Hi Angele, Happy 4th of July! I was just changed to Letrozole from Anastrozole three weeks ago because of the severe side effects I was experiencing. So far, the Letrozole has been better but it may be a little too soon to tell. I was on the Anastrozole for three months and had side effects after the fourth day beginning with headaches. I finally called my Oncologist when I could not tolerate the severe muscle pain in my legs it was causing. I have not experienced any of this with the Letrozole at this time. Be well. Lenore💕

Hi everyone. I started on letrozole & seemed to have an allergic reaction, after several months, was moved to another drug ( I forget the name) had too many side effects , was changed to Anastrozole & had such bad joint pain , especially my hips I could not walk. I went back to letrozole - my onco said a 2nd try is often not the same reaction & I am tolerating it quite well. There are side effects but hot flashes are way shorter & almost not noticeable, I also occasionally get what feels like ice water passing through my bones (very odd sensation). My continuing complaint was joint pain - especially the weight bearing joints (lower back, hips, knees & ankles). Last week I was put on - in addition - Cymbalta (generic) & I swear I could feel relief in 10 min. Not sure that can really happen but it was fast. I am only on day 8 but I have so little joint pain it is amazing. I can stand up, walk with no pain. I am hesitant to stand & walk as I had this joint pain for so long, but the Cymbalta seems to be drug I needed. I was of the mind set I did not want to take a pill to counteract another pill, cause where does that end? For me this was the answer.
Cymbalta was developed as an anxiety & depression drug but has been found to work well with joint pain from cancer drugs.
In my relatively short use of Cymbalta, there are a few side effects. One is I notice I am a little shaky - and it is slight. I am noting even the slightest changes. Another is I sleep a solid 10 hrs in a deep sleep. Not sure that is bad but when my alarm goes off, it takes me a few minutes to actually be awake. I also no longer wake up every 2 hours or so to go to the bathroom. Not sure how that came about but I'll take it. I actually don't have more of an urge to go but figure I should. Before Cymbalta I wondered if I could make it the 10 ft to the bathroom (& could barely get there with my joint pain.
This has worked for me, so if you are in pain - ask your onco or np if it would be appropriate with your treatment.
Sending hugs to everyone - keep sharing.
Lori almost 71, single mastectomy 1.5 yrs ago, Her2+

I forgot to mention the generic of Cymbalta should be $5-20. (Using Goodrx) Yay!! Mine @ Meijers was 5.23 for 45 capsules. My onco was not sure if I would need 2/day, so she gave me 1.5. I take 1/day. I really hope you all can find some relief from your pain, as I have.
Hugs to everyone!
Lori15

@A MyBCTeam Member - I do also have dry mouth w/Cymbalta. Easily remedied - drink more fluids!
Cymbalta is an anxiety/depression drug that studies have shown works very well for cancer pain. If you are taking any other drugs for those 2 conditions, your onco may need to change your meds around. A double dose of anxiety/depression meds would not be good. I do not take either & have not noticed any changes regarding either depression or anxiety.

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