I was put on Letrozole 4 days ago and have not experienced any side effects. Am I lucky or do I have to be on the drug for a certain amount of time before they kick in?
Hi AJT
I’m on anastrozole but it’s the same category of AIs so maybe my view will help. Side effects are always listed to protect the manufacturer and maybe, to a small degree, to alert us. The list always scares the wits out of those who read it. Oncologists warn us of the most common side effects as it’s their responsibility BUT most people don’t get any side effects or just mild ones.
I have blamed anastrozole, or my brand of anastrozole, for the awful side effects that set in after I changed from a hospital to a GP prescription and got a different brand. But three months with barely noticeable SEs and a sudden onset? It didn’t make much sense. I came off anastrozole for a month - it made no difference. So what I’m suffering from is nothing to do with it. It’s caused by the zoledronate treatment I have every 6 months - all ties in perfectly. My point is, if we expect side effects, we think we’ve got them. If something goes wrong, we blame the AI rather than looking for the real causes.
Relax, enjoy your SE-free experience. You may notice some changes as it builds up in your system. But you may not. If you do and it gets in the way of life, try a change of brand a couple of times because, although pharmacists and oncologists say it makes no sense, breast care nurses accept anecdotal evidence, from their patients. Science v women. Who to believe? Hmmm.
Good luck now you’re at the end of your treatment.
Jan x
Hi
I’ve been on Letrozole for 7.5 months now(wow that’s gone quick), I had nothing for 3 months and then just got an aching shoulder and an uncomfortable left hip which has nearly sorted itself out now. I have the odd hot flush but have not had anything that I have needed to take painkillers for. In fact I barely register my achy hip now, so don’t worry side effects if any can be very mild and don’t intefere with daily life.
Joemic x