2.5 mg. Side effects of this medication: severe hot flashes, chills, severe pain in my hands, knees, feet, and legs, foggy head, muscle pain, insomnia, poor memory, extreme tiredness, canker sores, and occasional pain in my upper abdomen. During the first four months, I experienced hair loss and itchy hands. I quit my job as I was just too tired to continue. Now, I wish I would have quit Letrozole instead. I will see my cancer doctor in a few months, and this will be discussed. If I don’t quit before."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Diagnosed May 2014 with Stage 3 Breast cancer after chemo, removal of the tumor & lymph nodes, radiation. I started Femara, been on it almost 6 months and I have daily joint & muscle pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and most of all weight gain. I'm really trying to eat healthy and exercise, but working a full-time job, it's a tough routine to keep up with every day (55 and post-menopausal). But hey, I'm still here and hopeful the medication does a good job of keeping the cancer at bay. Doing my best with the symptoms."

• Roc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Dec 2011 bilateral mastectomy stage 1 infiltrating lobular breast cancer rt breast 64 yrs old - no lymph node involvement I am in my 4th year of hormonal treatment with Letrozole. So far so good some joint and muscle pain but it could be my age. I exercise more - take more vitamins - eat more vegetables - shun all dairy products (cows are always pregnant and full of cow hormones) - eat very little meat (chicken or fish) - always shop organic - and get at least 7 hrs of sleep a night. Some people think I am crazy."

• joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I started taking letrozole in June. Side effects started almost immediately: fatigue, hot flashes, joint and muscle aches, and hair thinning. I have cut my hair very short to hopefully make the thinning less noticeable. I just realized that I cut my hair 5-6 weeks ago, and it does not seem to be growing at all. Has anyone else noticed this side effect? I would recommend yoga and acupuncture to help with the side effects. Without them, I would not be able to tolerate this medicine! Good luck to you all who are taking this drug!"

• Ela...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. Took anastrozole, which had side effects: fatigue, memory loss, weight gain. Doctor changed me to letrozole. On it for 7 months, I have the worst joint, muscle, and body aches. There are some days I can’t stand up on my legs. My arms, shoulders, and back hurt constantly, fatigue. 7 months ago, I used to walk 2 miles a day. Today I can’t even get on a treadmill for 5 minutes. I have been taken off letrozole, it’s only been a week."

• cmm...
• August 6, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have stage 4 breast cancer and the looks at the hospital were not pretty. It did not look good for me. I have been on Letrozole for 6 months and it is working. The tumors are shrinking or disappearing and I feel so much better. My hands, feet, and legs are stiff but so what - I stretch them to loosen up. My hair is thinning but so what - there are other things I can use to cover my head. If God put this drug to cure me, I can take these small inconveniences. I am happy to know that this joint pain is caused by the medication. I would like to know if the medication actually heals and makes you cancer-free and if it can end or if medication is needed for my life. I am 54, almost 55, and if this pill can give me life, small side effects are ok."

• cmm...
• August 6, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have stage 4 breast cancer and the looks at the hospital were not pretty. It did not look good for me. I have been on Letrozole for 6 months and it is working. The tumors are shrinking or disappearing and I feel so much better. My hands, feet, and legs are stiff but so what - I stretch them to loosen up. My hair is thinning but so what - there are other things I can use to cover my head. If God put this drug to cure me, I can take these small inconveniences. I am happy to know that this joint pain is caused by the medication. I would like to know if the medication actually heals and makes you cancer-free and if it can end or if medication is needed for my life. I am 54, almost 55, and if this pill can give me life, small side effects are ok."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2015

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I have recently started taking Femara. The first few days were really tough. I had muscle pain and was very emotional, and horrible perineal dryness. I would cry about anything. These symptoms have pretty much gone away after day 4. Now after a month, my main side effects seem to be evening fatigue (I would really like to go to bed at 6:30 pm) and fuzzy thinking. During the first couple of days of taking this medicine, I had my doubts if I would continue, but now I think with time I will find ways to work around the side effects. They really aren't that bothersome."

• jes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2015

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I'm a new member. I had breast cancer at the start of 2013, it had spread to my liver, bone, and spine. I had radiotherapy on my spine, which worked well. I was then put on letrozole. Within 6 months, the scan results showed that all the tumors were shrinking. I had awful hot flushes, but I coped with them. In April 2014, my scan was clear, and I was pain-free, this was just by taking letrozole. I called it my wonder pill. However, in the last few weeks, the muscle pain in my legs has started. I went to the health shop and got some Musseltone gel. Yes, I have spelled it right as it's made from mussels from the sea. It's great, I rub it on a few times a day and before I get out of bed in the morning. For me, letrozole was my miracle cure."

• sic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2014

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "I was so pleased to read all of the reviews about Letrozole. Now I know that I'm not alone. Hot flashes worse than menopause. Always off balance. Won't do stairs without a railing or holding on to a person anymore after quite a few falls. Don't get dizzy, but never know when a stumble or fall is coming. Very dry mouth (other meds also cause dry mouth/thirst). This is extremely hard to deal with as chemo put my kidneys in failure and on dialysis I am limited to 1.5 liters of liquid a day. Headaches, bone pain, fatigued constantly, muscle pain especially in legs, lack of appetite, foods don't taste the same. Ran out about a week ago, starting to come out of the fog! Feel like I'm 100, not 57, sigh."

• lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2015

For Breast Cancer "After stage 2 breast cancer/unilateral mastectomy, I took tamoxifen for 2 years, then switched to Femara about 4 months ago. My oncologist said this was largely because Femara is kinder to my kidneys. I truly hope the Femara is doing its job, because my fingers are stiff and swollen, and they hurt when I bend them. I now have 2 - 3 trigger fingers, depending on temperature and time of day, and I truly understand what a reviewer called 'Walter Brennan walk'! Stiff legs after sitting for as little as 5 minutes, and as an artist, pianist, and admin, this is definitely a quality of life issue for me. I am going to speak with my doctor again - he agreed that this was a side effect, but it's getting worse quickly, along with slight weight gain and low energy levels."

• lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2015

For Breast Cancer "After stage 2 breast cancer/unilateral mastectomy, I took tamoxifen for 2 years, then switched to Femara about 4 months ago. My oncologist said this was largely because Femara is kinder to my kidneys. I truly hope the Femara is doing its job, because my fingers are stiff and swollen, and they hurt when I bend them. I now have 2 - 3 trigger fingers, depending on temperature and time of day, and I truly understand what a reviewer called 'Walter Brennan walk'! Stiff legs after sitting for as little as 5 minutes, and as an artist, pianist, and admin, this is definitely a quality of life issue for me. I am going to speak with my doctor again - he agreed that this was a side effect, but it's getting worse quickly, along with slight weight gain and low energy levels."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2013

For Breast Cancer "Some muscle and bone pain, but nothing unbearable. Weight gain... joining a gym. The closest thing to a hot flash is a pin prickly sensation. Overall happy with this so far... 9 months down, 51 more to go."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on letrozole for a year now. My issues are some hot flashes, increased vaginal atrophy/dryness (getting pretty bad), and I wake up in the middle of the night with painful and stiff fingers, but if I wiggle my fingers around, it goes away. I think they get painful and stiff from not being moved while I am asleep. They are not too bad during the day, but the tendinitis I had prior to taking letrozole that affected the base of my thumbs got worse. I am currently in clinical trials to assess the usefulness of acupuncture for the joint pain and stiffness. I am hoping this will turn out to be a solution for women who find the joint pain unbearable."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on letrozole for a year now. My issues are some hot flashes, increased vaginal atrophy/dryness (getting pretty bad), and I wake up in the middle of the night with painful and stiff fingers, but if I wiggle my fingers around, it goes away. I think they get painful and stiff from not being moved while I am asleep. They are not too bad during the day, but the tendinitis I had prior to taking letrozole that affected the base of my thumbs got worse. I am currently in clinical trials to assess the usefulness of acupuncture for the joint pain and stiffness. I am hoping this will turn out to be a solution for women who find the joint pain unbearable."

• Sou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I started letrozole 5 months ago. I take it at night. My side effects have been minimal compared to what it is doing for me (hopefully). I started with terrible leg aches at night for a couple of months, and they are now gone. My hands and ankles are really stiff in the morning, my body feels a bit beat up, and I had a vaginal discharge for about 4 months that finally stopped. Also, my pap came back abnormal due to the hormone changes my body is going through, so don't freak out right away if that happens. All normal! My doc has also put me on Alendronate Sodium tablets once a week to help with my bones and to prevent bone cancer. I just started getting back into working out with some weights and a treadmill, and that is helping for sure."

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

Letrozole for Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "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!"

• Tul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I had 2 tumors removed, 2 operations, radiotherapy, and medication letrozole. 28 days in taking letrozole, headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, hot flushes, and terrible mood swings. Hope to heaven this is not to be with me every day as I'm not sure how I can keep working."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 20, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I have been on letrozole for 13 months, which I began after a lumpectomy of my left breast, followed by four months of chemo and four weeks of radiation. For many months, my only noticeable side effect was fatigue. I always took it at night, so this was not too much of an issue. Within the last few months, I’ve been experiencing increasingly more painful joint and muscle pain in my shoulders and arms. Sometimes ibuprofen seems to ease the pain, but not always. I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse, for it is not easy to ignore. And yes, I’ve had weight gain also... the 20 lb seems to be the magic number, however, being menopausal, this was occurring with me anyway. I have a very active job with a lot of lifting and walking, but the weight gain won’t budge."

• 201...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I had stage 2 breast cancer in 2004, took tamoxifen for 5 years, and was then moved to Femara. I have had significant bone and muscle pain; weight gain; severe hot flashes/night sweats; and brain fog, forgetfulness. However, my 5 years of Femara will end in June 2015; I was under the impression that I would be taken off of this medication. However, I have seen many posts that show individuals on this medication for 8, 9, or more years. I am not sure what my oncologist has in mind for me. I was 46 when I found out and have had both breasts removed and completed 5 months of chemo, but I am still concerned to be without any medications for fear of my cancer returning."

• Yoj...
• January 4, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Had chemo every other week for 4 treatments, surgery, another 4 sessions of chemo, then radiation every weekday for 33 sessions. Neulasta shots day after chemo, that was so horrible, excruciating body aches. I've been on letrozole for 8 months. Side effects have been muscle aches, fatigue, some nausea, dry mouth, trigger thumb, hot flashes, weight gain, blurry vision, insomnia, occasional decrease in appetite, neuropathy mostly in my feet (maybe from the chemo?). Is that enough? My doctor wants to give me a 3-4 week break, but I'm scared to stop. I can live with these side effects if it keeps me from a recurrence. I am feeling better, not quite as tired or nauseated. I'm glad I'm not the only one with the symptoms."