Long term effects of Aromotase Inhibitors...

mgm42

Is anyone out there close to finishing up their five year stint on an aromatase inhibitor? If so, would you relate your experience/s with side effects, i.e. type, duration, intensity. Did any of your side effects lessen over time or disappear altogether? I was on Arimidex for approximately 7 months but the trigger finger and wrist pain reached a point where I had to seek medical intervention of a hand specialist. My oncologist switched me over to Aromosin, which I've been on for approximately 3 weeks. So far, the only side effect from it has been fatigue,especially in the afternoon. I'm still treating for trigger fingers in my right hand. I need another round of cortisone shots. If that round doesn't help, I may need surgery. My use of these drugs has been of such a short duration that I'm curious about experiences of those who have been on them for a longer period of time or who have finished the 5 year protocol. I'm eager to read your posts. Hugs, Marilynn

Derbygirl

I'm a short termer on Femara
I'm a short termer on Femara so I'm anxious to hear from others. I do have lower back aches and vaginal dryness - 2 of the 4 common side effects that my oncologist mentioned. The others were osteoporosis and hot flashes.

Marcia527

Aromasin
I was on Aromasin about 2 1/2 years. I was having problems with rashes and foot blisters so the oncologist took me off for a while to see if it was causing it. It wasn't. In fact the only thing it really caused was hot flashes (more like an internal furnace). That is the only thing that got better after being off of medication. I also have another condition and my other problems could be associated with it.

cruf

Aromasin
Hi Marilyn! I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years with only c/o hot flashes and some vaginal discharge. As soon as I went off that, the discharge stopped! I then went on Femara and was on it for 8 mos. I developed hand and foot pain as well as dry eyes, high cholesterol and hypothyroid,wt gain, hair loss and hot flashes. Due to all this, esp. hand and foot pain I switched to Aromasin. I was on that for 1 1/2 years but decided my quality of life wasn't great so I stopped all meds(7 years total). I eventually had 2 trigger thumbs which I had released. Unfortunately, I've been off all meds for 1+ years and I have to take meds for my thyroid, high cholesterol and I have multiple joint pain. The hotflashes are still there too. Is this a result of the meds? I think so because I didn't have any of these prior to taking them but could this be a midlife, menapause cause?(I'm 57) I don't know but I do know I am very uncomfortable with my joint pain. It will be interesting to hear from others who were on these meds and gotton off. Do they have continued health problems which started with the meds?Good luck! I hope you feel better soon. HUGS!! Cathy

victory13

Exemestane
I just joined the network tonight so I could talk with other people going through what I do. I have been on Exemestane for 4 1/2 yrs. I have Stage 4 Breast with metastisis to liver and bones. Originally only given six months, I am really grateful for the Exemestane and the Herceptin therapy every three weeks. But I am really having alot of joint pain. I wear a Fentanyl pain patch but some days it doesn't work very well. Like now when it's 2:25am and I can't sleep. Does anybody have any ideas what I can do?

mgm42

victory13 said:

Exemestane
I just joined the network tonight so I could talk with other people going through what I do. I have been on Exemestane for 4 1/2 yrs. I have Stage 4 Breast with metastisis to liver and bones. Originally only given six months, I am really grateful for the Exemestane and the Herceptin therapy every three weeks. But I am really having alot of joint pain. I wear a Fentanyl pain patch but some days it doesn't work very well. Like now when it's 2:25am and I can't sleep. Does anybody have any ideas what I can do?

Don't Know....
I don't know what to tell you to help with your joint pain, but your experience is inspiring and very encouraging. Hang in there. This site is so helpful to so many of us. Perhaps one of the other survivors - you and I are both survivors - will have some information that might be of help. Keep visiting here. Hugs, Marilynn

rjjj

What is trigger finger?
I will be going on this drug for about 5 years after i am done with all of the other. Just wondering what is trigger finger and does this drug interupt hair regrowth!! oh Boy it just seems never-ending...but guess its the price we have to pay. My best to you.
God Bless
Jackie

mgm42

rjjj said:

What is trigger finger?
I will be going on this drug for about 5 years after i am done with all of the other. Just wondering what is trigger finger and does this drug interupt hair regrowth!! oh Boy it just seems never-ending...but guess its the price we have to pay. My best to you.
God Bless
Jackie

trigger finger
I don't know the medical description, but it is when the stiffness in the fingers interferes with the tendons' ability to bend and extend the fingers smoothly. Instead, the finger has a mind of its own and clicks itself open and closed with a lot of pain. Can you tell I'm no M.D.??? LOL. Hope this helps. I'm glad to hear that you are almost finished with your five year stint. Congratulations. Hugs, Marilynn

bsiems

drugs
I was on Femara for about a year and had lots of joint and muscle pain. My onc switched me over to aromasin which I have been on for about two years, so I've been taking these drugs for almost 3 years. I have developed osteoporosis which is a side effect of these drugs. My onc said we'd probably do another bone scan this year and if things are still going downhill she may switch me over to Tamoxofin, which I have heard can cause ovarian cancers, so I will have to weigh the risks of that against my current side effects.