"What are the side effects of Anastrozole after radiation for DCIS?"

I read that about anastrozole and I may have to start taking it too. I googled it 🙄 which is stupid. I hope it works out well!

I had my 3rd chemo. I lost my hair a month ago, I have an itchy oozing rash on my arm, bone pain, mood swings, mouth sores. I'm getting my finale infusion next week. How long will the side effects last? Anyone else feel all this nonsense? When will my hair grow back?

Patricia- same diagnosis, same treatment, 1 year out now. Post menopausal. Have experienced side effects from the anastrozole but still taking it. From what i have read and heard from the med oncologist , it is the most effective AI and can reduce relative risk of a DCIS recurrence or new invasive cancer by at least 40%. I find it best to take pill at bedtime, seems to be a consensus. Have had hot flashes but they seem to be subsiding. My joint pain seems worse but steroid knee injections and exercise helped. So far no osteoporosis. My hair was thin and fine before and the oncologist recommended i just start topical minoxidil. It’s no worse and maybe a little better. I took a statin pre diagnosis and so far cholesterol is still good. I recommend taking the medication and discussing side effects with your oncologist if they occur.

Hi Patricia, I have been on anastrozole for a year and also kisqali. I have experienced mild hot flashes, night sweats . I also have had some fatigue , general arthralgia ( achiness) weight gain and hair thinning.😳I feel bad complaining because I am very grateful for my early discovery and treatment . I feel lucky to be able to take this medication as it is preventative so I have found ways to manage the side affects. Hang in there and know that everyone experiences it differently . 😘Sarah Sterlacci

Just started anastrazole and kisqali a month ago. Side effects from anastrazole have been some dizziness and maybe some joint pain. But definitely tolerable. Kisqali is giving me more Side effects. Not sure which is causing it but I do have some shedding. Hoping it is minor.

I have also taken Anastrozole but had a side effect that I could not tolerate. It can cause dizziness but mine happened after lying down for 1-2 hours in the afternoon It also did not subside quickly....sometimes for an hour or more. Was okay each morning but happened every evening. I am now on another med. Remember that each of us reacts differently.

I took Tamoxifen, side effects could not tolerate. The letrozole. Same thing. I am now on Anestrozole. First taking it I got vertigo. Stopped for two months. It stopped in about a week and a half. Took a few months off and Oncology suggested if I want to continue to try this or switch to another. I chose to stick-it out. I now take it at bedtime. Fingers crossed. It has been a couple of months and vertigo hasn’t came back. 🤞🏼. It has made a world of difference for me. I only have “minor side effects” now. Joint pain, headaches and skin itching. But I’ll take that over vertigo. I could not function with that. Only two and a half years left of taking it. 🤦‍♀️

Oh and the hot flashes. As soon-as I lay down at night. 🤷🏻‍♀️. This is my second go around with breast (opposite breast this time). cancer-26 years apart. First time was 4 rounds of Cytoxin and Adramycin and 33 rounds of radiation. This last time 4 rounds of radiation. I think I can make it!

Pulling for you!!!!!

After a year on anastrozole I switched to Letrozole hoping the side effects will be lessened .

My Dr. had me take a 4week break from the Anastrozole because of bad side effects. When I started taking it again the side effects were far less aggressive. I can handle them easily now. That was over a year ago.

Many patients experience side effects with anastrozole, ranging from hot flashes and joint stiffness to fatigue and mood changes, though everyone's experience is different. It's completely understandable to feel concerned about starting a new medication, and sharing experiences with others who have taken anastrozole can provide valuable insights as you prepare for this next step in your treatment journey.