Letrozole Side Effects

[Seagulls]

Some useful suggestions from you and other people. My father always took milk of magnesia for something or other. I can’t remember what.

I don’t really have any muscle aches or joint aches. It’s my carpal tunnel that’s a problem which predates breast cancer by about ten years. I had an operation on one side which has made a big difference long term but I had excruciating nerve pain for six months after the op and could hardly use my hand during this period.

I have joined a gym, swim weekly, do circuit training, walk every day for 45 mins with our dog, walk there and back to the nursing home where my mother is living now, spend ages each week moving stuff from her empty house to the recycling tip. I am on a diet of very healthy food.

None of it stops me from feeling annoyed about being diagnosed with breast cancer again after 19 years and having a mastectomy. I had a reconstruction at the same time. It’s remarkable compared with the awful reconstructions they used to do in 2003 when I got diagnosed before. I have an aversion to hospitals going back to my childhood when my mother had postnatal psychosis and was locked up in a mental hospital in England when we lived in the Channel Islands. My brother had a lot of operations at Great Ormond Street on his club foot. We used to go and visit him and go to regular appointments there. Whether this has given me an aversion to hospitals is anyone’s guess.

The number of doctors and nurses who have proved to be murderers doesn’t inspire me to do what I am told with a happy feeling. when I see a doctor I think Harold Shipman. Nurses - there’s quite a few examples but I won’t name them. Mind you there’s a few murderers around who haven’t been doctors, and I used to see one when I worked in East London years ago. It was Denis Nilsen. He worked sometimes in an office where I was a benefits clerk. Maybe it’s best not to trust anyone.

Seagulls

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi, it took at least a year to get used to Letrozole, I used to have stiff painful knees and hip joints when I got up to go to the loo in the night and in the day if I’d been sitting for a while. I’m sorry to hear you have depression, can you speak to your breast care nurse? I found them very helpful suggesting things. I practise yoga, mindfulness and exercise at the local leisure centre and walk quite a bit. I’ve had depression too but it’s worth persevering. Hope that helps.

[Reabarnes1214]

Please read my previous posts! and try Lamberts MAGNESIUM! Letrozole is amazing but the side effects for me was unbearable joint pain. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant and a brilliant supplement!!! Google "drAxe magnnesium" and download "Vitamin k and the calcium paradox" on amazon. As I have explained in previous posts some supplements must not be taken together e.g. calcium and Magnesium as they compete for absorption so take at least 2hrs apart. Magnesium was a miracle for me!!! (I take calcium D3, b12, cod liver oil, vitC, K2 and magnesium, a good combination) My GP gives me magnesium on prescription after I educated him on supplements, GPs are taught very little about supplements in their training, when I mentioned it to my oncologist she agreed magnesium was very good..then why didn't she tell me! I had to educate myself! You have nothing to lose by trying this. Good luck!

[Seagulls]

How long did it take for you to get used to it? I am 10 stone 3 and 5ft 7ins tall so I am not overweight. 

The letrozole brand I am taking has changed to Accord but I have carpal tunnel syndrome and my left hand is really hurting.

Rest of my joints seem ok but I have bad depression and can’t see much point in going on.

Seagulls

[Surreyhillsgirl]

 Hi, I haven’t posted on here for ages, but just to say I’m over halfway through so been taking Letrozole for 5 1/2 years. I take Seven Seas Joint Care Max which works for me as I have no joint pain, just leg stiffness sometimes. Exercise and keeping my weight down (I lost 2 1/2 stones) helps a lot for me. I take Accord brand and think my body has got used to Letrozole. 

[Seagulls]

Have your side effects eased since 2013? I am wondering what happens long term as most people probably give the tablets up later or maybe not.

Seagulls

[Deryn]

Hi jacqui 

thanks for message . I’ve had to stop the aromatase inhibitors as I’ve tried them all . My hands are still agony but diarrhoea better . I’m going to try tamoxifen & see how I go .

I hope you get some relief 

Elaine xx

[WendyF]

I am now 2 years in to taking it and the night time works for me - no real ongoing side effects you sort of get used to living with joint pain and supplements help manage. My biggest issue is weight gain and inability to shift a pound even if I starve myself!  
hope you find the right balance and you can get going with your exercise - that definitely releases you happy hormones and makes life rosier. 

good luck. 

