Have Anastrozole Side Effects Caused Hand Pain?

Yep. I am taking first Exemestan for 3 1/2 years and then Anastrozole for more then 2 now. My joints are inflamed , I broke not one but two meniscus es in both legs due joint pain. Now I have arthritis in my knees and taking hiuronic injections to my knees. Unfortunately it is one of the side effects. I am active as much as I can ,even taking Zumba classes etc. As my doctor recommended movement . Unfortunately I had stage 3A HER2 - and stopping the meds scares me. They recommended 10 years and my goal is to take it at least 8. Good luck to you with dealing with the side effects.

Thank you. I try to stay as active as I can as well. I have been taking yoga/stretching classes (a few times a week) and walking daily. My knees and lower back have bothered me for about a year, but the hand pain has just started. I’m dealing with the pain the best I can, because I don’t want to stop the medication. Hoping the best for you.

Yes, I’ve been on the same med for 9 months, the thumb & wrist joint pain & weakness is nasty, started about 4 months ago. Acupuncture helped a bit but it is maddening. Ow the brutal winter chilling cold is not helping. Trying every exercise I can think of and using heat compresses. Pray it doesn’t get worse!

I try to make at least 11 thousands steps a day. Fighting side effects for almost 6 years now and trying to focus on everything that is positive in my life. Sort of trying not to think about it. It is maybe not a helpful advice , but it keeps me going. I am so thankful for everything in my life. Planning trips all the time to have something to look forward to.

I’m with you! Staying positive is helpful. Taking things one day at a time and trying to plan social activities and work is having a positive effect. We need to keep moving forward and chatting with folks battling similar issues is a positive and helpful way forward! Keep your chin up and thanks for your encouraging words. It’s a long road ahead and you are correct, one step at a time will get us through. Sending you my best regards!

Like Aleksandra, I too had stage 3A HER 2 negative. I am taking letrozole. My oncologist recommends 10 years as well and I too am afraid to stop them.

Hi Karla, I had stage IIA 3 years ago, then lung cancer; On Letrozole for 3 years; side effects change from time to time; fighting fatigue with exercise; last year I had painful hands and some kind of bad neuropathy on hands, it stayed with me for more than a month, took Gabapentin, then it went away My experience thought me to be prepared for more strange side effects They never mention or they mention too little about what and how will be

I take Tart Cherry and I think it helps!

Thank you, everyone. I am so happy that we have a forum for us to seek feedback and support.

I'm continuously shocked at how little help is given to women for the side effects. I was at the Oncologist office today and the PA wanted to x ray every joint that had side effects from the Anastrozole which I had to stop 4 weeks ago and I told her joints were 90% better. Love my oncologist but the PA doesn't seem knowledgeable. I'm starting letrozole this week. I was doing so well on Anastrozole and then at the 3 month mark I couldn't function. I am otherwise healthy and exercise alot

They just throw these pills at you with no plan. I'm gonna get estrogen vaginal from my primary next week. I use intrarosa and Replens, but my lady parts started hurting horribly the same week my joints did.

You are all very brave! We are trying to do our best and fight back, but the side effects keep popping up! Spent the day in the ER trying to rule out blood clot in my leg from the hormone blocker. Ultra sound showed NO clots, but need to follow up, it could be now causing nerve issues like neuropathy. Time will tell! Hope to be able to follow up with a doctor appointment. We need to keep vigilant ❣️

My thumb joints have a mild ache as well. I figured it was a bit of carpal tunnel due to being on the computer and phone all day.

I'm not looking forward to starting that, since I already have RA and hands can hurt from that. Thanks for informing me.

Everyone is different, side effects will vary. Keep experimenting as this is not an exact across the board science. Hang in there there and pay attention to the odd things to see if you can work through them. Stay positive & speak up❣️

Yes. Have been on Anastrozole since September 2023 and started having pain in my right hand 2 months ago.

There are two other meds for blocking estrogen that I’d recommend trying if you already haven’t. I had terrible problems with two of them and then tried the third one. While it didn’t eliminate some sides effects, the joint pain was very tolerable; especially if I walked some everyday.

I have taken Letrozole and I am now taking Femara (Name brand) for the generic Letrozole. Try ice water baths for the hands and wrist 2x a day for 2 minutes.. It really makes a difference.. Do it till your hands feel better then stop, if it starts again repeat.. I also take tart cherry.. Husband had a total knee replacement so I did not do the ice for 2 months and the hands are a bit achy at times..Back on ice…

When I was on anastrozole my joints and body hurt. My hands were so bad and thumbs, that I would get steroid shots. Since I have changed from anastrozole to fulvestrant ,I am a hundred times better.

I have been on Anastrozole for seven months and my right hand started hurting about a month ago. It hurts on top near my knuckles.

Joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and wrists, are commonly reported side effects of anastrozole that many patients in this community have experienced. It's encouraging that you're reaching out to connect with others who may have similar experiences, and discussing these symptoms with your healthcare team can help determine the best approach for managing them while continuing your treatment.