How many times can I change brands of Letrozole?
I started letrozole in June 2025 on the brand, Accord. Had really low mood as one of the side effects which had a big impact on me. My breast cancer nurse suggested changing brands which I did in December, to Cipla, but now I have joint pain as well as anxiety.
I know it’s early days for me and I need to keep trying but I can’t stand the thought of this for 10 years!
I feel for you! Ten years is a long time, especially when you are 70 when you start. I still have 4 more years of letrozole and the brand has been changed 3 times. Now back on Accord, which is the brand I started with. It is a vicious medication but Cancer is so much worse! 
Hi emmah2
Thank you for posting about the side effects you have experienced on letrozole.
Low mood and anxiety can be common side effects of hormone therapy and can also be a common emotional response after a diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. If you are finding it difficult to cope with how you are feeling, it is important to let your breast care nurse, treatment team, or your GP know. They can explore ways to help manage your low mood and anxiety and what local support there may be. You may also find our information on coping with breast cancer emotionally helpful.
Joint aches and pains can also be common side effects of letrozole and regular pain relief and regular exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming may help to relieve pain and joint stiffness for some people. Physiotherapy can be helpful in some cases, and you can also discuss this with your treatment team or GP who can refer you if appropriate. Others find that complementary therapies such as acupuncture can help.
It is not unusual for women to switch brands of letrozole if they are experiencing significant side effects. If switching brands does not improve your side effects and they continue to have a big impact on you, it is important to talk to your breast care nurse again. Your treatment team may suggest changing to a different aromatase inhibitor, to see if that suits you better. If there is no improvement you may be recommended another type of hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen. Your treatment team will be able to talk to you about the possible risks and benefits of doing this.
As both you and @ Darla49 say, hormone therapy is prescribed for a long time, and it is important that you are able to tolerate it with a good quality of life. For some people it can take some trial and error before they find a brand or type of hormone therapy that suits them best.
We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. We also provide an online forum for information and support. The forums are message boards where people affected by breast cancer or with breast health concerns can read about other people’s experiences and share their own if they wish to.
You can read the forums without registering but if you would like to join a discussion or start your own, find out how to get started.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re continually evaluating this service. If you want to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes,
Katy
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.