[Deborah-01]

Hi Wendy F,

i was told to take Letrozole in the morning….. now I’m wondering if i would get better sleep if i do it your way! They say the full side effects take about 5 weeks to start

I had hot flushes to begin with badly at night, that went off week 5 but now like many others I have the joint pain but cannot yet exercise,  as I’ve had major surgery on my stomach. Cant wait to do so to relieve the discomfort

[TricalGal]

I'm beginning year 3 on Letrozole and have developed an ugly reaction to most foods that I used to eat. It's not so much the taste as it is smell. Cannot tolerate most meat being cooked in kitchen now and have to go outside while hubby cooks. I'm an old retired RN who has done a ton of research over the decades and have not ever had an issue such as what I'm dealing with. Losing weight due to not eating and trying to keep protein level increased via 30g protein shakes. Any feedback is welcomed and hoped for 🙂 

[Reabarnes1214]

You are correct in mentioning MAGNESIUM, its amazing! My Gp and oncologist havnt got a clue about supplements! Calcium and d3 need magnesium and k2! Calcium competes with magnesium for absorbtion so take seperately, Readers on here please read "Vitamin k and the Calcium Paradox" excellent info on all supplements or google DrAxe magnesium!..i was in agony with bone and muscle pain, magnesium is a muscle relaxant, take morning and night, no more pain! 

[WhiteTara]

Zometa is similar to prolia and denosumab, possibly prescribed because it’s cheaper in the US, but prolia is available there, suggest you talk to your doctor about it’s availability.  It is also a 6 monthly dose while you’re on the hormone blockers.  For those aches, check out the feed on this site of letrozole users suggestions for managing this, magnesium seems to be the key supplement everyone agrees on.  Please don’t just listen to your doctor, I encourage you to do your own research, see a naturopath, a holistic GP, etc and see what works best for you, after all, you know your body better than anyone.  

[ARASAY]

Hi, 

I am taking Vitamin D+ and Calcium due to the effects of Letrozole on the bones. I have been on it for 14 months.  Every 6 months I also have an infusion of Zometa. I am in the US so it may not be a therapy available in the UK.

I have my second 3 month checkup with my oncologist tomorrow. I know that after I tell him how much pain and misery I’m in, he is going to suggest that I change aromatase inhibitors.  I assume he put me on Letrozole because he thought it was the most successful at keeping my cancer from recurring.  🤷🏼‍♀️

Sara

Mobile, Alabama

[jacqu]

Deryn

I’ve also had awful side effects, hot flushes/joint pains/trigger finger/insomnia (the worst). However I don’t know which brand is better or worse as my first box supplied was Manx, then subsequent three boxes were Accord, my latest box from chemist is Sun Pharma which I’ve not started yet as the consultant has given me a six week break due to the insomnia (I cried at my appointment I was so fed up with it all). 

Jacqu x

[Deryn]

i am on Accord but ive stopped it due to side effects. i will try another drug in 6 weeks time. my side effects are horrendous .

good luck

[Reabarnes1214]

Hi, i take 150mg of Lamberts Magnesium twice a day, morn/night (also they sell all in  one tablet) hope this helps. I get these on prescription as i explained to my Gp that taking calcium d3 works best with k2 and magnesium! 

[dotegor]

Hi, wondering what dosage of Magnesium to take whilst on Letrozole.  (I currently take D3 with K2, fish oil supplements and turmeric.) I was on calcium but my blood tests showed levels of calcium too high, so stopped taking.  My cholesterol is also now high so on statins.  Been on Letrozole since mastectomy in April.  I've read magnesium can also help with insomnia, just not sure if there are interactions with letrozole and if not, what dosage should I have. It's a minefield of info out there..! 

[TerriW]

Many thanks for that info Jan, its much appreciated.

[Reabarnes1214]

Hi TerriW, Magnesium and calcium compete with each other for absorbtion so better not to take together. I take k2, calcium D3 magnesium and a cod liver oil capsule. I found this combination very good, in fact no more muscle pain! Please read "Vitamin k2 and the Calcium Paradox" book, its Amazing..good luck, Jan

[TerriW]

Hello 

I've just come on to the forum to read about aromatase inhibitor side effects and saw your post. Was wondering what is the reason that you need to leave 2/3 hours between taking vit D and magnesium supplements?

many thanks

Terri

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi, there,

I've been on Letrozole for 4 years now and can honestly say that Vitamin D, Glucosamine and fish oil capsules plus  weight bearing exercise have worked wonders for the joint pain I experienced for the first year or so on Letrozole. I used to take Turmeric too but it gave me heartburn eventually so had to stop it.

[Guest user]

I take mine at night (when I get into bed) started off in the morning but found it drained me - the nighttime regime is far better.
I started taking Letrozole in April yes life is a little different but nothing that I cannot live with and most of the side effects seem to have subsided or I have found a way to manage them.

