AIs and Cholesterol ???

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labelle
labelle Member Posts: 721
edited April 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

After Tamoxifen turned me into a moron, I started using a generic version of Femara about a month ago.

I understand that increased cholesterol is a fairly common side effect of this drug, but how long does it take before that begins to be a concern? My cholesterol levels have always been fine, but I'm wondering how long I should wait to have them retested. Does this now need to be done more than once a year to keep a closer eye on my cholesterol levels while taking this drug. Thanks.

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  • carmstr835
    carmstr835 Member Posts: 388
    edited April 2018

    It raised my Cholesterol and Blood Pressure, so I was put on BP medication, then I stopped the AI and everything went back to normal. I decided I can't take it. My Oncologist is not happy, but what is the point of saving me from cancer, if I die of a heart attack or stroke.

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  • labelle
    labelle Member Posts: 721
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for responding. How long did you take the AI before you started having problems w cholesterol and BP?

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  • Manc
    Manc Member Posts: 66
    edited April 2018

    Hi been on anastrozole a year and about six months ago at blood test doctor noticed my cholesterol was higher. I don't know what it was before though but I was never told it was high before. I'm already on Bp tablet due to family history. My oncologist just said yes it can raise cholesterol but you knew that. Well actually I didn't really and could hardly refuse the Al ! Anyway I've tried cholesterol lowering drink but it still the same doctor say diet is actually only a small part of cholesterol and anyway I'm vegetarian already. Doctor not too concerned yet but statin has been mentioned. Have to keep an eye on it but I'm too scared of recurrence to not take Al.

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  • labelle
    labelle Member Posts: 721
    edited April 2018

    Thanks to you too. Tamoxifen might be an option for you if the cholesterol gets to be too big a problem-it can actually improve cholesterol and lipids. While it is not quite as good statistically as an AI in preventing a recurrence of BC Tamoxifen is still considered to be quite effective-my OC at Vanderbilt would have left me on it even though I am post menopause if it hadn't made me too stupid to work (and it does not affect everyone that way). The number one cause of death in women who have previously had BC is not BC, it is heart disease!

    Guess I'll wait a couple of months and then see my GP for my annual screening and ask her if I should have the cholesterol rechecked in 6 months or so rather than waiting another year since I'm on this particular drug. If it's not one thing, it's another.

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