Has anyone taken Anastrozole? What are the side effects?

Just started it July 15th. Some headaches and dizziness so far, but that seems to be about it for me at the moment. But as with anything in this journey, "everybody's different ". Pharmacists will give you the long list of 'potential ' side effects even if it is not common.

Thank you! 😊

I just started a week ago, I have arthritis already n joint pain worries me. I also can’t take many meds due to stroke in Sept 23 and massive heart attack Nov 24. Breast cancer found in March, 3 breast surgeries in a month and 20 rounds of radiation. Stage 0. DCIS. No lymph node issues. I think start taking before bed instead of 7:30 pm with my meds and vitamins.

Been taking for 10 mos. Early side effects stopped when i started taking at bedtime. Still have hot flashes but they r improving. I think it is making my pre existing joint pain worse

Renee; bone pain scares me ! I have a bad case from chemo. I got pages of "possible" side effects. That and mood swings scare me the most!

I have no mood swings. I would not call what i have bone pain. I am 68 yrs old and have bad osteoarthritis in the knees and knee replacements have been recommended. Am also having ankle pain. Had it in 1 ankle before anastrozole. Now it’s in both. In July the ortho told me i have plantar spurs both feet. So I can’t say the drug caused all of this. Maybe it makes these joints hurt more, i dunno. Ask yr oncologist if you’re likely to have the same pain again

Hello, I've taken anastrozole for a little over 6 months now. The worst side effects have been the hot flashes and joint pain in my knees. I take a few different OTC meds to help: osteo biflex, move free, and cosamin ASU. I don't want to jinx myself, but I haven't had joint pain in my knees for about a week, but the joint pain started in my fingers about 4 weeks ago. If I make a fist, my fingers are stiff so it's hard to reopen my hands. I started using a stress ball to help with this. For reference, I am in my late 30s. The long list of possible side effects are very scary, but we must hope for the best.

I was on this for a few days with no problem but then started having dizziness that I could not tolerate. I live alone...75 years old and could not take the chance of falling so was switched to another medication.

What can happen if I don't take it? Anyone know? I know what oncologist would say, I'm tired of them all! 😂

The risk of reccurence increases without taking the medicine. I think there are alternative medications that they can prescribe if the side effects become too much. I have read that some people take tamoxifen or anastrozole and then eventually stop taking it because their quality of life wasn't worth it, but it's a personal choice.

I’ve been taking it about four months. I’m 77 years old and have nerve pain from a pinched nerve. Anastrozole makes my nerve pain worse keeps me awake some nights. I also have developed joint pain and can hardly get up off my couch. I’m seriously thinking about not taking it because my quality of life at this point in my life is not good.  I’m supposed to take it for five years and I’ll be 82. I don’t want to go through my retirement  years of my life feeling like this.

I was on it for 2.25 years. My bone density went from perfect to osteopenia (just 2 years). My iron got so low, I almost died!!! My oncologist said there is no connection. Yet Google says it can cause anemia which can cause low iron. Isn’t that the same thing? I had to have 2 iron infusions!!! Plus they gave me the iron infusions at my Oncologist’s location right with the chemo patients. If low iron is not a side effect with the medication, why are they prepared to treat the low iron at this location? My lady parts have disappeared. I can’t find my inner labia or clitoris anywhere!!! My hair has also gotten so thin. I hate the way it looks. I got depressed, angry and suicidal. I stopped taking it in April. I will not go back on it!!!!

I've been on it for 8 months. I had mild joint pain for the first few months, manageable with Aleve. Mild hot flashes that were worse at night, so my doctor suggested taking it in the morning. Currently I just have one quick "flash" a couple hours after I take it but nothing else. I'm trying to increase my calcium intake just to try and help out my bones. No other issues with it. I've had cancer twice and if this helps reduce the chances of it coming back I'm thankful it's an option.

I have been taking it for 6 months. I also take Verzenio. I have had some diarrhea and nausea but I have determined, it is all related to the Verzenio. I am 70 so long past menopause. I do not believe I have had any added side effects from the Anastrozole. I also take it at bed time.

I have been on Anastrozole since April 2024. My oncologist told me I will be on it for 7 years. Taking Anastrozole at bedtime didn't work for me due to the frequent hot flashes which then caused insomnia. I took a two week break from Anastrozole, monitored my symptoms, restarted Anastrozole but now take it at 11 a.m. instead of bedtime. This has been a wonderful change. I still have hot flashes but can manage them better during the day. I never had much joint pain, but I go to bone builders class 3 times a week. (Note: I'm 68 yo and was diagnosed with Stage 1 IDC HR/PR+ HER2- and node negative).

I’ve taken tamoxifen, anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole. I couldn’t tolerate the first 3 at all! When we got to the letrozole, and I asked what are the side effects, and my oncologist said…. all the same as previous, but all combined…. I thought, oh great!! But, there was nothing left to try. I took the letrozole and it was actually BETTER than the rest! Barely noticed anything! So, try various options til you find the one that works for you.

I’ve been on the generic Arimidex for one year. Minor skin rash on arms & legs from dry skin (dries everything!), left knee swelling but side effects minor compared to alternative. Eradicated two types of breast cancer in my right breast (Ductal & mucinous carcinoma) in nine months. Everything has side effects but doesn’t mean you’ll get them all. All the best to you on your journey Catherine.

I was on it for 9 months, and then joint pain was unbearable. Everything's improved since coming off of it. I see my oncologist soon for another option 😔

Hi everyone, I’m 60 years old and had a double mastectomy in January. After seven months on anastrozole, I’m experiencing severe sciatica pain. My oncologist doesn’t believe the medication is the cause, despite my struggles. I often wake up at 3:00 AM and feel exhausted by 2:00 PM, and my mood has shifted horribly. I’ve consulted three doctors, had X-rays, taken steroids, and received injections, but the pain only subsided when I paused the anastrozole for a week. After the natural childbirth twin experiences, this hip pain feels unbearable. I have an appointment with my oncologist soon, but I’m hesitant to share all my symptoms, including dizziness and heightened anxiety. I walk into walls all the time. I’m on five medications for anxiety and depression, but they aren’t very effective, and I feel stuck in my job with no retirement in sight. I struggle with guilt over my struggles compared to others. Sending love and prayers to you all! ❤️

@Shari T - keep a journal of your symptoms and don't hesitate to share with your Oncologist. I've been on Anastrozole for over a year now and the side effects were horrible (no joint pain though). Just recently I went through terrible changes in my mood, sleep habits, and other side effects due to Anastrozole. I discussed all of these with my doctor and we worked out a better plan that has greatly improved my side effects, because the alternative was to switch to tamoxifen and I don't want to change medications now.

Many community members have shared their experiences with Anastrozole, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by that long list of potential side effects. While everyone's experience is different, connecting with others who have taken this medication can provide valuable insights and support as you begin this part of your treatment journey.