I’m getting closer to a surgery date for a L-side mastectomy & DIEP-saw the operating consultant yesterday for the 1st time and she recommends I start on Letrozole (pending my blood tests confirm that I *am* menopausal). However, I’ve read about the nasty SE’s that some of you have experienced on Letrozole, and the one that concerns me most is the possible effect it can have on blood pressure (BP).
I am currently *not* taking any BP meds (I *was* on Ramipril for a few months earlier in the year) but negotiated with my GP that I come off it, provided that I take my BP at home (the Ramipril was giving me an awful cough)-I have to speak a lot in my job and the consistent coughing was affecting my ability to do my job, my professionalism, etc. My BP is *not* consistently high, but I do fall into the “hypertension” category; it does spike (average 140-145/85-90) when I am stressed. I was put on Ramipril during a very stressful year and felt confident that once my stress levels reduced, so would my BP-which it did, however, ever since my BC diagnosis 6 weeks ago, my BP readings have started to creep up again.
The BC nurse has advised me to see my GP (soon) to discuss my BP because they won’t operate on me if there is a risk that my BP won’t be stable throughout the 8 hour operation.
So I have two questions:
For those of you who are on Letrozole…have you noticed an increase in BP?
If yes to #1…are you on BP meds and if so, which one?
I need to discuss an alternative to Ramipril (it just wasn’t the right BP med for me given the common SE of a persistent cough) and I would love to hear what meds you are on for BP and how they interact with Letrozole.
Hi Marla
I have been on letrozole for 2 years, and my blood pressure is creeping up. Currently on 10mg of ramipril. I don’t have any side effects from it.
I don’t know how to help really, but just to confirm that letrozole can affect BP.
Sue xx
Yes, my oncologist told me not to stop taking the letrozole. It is quite challenging at times, but I will persevere.
Let’s hope the gp can find you something else to take. Your BP will need to be down for surgery.
Sue xx
I know this a little after the original post, but though I would contribute.
I am on Letrazole and monthly Zoladex injections. My BP has recently gone through the roof, so they are now monitoring me and have put me on the following meds.
6mg Perindopril
10mg Amlodopine
I will say, they are still trying to get it lower and the meds seem to keep going up. It has come down a bit, but they would like to see it lower.
Not experienced horrendous side effects, so good at the moment.
My sincere apologies for not replying sooner…this was a complete oversight and only now that I logged on today did I notice hadn’t responded.
My BP tends to be on the high side when I’m at the GP but thankfully my home readings are OK.
I’m trying to find my posting on Letrozole and bone density issues (?)…can’t find it anywhere:). I ended up having the Dexa bone scan and it revealed early signs of osteopenia (not full blown osteoporosis) and my oncologist wants me to start on a combo Vit C and D tablet, as opposed to the biphosphonates that most women take for osteoporosis. I just wondered whether anyone else had osteopenia as opposed to osteoporosis and what their regime was? I’m very mindful that we are all different and that it isn’t a one size fits all approach.
xxxx
Thanks very much for your message! I’m pleased to hear you are well-your concoction sounds familiar:) I am abroad at the moment without referral letter to hand but the D3 sounds familiar.
xxxx
Hi everyone I am new to the site. Recently diagnosed and had lumpectomy 4 weeks ago. Nodes all clear. On Letrozole coming up on three weeks. Have been offered Bisphosphonates but still decided. Had bone density scan on Thursday. Spine has just dipped into Osteopina. I’m 56. Biggest issue for me is anxiety and very low mood. Any advice gratefully received.
Sorry to hear about your osteopenia and low mood/anxiety.
I, too have osteopenia but my oncologist doesn’t seem to think I need biophos…hence the Vit C/D combo. Perhaps you can ask yours what their thoughts are on the Vit C/D combo for you?
Re-the low mood. I relate very much. I’m just trying to modify my expectations of myself and those of others (of me)…low mood is not fun but I’m willing to tolerate it I’d it means my Letrozole helps. Only time will tell on that front. I’m currently abroad and home late tomorrow but will watch this thread and reply to any other posts from Monday.
Be kind to yourself and explain to your loved ones the effect Letrozole is having on you. That way they will be hopefully be empathic.
I am taking VIT D supplement. Will speak to BN today. Oncologist offered Bis before I had bone Density. He was very clear it was being offered as part of my cancer treatment and not to treat osteoporosis but his words were ghatbis an added bonus. Seeing another oncologist on Thursday as I live in the Isle of Man and Radiotherapy is not available there so having that treatment in Northern Ireland were I am from originally. I will discuss bis with them also.
I’very recently started on Letrozole and also have to take the Adcal with it. I’ve also to have Zometa biphosphonate infusions every 6 months. I’ve not had a dexa scan so no idea if there’s any hint of osteoporosis but was told it’s to protect the bones against possible bone met. It’s adds a % to your overall survival outcome so it would seem pointless to not have it.