Glucosamine Decreasing Effectiness of Anastrozole

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mcp21
mcp21 Member Posts: 6
edited January 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have been on Anastrozole for almost 7 years. I have been hearing different news on mixing it with Glucosamine. The concern is decreasing the effective of Anastrozole. But, no one seems to really agree. My oncologist said to take Glucosamine instead of  Curcamin. However, WEBMD states  it is not safe to do so. What to do??? I took it for 1 week and started getting symptoms of sore breasts like pre-menstrual. Very Scary. I see nothing that Curcamin causes a problem. So opposite of what Oncologist says. Ummm...  Does anyone know of concrete info on mixing the two?  My experience has been Pharmacists  seem to be more educated in drug interactions.  Thanks

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2018

    I think the problem is that neither has been studied... which is frustr

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2018

    This study showed it did not increase estradiol levels and did help with pain

    Discussion

    In this phase II clinical trial of glucosamine and chondroitin to treat moderate-to-severe aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain, we observed that 46.2 % of participants reported a clinically meaningful response after 6 months, as assessed by the OMERACT-OARSI criteria. After 3 months, approximately 50 % of participants self-reported a ≥20 % improvement in pain, stiffness, and function in their hips/knees and hands/wrists, and approximately one third of participants demonstrated ≥20 % improvement in clinically measured grip strength; these improvements were maintained at 6 months. The intervention was well-tolerated with minimal toxicities. Reassuringly, we did not observe an increase in serum estradiol with glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation. Changes in estradiol were assessed to ensure that glucosamine and chondroitin did not interfere with the anti-tumor effects of aromatase inhibitors.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC38106...



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2018

    I had to take a pill with glucosamine in it for my autoimmune while on anastrozole. On Anastrozole, I became NED and stayed that way for about 4 years. At stage 4, to get that long of NED is really good. Maybe I would have gone longer without the glucosamine, but we aren't just our cancers. We have to juggle what is best for the whole body. If I came off the pill with glucosamine and other things in it for my autoimmune, I would have been curled in a ball crying from the pain.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2018

    Glad to see the Glucosamine did not increase estradiol levels. I wish there were some long term studies on effects on recurrence rates, etc. That being said, quality of life matters. The ability to exercise matters. If taking either of these enables you to stay on the medication rather than quitting, that’s a good thing. Just be sure your oncologist knows and you have s discussion with him/her about it

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  • mcp21
    mcp21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2018

    Thank you all so much for all the information.  The use of Arimidex has  been doable for me, THANKFULLY!  It was very bad in the beginning but is better now. Maybe I forgot how good I use to feel before Arimidex ...  I actually injured my hip (over exercise & yard work) and wanted to take the Turmeric/Curcamin for pain. This herb has so many beneficial results for so many health issues. It was my oncologist that stated it had soy products in it, but I can't find that in any of my research. I am terrified over the fact that my breasts suddenly became bloated and sore after taking those two. Hot flashes back too. I am far past any of that in age. Although hot flashes at times are part of the Arimidex. Does anyone know of research on this herb?  I also had Uterine Cancer, (hormone induced also) so I am a bit more scared of both because of that. I guess I will introduce (Turmeric & Glucosamine)   one at a time in a few weeks to see which one caused the hormone issues. 

    Again Thanks So Much

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2018

    You can buy turmeric in the spice aisle and sprinkle it on your food if the possibility of soy products is the concern (these days, concentrates like soy protein isolate are still not recommended, but dietary soy like tofu appears to be okay in moderation). My curcumin brand (approved by my naturopathic doc and MO) is marked soy-free, Thorne Research Meriva-SF.

    They also allow glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM. That said, each of us has different considerations. I'm on tamoxifen, not an AI, and have not had uterine cancer.

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  • mcp21
    mcp21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2018

    Yes, mine are Soy Free too, but Turmeric has a tiny amount naturally I have been told. Isoflavones may have been my problem. I was taking it in pill form and from the very helpful articles I have read on this site they do not consider if safe in pill form. Exactly what my Oncologist said 8 years ago. I thought it was safe because it was a homeopathic all natural supplement. Little did I know at the time it was not. I really want to be careful with the soy intake.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2018

    Here is a new article on herb-drug interactions...

    https://www.empr.com/news/prescription-medicine-he...

    Also, First my MO told me to take glucosomine, then she pedaled back and said don’t take it.



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  • mcp21
    mcp21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2018

    Thank You! I appreciate any and all info

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2018

    You're welcome! I also saw a link at that same website that says glucosamine can cause oculular pressure. Not good because anti-hormonals can cause back of the eye edema anyways. My opthamologist told me that. And there are articles on the vision side effects.


    https://www.empr.com/drug-news/glucosamine-supplem...


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  • mcp21
    mcp21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2018

    Thanks!

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2018

    Well, if the problem is about added soy, turmeric is the root of a plant. You can buy the root at some organic stores like Natural Grocers. It's just turmeric root--no possibility of soy in it.

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  • mcp21
    mcp21 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2018

    This is my concern: Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, turmeric might make hormone-sensitive conditions worse. However, some research shows that turmeric reduces the effects of estrogen in some hormone-sensitive cancer cells. Therefore, turmeric might have beneficial effects on hormone-sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones.

    What to Do???? I don't think I want to take the chance. Just not sure. So many different answers...

    Thanks!

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited January 2018

    I agree that we need to stay on top of the studies, and each of us needs to make the choices that are comfortable for her. I try to reduce the hormone disruptors in my environment--plastics, toothpastes, shampoos, body washes, etc.

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