Brand of Letrozole

Going through breast cancer treatment Hormone therapy
21

Hello all. I’ve been following this discussion on Letrozole brand as I was prescribed it 5 months ago after switching from Tamoxifen. (Now confirmed post menopausal after surgery, chemotherapy , radiation and two years Tamoxifen)

To be honest I was a little sceptical that brand made a difference, however after starting off on Teva brand (cheap I believe) I started with the aching joints nausea and slight flushes. After doing a bit of research I asked my chemist to supply the Sandoz brand of which he had a couple of packets in stock. Managed about three months on that and I found it much easier on the body. The chemist then explained he couldn’t obtain Sandoz any more and offered me the Accord brand (told him I definitely didn’t want Teva!) Having read this forum people seem to find the Accord brand easier to take but guess what five days into taking this brand I’ve started with dry eyes, nausea in the morning, aching hips, shoulders and rigid fingers in the morning!! Feeling like I’ve done three rounds with Mike Tyson!!!

So yes it looks like brands DO make a difference.

I am going to contact chemist today and ask how I go about sourcing the Sandoz brand again. I’ve read that Sandoz is the most similar to the original Femara but it is more expensive than Teva,Accord etc. 

Wish me luck!!! I can see I’ve a battle on my hands. ? 

 

22

Hi, 

not sure if this thread is old…I am from the states and just am into my 3rd month of letrozole.  I know it’s generic for femara, however, had no idea the different brands/makers of this.  I just now checked and mine is aurobindo, from a aurobindo pharmacy in New Jersey, but it’s made in India.  So, for 10 weeks in, I do have horrible sweats, mostly my face…lol.  I don’t know why.  One or two bad night sweats.  Not sure if this is just the beginning of things to come.  I have heard that sometimes it takes 5-6 months to really see what’s going to happen.   Oh, I have gained weight.  About 3 pounds already.  Just dreading everything about this.  Hoping this is as bad as it gets.  But…if not, at least now I know to ask for a different maker!   Thanks so much.  Wishing you all the best!!!

Tracey

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Edit to add…I have extreme exhaustion.  Like have to lie down after I come home from work.  Even caffeine doesn’t help.  I have been trying to walk/exercise more to combat the exhaustion, but it’s rough.  But I am trying…