Femara User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Susan...
• September 7, 2010

For Breast Cancer "I'm 4 years status post breast CA and doing well... no recurrence for my Stage IIIA. I started taking tamoxifen, then my oncologist switched me to Femara. I do have frequent hot flashes (whew!) and joint and bone pain that worsens with being tired. Overall, I am able to tolerate the medication, and my oncologist believes it is the treatment of choice for me. The side effects of being without estrogen are worse than the Femara side effects. I know the drug is working as having no estrogen produced results in atrophic vaginitis, decreased sex drive, and other female issues that are bothersome. But, in the big picture of life, it's a small price to pay to be, and hopefully stay, cancer free. I will continue to use Femara!"

• greyh...
• November 2, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Had lump removed April 2014, 15 treatments of Radiotherapy then Letrozole. The doctor only warned about making my already present aches pains worse but felt this was the best for my age, now 70. I went out with my daughter on Friday and felt I had to drag myself around, so wiped out. I feel the need to sit down all the time. Going upstairs to bed, by the time I get to the top of the stairs, I'm sweating, very hot, and feel like I'm running out of air, I have to sit down on the toilet while I cool down. During the day, I constantly fall asleep. I feel this is a poor life with no energy to do anything. I wake up in the morning with a headache and sometimes feel sick."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2010

For Breast Cancer "I was on Tamoxifen for 2 years following breast cancer and doing fine. My oncologist wanted to try Femara because it could be a little better. I was on it for about 3 months when I awoke in the middle of the night with horrible joint pain. It had been coming on slowly, but I thought it was carpal tunnel, maybe arthritis. Then I realized that my doctor had said that joint pain was a possible side effect of Femara. I was also gaining approximately 2 pounds a month! I have been off of it for a month now, but am still having pain. It is worse in the mornings and evenings. Trying to grip with my hands is very difficult some mornings. My doctor said it could take a few months to get this out of my system."

• Jill...
• November 30, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Stage 4 HER2-positive breast cancer was found in 2011. After a double mastectomy (additionally, 6 other surgeries due to Staph infection and failed reconstruction attempts), 6 months of 2 types of chemotherapy, including Neulasta booster shots after each infusion, a total of 1 year of Herceptin chemo infusions, 6 weeks of daily radiation, then 8 years of Femara. Been taking this medication daily since August 2012. Hot flashes and night sweats are awful. Anxiety occasionally. Easily out of breath after any activity. Difficulty maintaining focus and frequent forgetfulness. 3 years with this medication and chest, bone, and joint pain is intensifying. 5 more years to go. CANCER FREE STILL."

• mary...
• May 21, 2013

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "When I switched aromatase inhibitors from Arimidex to Femara, it was a world of difference! The terrible side effects I was experiencing made me question whether survival from breast cancer was worth it, if my life would be spent with Arimidex side effects of irritability, more hair loss, joint pains, etc. My oncologist switched me to Femara, and my life returned to be more pleasant and energetic. I have been suggesting this change to all my blogging support group members who are having problems with Arimadex. Later, adding OTC Biosil and SamE have also helped with the hair, joint, and mood issues."

• Still...
• May 23, 2010

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "After 7 years of several different medicines to try to stop the growth of the tumors, Femara is the only one which worked for me. My WBC is higher, the tumor has actually shrunk in the breast - but being realistic, it's not a cure-all, a patch for a longer life but eventually we all expire. I highly recommend this product for those who want longevity without losing your quality of life."

• marie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2015

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Breast Cancer in 1999. Stage 1 distant recurrence lung tumor in 2012. Given Femara (letrozole). After two months, tumor shrunk. Almost 3 years now on letrozole. No side effects and no evidence of disease."

• Anonymous
• November 18, 2011

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "After reading of so many negative side effects of Femara, I was hesitant to start. Since it decreases my chances of recurrence by 25%, I felt I must try it. I've been on it for 1 year now and have had very few, if any, negative side effects. My hair regrowth has been spotty and slow, whether due to the Femara or just the general effects of chemo and radiation, I'm not sure. I switched 2 months ago to the generic formula, have noticed no changes. I feel very fortunate not to have suffered many of the effects other women have reported."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

For Breast Cancer "I am 52 years old, and I too feel older than I am. I already have problems getting out of bed, and I suffered with sarcoidosis, which affects the organs and causes joint pain, sending me constantly to different specialists. Now I am taking Femara, and it's not only causing me more pain, but it's causing my hair to fall out or thinning! I also notice that my vision is impaired sometimes when I'm driving, and I only drive when I have to, but sometimes I find myself trying hard to focus. This is scary! I am calling my oncologist tomorrow morning first thing."

• minne...
• September 12, 2015

For Breast Cancer "In 2011, I was diagnosed with stage 3A invasive ductal breast cancer. I went through chemo for 4 months and had a double mastectomy in March 2012, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. I was put on tamoxifen for a year and then Femara, which I currently take now. The biggest thing with Femara is feeling constantly tired and 'foggy'. I can handle the hot flashes (we live in Minnesota, where the winter lasts for 6 months) - I just walk around outside with a t-shirt on, and I'm good to go! Lately, I have been experiencing hair loss, and I don't know if it's due to the Femara. Anyone else have this problem? Please let me know. Hang in there, beautiful ladies (& men)."

• april
• March 21, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this drug for about 3.5 months now. I was on Aromasin (exemestane) for 2.5 years prior to starting letrozole. I was so hopeful that some of the horrible side effects would not affect me like they did on the exemestane...and for a while, it was not too bad. Now, in month 3, the side effects of severe joint pain, brain fog, and shortness of breath are back with a vengeance, and the last 3 times my blood pressure was taken, it was inching back up even though I started BP meds after the exemestane raised my BP. I never had any issues with my BP prior to taking these aromatase inhibitors. I guess my PCP will have to raise my dose of BP meds. I am also peeing constantly on letrozole, and my hair is coming out more on my brush! UGH!"

