Hello everyone. I had a double mastectomy in September last year. It was ER positive and the sentinel lymph node biopsy was negative. Fortunately, I did not need radiotherapy or chemotherapy. I have been on Letrozole since then and I have requested the Accord brand. My pharmacist now tells me today that he can no longer get Accord Letrozole and has got Cipla instead. Worried about changing brand as side effects have not been too bad on Accord. Is anyone else taking Cipla and how are you managing? Any advice much appreciated.
You could try taking the prescription to another pharmacist or at least enquiring if they will provide that particular brand. I believe Boots can be good for getting a regular brand.
I get mine from Boots and my prescription is marked accord … I have had cipra a few times and just can’t tolerate it’s side effects …but everyone is different.
Do stand firm as it’s a long haul treatment and you need to be able to cope.
Hugs
Hi, I don’t come on forum much but I started on letrozole in January and other than stiff joints, was Ok with it. But recently my brand changed from Manx to Cipla and since then I have had so much pain in my wrists and thumbs in particular. I can hardly do anything some days. I have spoken to my pharmacist who has been great and now tried Teva, which were the worst and Actavis, which weren’t too bad. Think I will ask if I can try Accord as so many of you seem to be OK with them and may try Boots chemist instead. Hoping this all settles soon as it’s really been getting me down. Also, I’ve heard Magnesium can help. Has anyone tried tablets or Epsom salt bath? Thanks x
Hi everyone. I have been taking Letrozole since 2012. Initially I was given Activas but the side effects were unbearable. My GP advised me to speak to the pharmacist at my local Cohens chemist. She was very understanding and agreed that there definitely is a difference in the side effects of different brands. She suggested changing to Sandoz, and apart from constipation (controlled by a very high fibre diet) I have had no other problems. Sandoz is not easy to come by and my pharmacy goes the extra mile to ensure that they source a supplier, even though the original pharmacist has left. My advise to anyone is to persist until you find a brand that suits you and don’t let anyone tell you there is no difference. There is. The side effects of the trauma and treatment our bodies have been through is enough without having to put up with side effects of hormone therapy unnecessarily. Also, when you find a brand that suits you find a chemist that will make sure they always have it in stock.
The brand does have a lot of difference …I have Accord and seem to be ok on that. Cipra for me was dreadful …I think (?) Sandoz is made by the original brand of femera ( which is out of licence now) and so is probably a good option.
Previously I took tamoxifen and arimidex and both times was lucky to have the original brand not a generic …it’s the bonding agent that is used that causes the side effects …the letrozole dose itself is the same .
Hi Jo,I had similar experience trying to get Teva Tamoxifen. -in the end Boots pharmacist agreed to order it for me and was very helpful - they get rated regularly on their performance so are keen to be helpful .Did you speak directly to the pharmacist in Boots - if not may be worth going in at a quiet time and having a chat .The small chemists are very restricted in who they buy their drugs from .Good luck .Jill.
Hi I’ve just been prescribed Letrozole for 10years, had mx 10 days ago and no lymph node involvement and no other treatment, I have read with interest the differing side effects, I’ve got Accord brand for my first prescription. I am post menopause ( had hysterectomy 10 years ago) so hoping I won’t get a return of those symptoms x
Hi ladies, I had my cancer removed in 2016 plus my nodes. First year mammogram came back clear. I have been put on letrozole and I just feel ill. I asked to go off it but was told no as it stops the cancer returning. But how do we live feeling crap all the time.
I am tired, feel down, joint pains, hair thinning. Anxious. My get up and go has gone.
Plus my head feels funny most days. I don’t know what to do.
Daisy have you asked about switching to Tamoxifen or one of the other meds, they may suit you better ? Also have you tried different brands to see if that makes any difference ? Good luck ,it’s totally miserable feeling rubbish all the time.
I have been swapped onto Extemestane from Letrozole after experiencing horrendous pain and swelling in my hands. My feet are affected to but not so bad as my hands.
Today I can see my knuckles & some wrinkles never been so happy to see wrinkles I can tell you! Not as they where but a lot better.
Aswell as changing meds, I read up a lot on alternative ways to treat joint pain naturally as i really didn’t want to be taking more medication. So I started on Tumeric with Bioperine 6 weeks ago but what I think for me has made the bigges difference is Red LED light therapy, I use it as a mask after facial at work (beauty) so I thought well ive nothing to loose in trying it. I can feel a difference straight after using it my fingers are not as tight !
You can use LED LIGHT THERAPY ANYWHERE ON THE BODY SAFELY
If you google it you will see plenty of links where you can get one for your self Amazon sell them bit expensive but Ive found it a very helpful with the inflammation!
Just sending you a hug Celia and understanding your frustration .There most definately is a difference between brands -it’s not pychological .And having 2 boobs of a similar size is not " cosmetic "
Well tomorrow I’m asking for my repeat prescription with a request that they’ve dont mess with the brand, last time i rang the surgery they argued the toss that they had been on a course and it wasn’t true that different brands give fewer side effects!
Well what experience do they actually have if taking them! What puts them in this position that they can tell us this?
