I have been on anastrozole for 5 years, dealing with the side affects reasonably well. My oncologist wants me to switch to Letrozole for another 2 years. I am fearful that switching will make me gain weight (which I already did with anastrozole) in addition to having new side affects? Has anyone had experience with switching medicine after 5 years?
I switched from anastrozole after 11 months. The bone pain was intense. I now take exemestane. I have less pain, less hot flashes. It does affect my mood sometimes, but we have had a lot of outside stress going on in the family too. Do not have weight gain so far. However, I have thyroid issues (thanks to all of the treatments) and am experimenting with different medication.
Did your MO say why you should make a switch at this time? Curious why a change at this point in time.
I requested a change from the anastrozole after 16 months. I was switched to Letrozole at that time. I was better able to cope with the side effects from the Letrozole vs the anastrozole.