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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Muscle Pain In Lower Back And Legs, Depression, Mood Swings. History Of Breast Cancer, On Latrozole. Side Effects Normal?

hi, I had stage 1 breast cancer and was followed up with a drug Letrozole. I have been taking it now for almost 3 months and I am experiencing the following side effects: Muscle pain, especially in my lower back and legs, depression, I seem to cry a lot and cannot get myself back to where I was or want to be. Is this normal and would another similar drug have less side effects?
Thank you
Fri, 26 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

As I understand, you are treated for stage 1 breast cancer and prescribed the drug Letrozole, while on the drug you are having leg pain and depression issues and wanting to know is it a side effect of the drug and is their any other better drug with lesser side effects.

The answer is YES its a side effect from the drug Letrozole and other side effects are
1) hot flushes
2) night sweats
3) nausea
4) vomiting
5) loss of appetite
6) constipation
7) diarrhea
8) changes in weight
9) muscle, joint, or bone pain
10) excessive tiredness
11) headache
12) weakness , swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
13)difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
14) breast pain

They may occur , but not in all cases.

The drug Latrozole is best in class to treat, the cancer. But if you are not able to bear the side effects please consult you physician and ask him to change the medication.

Yes their are other medication that will help and do have lesser side effect then this drug but may have higher risk of other things.

Hope it helps
Dr. JAY PATEL.

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Muscle Pain In Lower Back And Legs, Depression, Mood Swings. History Of Breast Cancer, On Latrozole. Side Effects Normal?

Hi, As I understand, you are treated for stage 1 breast cancer and prescribed the drug Letrozole, while on the drug you are having leg pain and depression issues and wanting to know is it a side effect of the drug and is their any other better drug with lesser side effects. The answer is YES its a side effect from the drug Letrozole and other side effects are 1) hot flushes 2) night sweats 3) nausea 4) vomiting 5) loss of appetite 6) constipation 7) diarrhea 8) changes in weight 9) muscle, joint, or bone pain 10) excessive tiredness 11) headache 12) weakness , swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs 13)difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep 14) breast pain They may occur , but not in all cases. The drug Latrozole is best in class to treat, the cancer. But if you are not able to bear the side effects please consult you physician and ask him to change the medication. Yes their are other medication that will help and do have lesser side effect then this drug but may have higher risk of other things. Hope it helps Dr. JAY PATEL.