Teeth Sensitivity while taking Femara

creampuff91344
creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
One of many side effects I have encountered since I started taking Femara 90 days ago is problems with teeth sensitivity. I am wondering if anyone else has had problems with this, especially with your front bottom teeth. I have tried using Sensodyne toothpaste, and the dentist has given me a paste to use at night which helps with sensitivity. However, as the weeks go by, it seems this problem gets more severe.

Judy

Comments

  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #2
    Sorry Judy, I'm not taking
    Sorry Judy, I'm not taking an AI. Doesn't seem like this is a common problem. Maybe give him another call if it's getting worse? Just one more pain in the butt, right?

    Hope you find a solution
    jan
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #3
    Just wondering
    I was just reading your post and wondering if the dentist did xrays of your teeth and jaw to rule out cavities and other things that cause tooth pain? Femara would usually cause joint pain, but the oncologist might know more.

    C. Abbott
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    cabbott said:

    Just wondering
    I was just reading your post and wondering if the dentist did xrays of your teeth and jaw to rule out cavities and other things that cause tooth pain? Femara would usually cause joint pain, but the oncologist might know more.

    C. Abbott

    ...and bone density troubles....
    You might ask for a bone density scan. The AI's have a mean streak in that density can be reduced.

    I had one done after my primary treatment was over, mainly because I had had them in the past (for free, at medical conventions..lol) and osteopenia showed in my hip. This one showed osteoporosis, both in my hip and my back. Most likely from the chemo/rads to the area (remember, I had rectal cancer first). We decided to put me on Tamoxifen, and Actonel (like Boniva), and calcium supplements.

    Interestingly, AI's can also raise cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, that is another trouble I have. So, I more than likely will not see a switch to the AI's ever.

    Hugs, Kathi
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #5
    KathiM said:

    ...and bone density troubles....
    You might ask for a bone density scan. The AI's have a mean streak in that density can be reduced.

    I had one done after my primary treatment was over, mainly because I had had them in the past (for free, at medical conventions..lol) and osteopenia showed in my hip. This one showed osteoporosis, both in my hip and my back. Most likely from the chemo/rads to the area (remember, I had rectal cancer first). We decided to put me on Tamoxifen, and Actonel (like Boniva), and calcium supplements.

    Interestingly, AI's can also raise cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, that is another trouble I have. So, I more than likely will not see a switch to the AI's ever.

    Hugs, Kathi

    Teeth Sensitivity
    The day following my last radiation treatment, I saw my dentist who did a complete teeth cleaning. I was concerned because we had been told that I shouldn't get my teeth cleaned while taking chemo. Anyway, no visible cavities were found, and they thoroughly cleaned my teeth. I had sensitivity somewhat before this, but it has worsened. They didn't want to do xrays until January 2009 because of all of the radiation I had just been through, so will followup in January with a complete checkup. As far as bone density, my oncologist ordered a bone scan just following chemo, and before prescribing Femara. I was osteoperina, and have been taking Vitamin D3 and Calcium+D, starting the same day I started Femara. Cholesterol has always been high due to genetics (father's side), and I have been on Vytorin for about 5 years. All of these side effects can be traced to many drug, so I would like to try to work my way down the chain to see if I can determine which one(s) are the culprit. Because of insomnia I have been taking Ambien or Ambien CR for several months. Otherwise I don't sleep at all. I am wondering if this could be causing some of my problems. Everyone has been so good to answer my concerns, and please do keep it up. It is comforting to know that people with the same problems as you listen to what you say, and know exactly what it feels like. This is a great discussion room, and I, for one, appreciate all of the feedback. Hopefully I can be of some help to someone questioning what I have experienced, as well.

    Hugs to all,
    Judy

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