I was scared at first worried sick that being on this medication would be the 'end' I think (well for me) is to not overthink what you read (be aware, yes) but do not let your imagine convince you that these pills (or any meds come to that) will ruin your life.
Of course, I would rather not be on them - just as I wish I did not have breast cancer needing chemo, surgery and rads but I did/do...life has a way of upsetting the apple cart.

Please try not to be petrified I know I was totally overwhelmed by ALL of the info I received when first diagnosed I would come home feeling more worried about the treatment than cancer.
Once you get started and begin to experience for yourself things will become clearer.

Lots of HUGE Hugs

Poppy xx

[Kookaburra Blue]

Thanks Wendy, I appreciate your message.  I’ve over researched and now I’m petrified. Great to hear about taking at night time.  Take care.  

[Kookaburra Blue]

It’s so good to hear about your last week.  I’ve just had a full hysterectomy last week and need to start taking medication this week.  I’m pretty fatigued after 5 ops in the last year.  I’m emotional at the moment….it’s good to hear my concerns are commons.  Thanks for sharing. 

[WhiteTara]

I’ve been taking letrozole for 2.5 years.  No side effects thanks to magnesium supps.  Initial BMD scan 2.5 years ago showed osteoporosis which was a shock.  I was determined to reverse this and have achieved this with regular jumping and skipping exercises while holding weights and, of course, regular calcium and D supps.  So osteoporosis is now back to osteopenia, which I’m stoked about.  

[WendyF]

Hi there

i have been on Letrozole 6 months now. In early days I did get joint pain but I added vitamin D and glaucosimin and also had a 2 week stint on acupuncture. These last few months I am back to normal with only the usual older age joint pain it’s definitely experimenting. 

wendy 

[Sandpiper]

Hi,

Have been on Letrozole for two and half years and haven't had any problems with bone or joint pain. Bone density scans (which aren't at all scary) are recommended around the beginning of treatment, for a base line reading, and every two years after, while you're on it. This is because letrozole can make bones weaker because it lowers oestrogen. My bone density was low, osteopenia and osteoporosis, ((I had no idea) so I have needed to take Alendronic Acid tablet weekly and daily Calcium/vit D supplement to counteract it. This had helped and my last scan showed an improvement. My GP originally referred me for my first bone density scan as the hospital hadn't mentioned it - it was only that I had read up about it.

Anyway, I wish you well with your journey and hope that letrozole suits you.

Sandpiper

x

[ing2021]

I am just starting Letrozole. I have only been on it for a week. I've had a headache on and off with some nausea but nothing crazy.

I was very hesitant to the point of almost not taking the med at all due to the side effects. I wanted to know when did you start to notice the joint and bone pain? I honestly have other concerns too but I'll start with this.

[Donna654]

I’ve been on Letrozole for 18 months. My main complaint was throbbing pain in my body all night. My oncologist told me to take Turmeric for the pain. I’m taking 2000 per day. I also take Magnesium and Fish Oil at the suggestion of others who take Letrozole. It really has helped.

[rosemaria]

Hi Poppy

not only me then

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi, 

If it was evidence based practice ( and I am a retired Registered Nurse so know a lot about this) then it would be standard practice across the UK for Oncologists to prescribe Vitamin D and calcium. They do not. Partly as they can be bought as OTC (over the counter) tablets or online. The NHS conducts audits to ensure practise is evidence based, this is quite rigorous. It is of course up to us as people who have had cancer to read up as much as we can to optimise our health and believe me, I have done this and still do. I find your comment quite rude.  
Regarding Oncology follow ups, my last one was telephonic and I wasn’t impressed as the copy GP letter I received didn’t reflect accurately what we had discussed. My next one due shortly is also telephonic. They are yearly.  I agree a physical examination in a face to face appointment is much better, but Covid19 has affected so much. 

[YvonneS]

Hi Cumbrian and Surrey:

Having this forum shows that treatments and monitoring vary across the country.  Also, treatments are individualized. I did have one telehealth visit shortly after the first Covid lockdown, but my medical oncologist recommended an in-person visit a few months later with Covid precautions in place.

Notwithstanding the variations in doctor visits, research shows that Vitamin D and Calcium are necessary to prevent bone density deterioration. No matter how healthy we eat, with Letrozole known to negatively impact bone density, supplementation is recommended to combat the effects, so we can have good bone health at the end of the treatment.

Additionally, we have to advocate for our care especially when we have concerns. Expressing these concerns does not mean we not thankful, it means we want optimum care to promote our overall wellness. Recently, my 82-year old mom was sick with pneumonia (not Covid related) and was on a ventilator for about 5 days. She survived and is recovering. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I had to speak up at the hospital, and at the Nursing Home where she had rehabilitation before coming home. 

