Hi all,
I’ve been taking Letrozole for about four months, but for the last month or so my joints have started to make clicking/cracking sounds, really quite loud at times! It happens to my knees, ankles, wrists and fingers.
I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else? I’m due to go for a bone density scan this week, so I will mention it.
Thanks.
Hi,
I have the same issue with the thumb on my right hand. The joint is sore and swollen, and clicks when I straighten it. It’s worse in the morning, I can’t even bend it most of the time. It also seizes up in the night. I’ve started to use a small lavender pillow that I heat in the microwave and wrap it around the joint. My right knee is painful sometimes. I can’t walk that far, but I go to the gym a couple of times a week, which alleviates it a little.
I started Letrozole 16 months ago, so I assume that’s the reason my joints are achy, and clicking etc. A friend suggested taking a turmeric and ginger supplement. I started them about a week ago. Too soon to say if they help.
As long as I take turmeric everything seems fine. I know that there was some controversy on here re turmeric and letrozole so I went to the chemist and asked the pharmacist. She couldn’t find any reason not to take it.
Hi, Sunshine7 and Flowers and bees, I have had a mastectomy, lymph node clearance, chemo and radiotheraphy and have been on Letrozole for 5 years now (another 5 years to go !!!) When I started Letrozole I had excruciating pains in my knees and legs. So bad that my oncologist sent me to a rheumatologist and I was given a MRI scan. Nothing was seen so it was decided it must be the Letrozole. I was taken off it for about 4 weeks while the pain subsided. I then went back on the Letrozole and I was ok. My joints ached a little but it was quite bearable.
I have at times had my knee joints crack when going up the stairs. Sometimes my elbow aches, especially when I wake up - it feels as if I have been hitting it against a brick wall. However the pain subsides reasonably quickly. I sometimes find my finger is bent and I physically have to pull it straight.( I think this might be something I have heard called trigger finger.)
A lady I spoke with during chemo had this and had a splint to straighten her finger for a while, apparently it worked for her.
However after 5 years I am finding my knee joints very very painful when going up and down stairs. I can walk ok just not put pressure on my knees. I find it really difficult to stand and bend my knees or get up from a low armchair. Actually I see my oncologist in about 10 days time so I will see what he suggests. I do not want to stop this little tablet as I feel I want to do all I can to keep the cancer away.
I do wish you both well. Take care.
Sunshine 21
I’ve been taking letrozole for almost 5 years and I notice after a walk my knees do make a cracking sound. Only rarely do my feet make a cracking sound. Hope this helps.
I’m on anastrazole which I believe is similar in action to letrazole. Sounds as though your side effects are worse. My knees are very painful. I have mentioned before on this forum that different brands can make a difference to how bad the side effects are. Have you got a helpful pharmacist?
I’ve been on it for 5 years now and due to change to tamoxifen in december. Be interesting to see what happens. I used to get trigger finger in the beginning, but it cleared up. I do hope things improve for you. All best wishes.
Hi, I changed from Letrozole to Exemestane and have seen some improvements, particularly with my hands. You could ask to try it. Good luck
I have no idea of the efficacy of either Letrozole or Anastrozole for cancer prevention. However, what I do know is that for me the side effects are intolerable. I find them dirty drugs which I gave up after a few months. Frankly, couldn’t see the point of living as the person they turned me into - crippled, depressed, overweight lump of tiredness. Gave them up four years ago.
Hi Flowersandbees,
I was hoping the symptoms will subside after another couple of months, but you still have joint discomfort 16 months on.
I do hope the turmeric and ginger help you.
Hi irenko,
Someone else has mentioned turmeric, so I’m going to try it myself.
Thanks.
Hi sunshine21,
You’ve given me hope that the clicking and cracking in my joints will eventually subside.
I don’t want to stop taking the tablet either, as putting up with the odd side effect is little price to pay to keep away the cancer.
Wishing you well too x
Hi Darla49,
I suppose that’s not too bad after taking it for almost 5 years, I’m hoping my symptoms will subside as my body gets used to the medication.
Thanks.
Hi soos,
Fortunately I don’t get pain with the cracking and clicking, it’s just annoying more than anything.
You’ve made a good point about the different brands, as I’ve just realised the first couple of months of Letrozole were a different brand to the one I have now. it’s since I started on the new brand that the joint issue started.
My prescription had been sent to a different pharmacy, so I’ll make sure its sent to my usual one next time.
Thanks and take care.
Thanks laneycass, I’ll keep that in mind.
Hi teddy271,
I’m so sorry the side effects of the tablet were so bad that you had to give it up.
Wishing you well.
Best wishes Sunshine7 and everyone. Hope the issues resolve for you.
I came off it and all my aches and pains came back hence my checking at the chemist. Makes such a difference
Hi there @sunshine7 ,
I had an appointment yesterday and having got the clearance to take Tumeric by my oncologist the pharmacist did a detailed look and analysis on vitamins supplements I am taking which included Tumeric. Otherwise I am on anastrozole zoladex zometa and abemaciclib.
He advised no to tumeric as it will interfere with medication. Also said a firm no to any high dose of Vitamin C.
For joints I have been advised to take Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate instead.
Just wanted to warn others as I have read conflicting view points here.