Morning everyone. I don’t post on here much but do visit often. I have been taking Anastrozole for 4 months and to start with everything was ok. I have suffered with Irritable Bowel Syndrome for many years and it has often flared up and then settled again, but 2 weeks ago I got an awful upset tummy that started everytime I ate something also feeling sick has not helped… It has still not settled and am now wondering if it could be the tablets causing it. I went too my GP last week and had blood tests done and they have come back ok. Still waiting for the results of a stool sample. I was given tablets but they have been of little help. Has anyone else experienced this while taking Anastrozole? Any advice would be very gratefully received. xx
Hi Libby,
I am really sorry to hear you are experiencing an upset tummy and I am sure any users who have similar experiences will be along soon to offer support.
You may want to look at our page on Anastrozole here. You can also download our leaflet here.
In the meantime please do call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 who will be able to talk through any questions you have and offer a friendly ear. The opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Wednesday 9am-7pm
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi Libby. I have been looking at the side effects online recently as I have been waking up unbearably hot and dripping with sweat…however I also saw on side effects list that some women will get diarrhoea and nausea.
I suggest you contact your BC nurse as I would think she will have had women complaining of this before and she might have some good advice.
I hope it has already settled down by the time you read this.
All the best,
Pat xx
Hi I started these tablets 11/2 months ago, having been through most of the other hormones! I have been diagnosed with IBS some years ago and discovered I have a lactose intolerance. Last week I decided to look at the patient information sheet as I again have so many side effects and feeling rotten, and surprise the tablets contain lactose. I have terrible flare up of my joints, sleeplessness, nausea, and upset stomach with my IBS symptoms, luckily will be seeing my oncologist on Monday! I take Buscopan for my IBS symptoms, they seem to take the edge off of symptoms, you can buy at the pharmacy or prescription from GP. Hope this helps?
Just wondered if anyone on anastrazole has noticed their hair getting very dry. Mine seems very strawy?
thanks, sue
Thanks soi. Might try that x
I’ve only been on anastrozole for a week I know but don’t feel right at all…ibs keeping me in the loo all morning and nausea and dizziness.hasn’t thought about having this to deal with on top of everything else! This is my first week of hormone treatment.
Hi Treeze. I’ve just completed month one of Anastrazole. The first couple of weeks I felt nauseous, had an upset stomach and my old friend vertigo came back. However, that has now passed, other than some speedy trips to loo every now and then. The hot flushes have started to increase now (I was at the tail end of menopause when I was diagnosed) but I’m hoping that may improve. I’m mid rads, which probably isn’t helping my emotional state. I think my BC nurse was right when she warned me my head would start to catch up with what’s happened, so I am going to persevere a little longer. Xx
Hi Janet…thank you that reassures me a bit and hoping it’s just temporary.knowing myself well I know that the bits people don’t expect you to be strong on, I am kinda…like the diagnosis, chemo etc but it will be having to be on drugs longterm and the side effects that people don’t know/don’t ask about that will be the things that grind me down.its just finding a way to live with things.thanks for replying x
With you completely on that one Treeze. Taking these drugs has been my biggest worry throughout this whole thing! X
Yes I don’t normally even like taking paracetamol! I agree with what your bc nurse said…I think my head is now catching up x
Thanks Sue…feeling quite breathless on them as I’m asthmatic but finding the main thing is the…ahem…toilet issues.As anastrozole contains lactose with my ibs I’m in and out of the loo as soon as I’m up for about an hour.so far I’ve been ok after that but it’s clearly the lactose as I’ve had that issue before.I’m taking the tablets at night as I’d rather have this issue first thing in the morning than later in the day.if I’m staying over at someone’s or out early I won’t take one as its too unpleasant.do all hormone blockers contain lactose? Wondering if theres one that wouldn’t do this this
Thank you that’s very useful information
Thank you Magical. That is really helpful. I am taking at night still Treeze. 5 weeks in there has started to be an improvement finally, although the mornings are definitely worse for loo! Xx
Thank you! All advice gratefully received. Definitely throbbing today but have tucked off the last one of 15 today, with a week of boosters starting tomorrow. how are you doing? Xx
That is good news and I’m very glad you’re still on the forum. Your magical words of wisdom are great when they appear, so thank you xx
No idea what’s going on with me and just wondered if other people experience this(someone must!) As I’ve said I’ve been on anastrozole just over a week but this pain/discomfort thing in my ribs and across my back started a few days before so don’t know if it’s worse now on anastrozole or its not related.I’m ok sitting but walking round shops and generally standing/walking around I feel a tightness round my ribs and upper back and a breathlessness…I am asthmatic…that wears me out as if I’ve been running and makes me feel panicky and short of patience as I just want to drop forward…all fours would be good!it’s very trying and puts me off going anywhere.I haven’t noticed pain yet in joints although early days…it’s just that and the toilet thing!Think it’s elevating my heart rate as I feel so out of puff…dont want a bra on as the strap across my back just adds to backache.I’ve been breathless off and on throughout chemo and my last one was 4 weeks ago but felt more able to walk and do housework then than I can now! Is this common and is it likely the chemo or hormone pills or just everything?! I’m used to doing loads of walking but now I need to rest after about ten minutes.x
Oh Treeze that sounds horrible. Go and see doctor and get checked out and hopefully offered some support to build you up again. xc
I’m having my surgery next week so as i’ll be out of action for some time might wait to see how I feel after I guess x
They definitely need to get you as fit as possible for surgery. I think “everything” has a lot to answer for but would definitely get checked out before xx