• Cryst...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 21, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking Letrozole for one year now after a diagnosis of hormone-related breast cancer. Initially, my consultant (UK) said I would need a right-sided mastectomy. However, two weeks later when the biopsy results were back, he said he did not think surgery was possible because the tumor appeared to be attached to the muscle. However, CT scan and MRI revealed a 1mm plane between the tumor and the muscle - phew! Letrozole was so effective that it shrank and softened the tumor, and by January 2015, I was able to have a bilateral mastectomy. Lymph glands and bone scan were clear. Side effects: persistent hot flashes, so I always wear blouses with buttons and carry an ordinary fan in my handbag; it is a life-saver."

• Caner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed May 2014 with Stage 3 Breast cancer after chemo, removal of the tumor & lymph nodes, radiation. I started Femara, been on it almost 6 months and I have daily joint & muscle pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and most of all weight gain. I'm really trying to eat healthy and exercise, but working a full-time job, it's a tough routine to keep up with every day (55 and post-menopausal). But hey, I'm still here and hopeful the medication does a good job of keeping the cancer at bay. Doing my best with the symptoms."

• MVR
• March 3, 2012

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "After a year on Femara I am beginning to experience severe hair loss, bald patches on top of my head, and the hair is turning thin and brittle. Insomnia for the last 2 months, pain in my joints, I was diagnosed with Glaucoma and am very forgetful, i.e. find it difficult to concentrate. But, if Femara stops the recurrence of cancer, I'll keep taking it. If it just were not for the hair loss."

• marge
• May 13, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "Joint pain, no energy, no enthusiasm for social life, tiredness, weakness, low appetite. Femara is extending my life. I know this since I have been in remission for 5 years after taking Femara. My breast cancer started in the right breast 32 years ago. Chemo and radiation therapy stopped it for 22 years, but 5 years ago it metastasized to lung and bones. This is when the oncologist prescribed Femara. I'm now in my 'golden' years, a widow for 16 years but determined to find relief for this pain and relief from this depression so I can be happy and enjoy life."

• Bus...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2020

For Breast Cancer "Caused me weight gain, serious hot flashes, did not have joint pain, headaches, or dizziness before starting this medication. I know these are listed possible side effects, however, these do cause some functionality issues."

• DOTTIE...
• September 26, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Stage I breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, no nodes involved. No chemo, I chose no radiation. Been on Zoladex and Femara, so far, very few side effects. But of course, I'm just now starting on my second week of use. I recommend you get blood work done to check for vitamin deficiencies and address them, it will keep your side effects at a minimum."

• Gonzotx
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2018

For Breast Cancer "1.7 years, loss of hair, hot flashes, shoulder, elbow, hip pain, dry mouth, high cholesterol, high glucose, high BP... But if it keeps cancer from returning, the side effects, hopefully temporary, will have been worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have recently started taking Femara. The first few days were really tough. I had muscle pain and was very emotional, and horrible perineal dryness. I would cry about anything. These symptoms have pretty much gone away after day 4. Now after a month, my main side effects seem to be evening fatigue (I would really like to go to bed at 6:30 pm) and fuzzy thinking. During the first couple of days of taking this medicine, I had my doubts if I would continue, but now I think with time I will find ways to work around the side effects. They really aren't that bothersome."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Daily hot flashes and night sweats seem to be my worst side effects, especially when I'm hit with intense anxiety every time. My scalp is tender, and I've had hair thinning. I also have pain in my joints. But I do not want the cancer to come back. Invasive lobular carcinoma. Bilateral mastectomy."

• Bodic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2018

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "Right mastectomy 2016, 5 months chemo and 5 weeks radiation therapy. Started Femara 15 months ago, prescribed for 5 years. I am experiencing increasing pain in my joints, muscles, liver, and overall depression. Am considering stopping Femara as the tumor was removed with no spread to lymph nodes. Lymph clearance all the same as the sentinel node was infected. I am 55 but feel a lot older than ever before!"

• Janny...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2015

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "Stage IIIc lobular breast CA, node, started generic Femara 18 months ago after radiation. Minor side effects - hair loss, nails, skin, vaginal dryness. Major - started out with tolerable joint, bone, and muscle pain. But about a month ago, these symptoms became severe enough to decrease my quality of life. My oncologist did blood work, all okay. She wanted a bone scan, but after reading reviews, this is the Femara, not bone cancer. She just has not had any patients do this, the literature is based on trials, not the general population. The literature (and she told me) the symptoms go away by 8 months! Not!! I also have MS (still mobile, but that has some same/similar side effects) but Femara more like arthritis. Knees, ankles. Stay on though!"

• Therese
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I was prescribed Letrozole by the Oncologist after breast cancer surgery. Exactly one year on this medication I started having arthritis, which progressed to full blown Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Oncologist refused to acknowledge a link, and insisted I stay on the medication for five years. Common sense told me that the medication interfered with my immune system. I will be on medication for the rest of my life, to control the RA, taking injections every three weeks. I am positive it is connected to the Letrozole."

• Jewelry...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Stg 2b or stg 3 according to onc nurse. Invasive lob cancer. One yr on letrozol.just had bone cancer scare but negative bone scan. Hot flashes, sweats, bone fracture, not injury. Some bleeding from genital tissues. Also had 10 lb weight loss. Anyone else with bleeding and weight loss? Lots of back pain, already had osteo earth."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I'll make this as brief as possible: This drug isn't putting a dent on ceasing tumor progression in me. Unfortunately, the intravenous chemo [Abraxane] I was on had plateaued and was no longer effective. I have no idea what I will be going on next."