Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common diagnosis in women with AI-related joint symptoms. The oncology team is there to support each patient to complete their prescribed therapy and will help identify ways to manage this side effect. My sister's breast cancer was in final stages, even in her one lung and yet 2 yrs later she is still here and feeling well. Thanks Mikki. Joint pain often occurs in … Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. A joint is where 2 bones in your body connect. Side Effects. It may affect just 1 joint or many. Small studies have found a benefit to acupuncture and exercise. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. All rights reserved. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. As I entered 1.5 year mark taking letrozole I began to have joint pain, deep aching and less strength in hips/knees. The most common side-effects of treatment are hot flushes, sweating, joint pain, and feeling tired. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. All content © 2021 Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. To derive the full benefit from AI therapy, it is important to take the medication daily, for as long as it is prescribed. The cause is not known; people who tend to smoke may have lower pain thresholds than those who don’t, or the smoking may somehow lower the body’s pain threshold. Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint condition and affects 27 million people in the U.S. A significant component of the joint symptoms experienced with AIs is swelling of the joints. I noticed my joints felt like I’ve aged 10 years in the 2 1/2 since diagnosis. However, these medications are not without side effects of their own, so each patient should discuss his/her health history with the team before starting these medications. Joint pain is a very common problem with many possible causes, but it's usually a result of injury or arthritis. It would be helpful for healthcare providers to have a way of predicting who is at greatest risk for developing AI-related joint symptoms. Doctors will prescribe either clomid or letrozole to assist with ovulation. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Treatment is different for each stage. Therefore, a medication that decreases this swelling, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen) or a coxib (such as celecoxib, or Celebrex), may help with pain relief. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking letrozole: Less common. Find out why and what treatments are available. I empathise with you as I am having awful joint pain too, particularly in my legs,knees and feet. Found at: http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/03/06/annonc.mdt037.full.html. Joint pain: Symptom — Overview covers definition, possible causes of joint pain. Bisphosphonates, medicines used to treat osteoporosis, may cause bone or joint pain. This content does not have an English version. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to anastrozole; or if you have any other allergies.This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Avoid alcohol as it may make you feel more tired and drowsy. While there are no studies to confirm the effectiveness of changing to another drug, some practitioners will switch to another AI or tamoxifen when symptoms are unmanageable and may lead to the patient stopping therapy altogether. In turn, the goal is to treat the symptoms to allow women to have good quality of life while completing their prescribed therapy in full. Bone fracture 2. breast pain 3. chest pain 4. chills, fever, or flu-like symptoms 5. mental depression 6. swelling of the feet or lower legs Joint pain is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. When the problem becomes chronic, patients may end up with deformity and permanent damage to the articulation, as well as joint stiffness. Pain is usually located in more than one articulation, and during breaks, the patient may be asymptomatic or still display milder pain symptoms. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Research continues to identify factors that could help better predict each woman's risk. The phase IV clinical study is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 24,728 people who have side effects when taking Letrozole from the FDA, and is … 1. Hot flashes, hair loss, joint/bone/muscle pain, tiredness, unusual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping may occur. 2013. The reason is not understood, but it does appear smokers suffer more pain than nonsmokers, in the back, legs, knees, and joints. Discover information about different types of cancer, Learn about cancer, diagnosis, treatment, coping & survivorship, Find resources & tools for oncology healthcare professionals. Tiredness and lack of energy may occur If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Some studies have suggested that calcium and bisphosphonate therapy (used to prevent/treat osteoporosis) may also prevent AI-related joint symptoms. Acupuncture was shown to reduce pain from joint symptoms and improve functioning and well-being. 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