Best wishes to you all as you continue your treatments, and seek the best solutions for your care. Blessings, always.

[Kitkat23]

Hi surrey

its not a debate....it’s evidence based practice to prescribe a combined vitamin D3 and calcium Supplement.......you just need to  do a basic search of the literature to see this.  So having a good dietary intake in itself is not enough.
I do agree however that 6 monthly check up are definitely not standard care.

[Guest user]

Hi @YvonneS Seems to be different treatment times around the country, I am not going to see any of my treatment team every six months, in fact, all of my oncology appointments have been via telephone because of Covid which has made information gathering about my own specific case very difficult.

Yes, I have read all the leaflets provided and searched online but it is not the same as being able to sit face to face with your oncologist and ask those relevant questions specific to me.

I am on Letrozole started 6 weeks ago, again nothing but a leaflet, bone scan before I started them, and the promise of Vit D at the end of rads - if not for places like this I would have been largely in the dark. I accept GPs, Doctors etc need to be Covid safe, (but the nurses have worked through it) albeit wearing their masks and whatever - but they are seeing patients face to face...cancer is not something to be left for the patients to have to go searching for info, coming to terms with the illness is bad enough.
Don't get me wrong I am grateful that all my treatment went ahead but there have been HUGE gaps in the information and help I have received especially as I have gone through all of my diagnosis and treatment alone.

Poppy xx

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi Yvonne,

Just to add to this debate that Vitamin D and calcium as you say are necessary for bone health, but ensuring you have a good dietary intake should be enough. Regular weight bearing exercise is important too, as is avoiding smoking and excess alcohol. Vitamin supplements aren't the go to.

6 monthly checks by oncologists aren't standard care,  at least not where I live. Perhaps this is different in your area.

[rosemaria]

Hi Yvonne

thanks for you message. I had one bone density scan at the end of 2019 6 months after start of Letrozole treatment and nothing since. No advice and only 1 CT scan Feb 2020 and 1 ultrasound Feb this year.

I will be taking the clinic to task on the 29th next week as I am really cross with being dismissed by the nurses who never seem to be available when 

[YvonneS]

Hi Rosemarie:

I am surprised too that you were not told about Vitamin D and Calcium. Letrozole negatively impacts bone density. You should have had a bone density test prior to the beginning of your Letrozole treatment. The medical oncologist renews the test about every 2 years to see how your bones are doing from the last test results. The goal is to avoid osteoporosis.

I see my medical oncologist every 6 months to monitor my Letrozole, and my surgical oncologist every 6 months as well. I believe that is standard care for breast cancer survivors, so please look into it.

At this point, Covid should not be an excuse to see your doctor in person. I hope you are able to take care of this, and I wish you the very best.

[WhiteTara]

I’ve had no joint pain nor arthritis since having celery juice on an empty stomach every morning for 2 years now.  Good quality magnesium supplements a must along with calcium and vitamin d.  Don’t rely on your doctor, always back up any advice with your own research.  Compliment with an holistic GP. Best wishes 

[Kitkat23]

Hi Rosemaria 

All the ladies i know on letrozole ( myself included) take a combined vit D3 and calcium supplement .....maybe ask if you need the calcium as well? 

Take care 

[rosemaria]

Hi there,

just had a conversation with my GP who said my Vitamin D levels are extremely low (21) and has prescribed a massive boost that I have to take for three months only 1 tablet per week. Apparently I am also anaemic.

I only know because my GP insisted on a blood test, and he said we should all be monitored every 3 -6 months. He thought this was done automatically by the clinic.

He was not impressed that neither the oncologist nor the clinic nurses mentioned the need to take vitamin supplements during treatment with Letrozole and that I haven’t seen an oncologist for a year, all I get told is that I am “responding well” to treatment. How would they know as a telephone call by a nurse is useless and it was based on an ultrasound at the beginning of the year. I have never received anything in writing. 
Still, I suppose I mustn’t complain as there are people out there that are worse off and have had their treatment stopped. I think if I hear “it’s the covid” once more as an excuse for the NHS doing nothing, I shall scream!

[rosemaria]

Sorry, didn’t get the message. Please try again. Thanks.

[Reabarnes1214]

Sheena67..ive sent a msg to you but i think its send private!?

[sheena67]

Please can you educate me too because I cannot deal with pain off joint pain especially in my fingers I'm taking multivitamins and minerals along with fish oil but it's useless. Cannot do anything my whole body aches mainly all my fingers and lower legs. 

