I started Femara but had to quit because the Orthopedic side effects were intolerable.

Question

I started Femara but had to quit because the Orthopedic side effects were intolerable. I think Novartis has downplayed this aspect of the treatment too much and I wondered what you think of that.

Accepted Answer

Hi Karen, 
Bingo! You've hit the nail straight on the head! Many of these aromatase inhibitors have side effects which are downplayed similar to those of statins for cholesterol control. Some patients can tolerate it or have minimal effects, while others have intolerable effects. You may have to get your Oncologist to run a multidrug interaction check for possible additive side effects if you are taking more than 1 medication. See if he can place you on another medication if the side effects are completely intolerable. 
Thanks and take care, 
Simeon Jaggernauth, DO. 
http://www.DRJAG.com

I started Femara but had to quit because the Orthopedic side effects were intolerable.

Expert answer