side effects of Femera, trying different treatments

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lb-design
lb-design Member Posts: 5
edited March 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi, I have tried Arimidex (Anastrozole), Aromisin (exemestane) and now trying Letrozole (Femara). I have similar side effects with each one. Exemestane seems to cause less issues with hot flashes. The symptoms I have are more depression (I already take meds for depression - since before the breast cancer), hot flashes, and more aches, especially neck problems on and off. Right now with the Femera, I have terrible neck aches. I also have a joint disorder already - probably hip labrael tears or SI joint dysfunction. I am not sure yet, and having to go to physical therapists for these pains and having everything exaserbated by the hormonal meds, is causing me great Grief.

Has anyone talked to their doc about reducing the doseage of the hormonal med? (by the way. I had early detected cancer - lumpectomy, no chemo, 3 weeks radiation, and the hormone therapy - anti-hormone therapy is what I like to call it).

It would be great to start a poll to see which med is the best tolerated by the women on this website.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2018

    Hi Lesliebaird-

    Welcome to BCO! We're sorry you're having such difficult to manage side effects. Sometimes the treatments can be so hard. We have a very extensive thread on Femara that you might find useful/helpful, lots of great info there from members who're knowledgeable about the treatment: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topics....

    We hope you find some relief soon!

    The Mods

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2018

    hi Leslie- my MO said femara had the lowest incidence of SEs and that’s why he chose to start me on it first. Some women report that the manufacturer of the med can make a difference due to the fillers that each one uses. Most recommend either brand name or one made by TEVA. The joint pain itself can increase depressive symptoms. Fatigue can as well. It may not be the AI directly causing the increase in depressive feelings but rather the other SEs you’re experiencing. Curcumin supplements have really helped me. I didn’t know just how much til this weekend when I didn’t take it. Terrible fatigue, the few areas of joint pain i experience were significantly worse and the hot flashes were intense. Back on it today and all is good again. It took about 3 days to a week to see a difference when I first started taking it. Good luck!

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  • lb-design
    lb-design Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2018

    Hi, I have tried tumeric supplements before and it didn't help. So curcumin helps? what brand do you use? The depression I think, really tightens my muscles. My neck is really affected right now. I go to a PT who is giving me exercises to do. I think the Exemestane was about the same for me as far as SE's but not sure.

    Leslie


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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2018

    I take the Solgar brand of curcumin. I get it at The Vitamin Shoppe. They have an online store too. That brand has higher bioavailability than your average curcumin/turmeric supplement. Plus it’s a softgel so it’s absorbed quicker and easier. And yes depression/anxiety can definitely cause muscle tension. Maybe give the curcumin a whirl and you may want to inquire about increasing your antidepressant dose or add another to the mix at a low dose and see if it helps too. My doc added a low dose of Zoloft to my mix.

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

    If you want to see the inactive ingredients of Femara from each manufacturer, go to https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm



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  • lb-design
    lb-design Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2018

    I am already on Wellbutrin - the highest dose. I am also on Lexipro, low does - if I go too high then I have sexual side effects. I am on anti-anxiety meds also. I also have another health issue having to do with hips and back.

    I will talk to my psych again. It seems that whenever I start up on the "anti-hormone" meds, I get more depressed and now I am depressed about my neck pain. I see a physical therapist and he has given me exercises that my help with my tight shoulder and neck muscles. Being at the computer doesn't help either. Sorry I am venting so much.

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2018

    you’re fine Leslie! That’s what these boards are for. Try the curcumin and see what happens. If it helps with hot flashes you’ll rest better at night which should help alleviate some fatigue. Then if it also helps with fatgue you may find you don’t need to change anything up. In addition to PT have you tried massage therapy? Or a chiropractor? Both can be very beneficial. You sound like me I that you carry most of your tension in your neck. Both options have helped me. Good luck!

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  • lb-design
    lb-design Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2018

    I have tried Chiropractors, not massage therapists, but for different issues. I may try a chiro. again. I have arthritis in my neck which bothers me on and off. It seems as if the different anti-hormones meds exacerbate it. Lately, positioning at the computer doesn't help. I am adjusting my keyboard lower, trying not to look down so much. This causes neck tension. I can be ongoing.

    I will look into the curcumin.

    Thanks for your thoughts!


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