Just got my prescription for Letrozole. Looked at the label.
Take one every day for 5 years
Here we go.
Hi Mazz
Its difficult to imagine taking any meds for five years, in fact when I was told I had to take it for five years after which, for me at least, it will be reviewed to see if I have to continue taking it for a further five years! I actually laughed, as I thought it was a joke, when I realised the Consultant was serious I said “I’m amazed you think I will still be around in ten years!”
When I take my Letrozole, I place the tiny little pill in the middle of my hand just before I go to sleep and say to myself “All I have to do is swallow this tiny little pill tonight to remain Cancer free tomorrow!” It helps me by taking it one day at a time rather than thinking five years, which seems forever!
I did a little survey on the Forum asking those on Letrozole to say which brand of Letrozole they were taking; how long they have been taking it and had they experienced any side effects. I received a lot of replies both on the Thread and via private messages. From the data I noted that ladies who managed to find a brand that suited them ie had very few side effects, if they continued being prescribed the exact same Brand each month, they had minimal side effects, however if the Brand was changed every month by the Pharmacist, then side effects could be difficult. I also noted the Brand which seemed to produce less side effects in many was ‘Accord’ it is however the most expensive Brand and GPs have to explicitly Prescribe it otherwise Pharmacies will give patients a cheaper Brand. the time of day also seems to reduce some side effects, just before you go to sleep seems to help some. Everyone reacts differently of course, but interpreting and using the data seems to have resulted in me only experiencing the occasional hot flush when I’m in bed. Fingers crossed it remains so!
Silver6