[Reabarnes1214]

Hi, please google DR AXE very helpful on vitamins! Magnesium will help with your joint pain! The reason i get my vitamins on prescription is because i had to educate my GP!!! They know very little about how a combination of vitamins work together. I did a lot of research and so glad i did as i am now pain free. Good luck

[Reabarnes1214]

Hi, it is so annoying GPs and my oncologist never mentioned how important it is to take supplements while on Letrizole. I had to do my own research! I have been on Letrozole for 6yrs now with NO problems since i started taking calcium D3, K2 and Magnesium. (I had severe side effects in the 1st year and now free from pain!) Please google DR AXE on these amazing supplements especially Magnesium and remember to leave 2hrs between taking them. Good luck!

[rosemaria]

Hi, have been taking Letrozole since August 2019 and the side effects have got progressively worse, so I can hardly walk due to joint pain. I have not seen my consultant since February 2020 and when I have raised issues with the team at my local clinic I get fobbed off. My GP recently had blood tests done due to hair loss and gout-like symptoms and found I was suffering from Vitamin D deficiency and am now anaemic. This side effect of low estrogen was never mentioned and there is nothing in the leaflet that comes with the medication.

The Americans have been aware for at least 10 years that Letrozole can cause gout-like symptoms and vitamin deficiency. Why aren’t we kept informed?

I am due to see my consultant at the end of April so hopefully I’ll get some clarification 

[WendyF]

I was worried too about starting Letrozole and scared myself reading too much on side effects. I started 4 weeks ago and also started taking vit D at same time.  I was washed out in week 1 and could barely do anything but I had my COVID jab earlier in week so could have been a result of both things. Since then I have been fine and can’t really claim to have any noticeable side effects. I am doing daily exercise and Pilates stretching on demand which helps me. 
I will keep aware of the joint pain side. I take my tablet at night as I was advised that would mitigate any big hot flush impacts. I am sleeping heavier than I ever have. 
good luck with your journey. 

[doablejud]

I'm on letrozole for over 7 months now after a metastasis op.  I had Tamoxifen which was perfectly okay for me after mastectomy but as my Oncologist commented it did not worked well as it came back to my axillary lymph nodes after 4 years.  

I experienced the following:. Sudden ankle pain when walking but not all the time, it will recur at times, right hip pain similar to wrist pain recurring. When those pain happens I would be on the floor if I don't stop walking, that severe.  But it take only minutes when it happens & gone.  I had also a severe psoriasis on my face & neck & difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep.  Tiredness was bad.   I have wrinkles & dry skin, but I'm 64 so I don't fret with that. Just few days ago I noticed my toe nails are flaking.

I have osteoporosis diagnosed few years ago & Im in Prolia injection after a year of my osteo.  Prolia is 6 monthly injection.   

I'm in Vitamin D3, Calcium, Vitamin C, Magnesium & zinc.  It's too much to remember, through research of my own I'm  on Ultra Vitamin B complex & dropped magnesium since Bcomplex has enough magnesium & if I haven't eaten I won't worry taking my calcium too.

Now My pains gone maybe because of PROLIA,  my psoriasis controllable because if ELEUPHRAT, my sleep is sound because of PHENERGAN & taking Letrozole in the morning instead at night.    My tiredness negligible now maybe because if my VITAMIN B COMPLEX.  My skin I use liberally SOBOLENE moisturiser which is very effective for my dry skin.

My doc has some hit & miss prescription.  The worst was Tramadol Rapid.  I was throwing up & dizzy.

Through my demand to get doc referral to get MRI when I have pains,  I had discovered more, I have bulging disk.

Now I'm ok. I was back at work after few months on leave.  My tiredness still occur when I lack some sleep.  All I need now is regular exercise which I'm too lazy & unmotivated. I'm not big I'm just 52kg & 152cm tall.

I think, LETROZOLE is good.  It only needs some other means to ease side effects.  By itself, is a struggle.  Also taking Vitamins on a certain time & no contradiction with another supplement (i.e. V-B must be taken in the morning first thing on an empty stomach), to make it useful for the body systems.

Research on the net & see to it in  reliable sources.

It's doable! 

[YvonneS]

Reabarnes:

Thanks for your information, I did not know they have magnesium vitamins prescribed. I will speak to my medical oncologist about it. I do have severe joint pain from my shoulders to hips, thighs, feet, and hands. In an earlier post, I had shared how massage therapy and exercise had helped greatly. However, with the Covid Pandemic, I had to stop my massages, and it shows. I was happy to hear your story about vitamins that work, and even though our bodies react differently, it is still good news. Best wishes to you, and thanks very much.