FEMARA
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Over in a different thread there is a great discussion going on being sick of pink, sexualization of bc, and one thing discussed is carcinogenic substances in cosmetics. Someone there might know about the inactive ingredients. Check it out:
All Topics → Forum: Relationships, Emotional Crises, Anxiety, and Depression → Topic: Pinktober Revolution
Topic: Pinktober Revolution
Forum: Relationships, Emotional Crises, Anxiety, and Depression — Meet and support others who are affected by these issues around breast cancer fears, diagnosis and treatment.
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Could be the reasons for “inactive ingredients” include binding & stabilizing (making it easier to press and keep the active ingredient in pill form and making it release into the bloodstream more evenly over time). Some people are sensitive to certain starches and dyes, and even though ingested their reactions are not digestive but more diffuse, even musculoskeletal. (I have a friend who claims gluten makes her hands stiff; another claims he gets costochondritis from gluten). Maybe Teva’s binders/fillers are less likely to trigger such sensitivities and intolerances.
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One of the most common fillers are lactose---Teva uses less of that in theirs, which seems to have something to do with the SE for many women. The Arimidex thread is full of the discussion on TEVA vs other generics.
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I looked it up lactose can be a cause of joint pain, especially if you're intolerant. Why do they do that? Even vitamins are dairy, soy, gluten free
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Cut out gluten for almost a year. Didn't help
. Guess I will try lactose and sugar next0 -
Not relevant, cxl
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Would love to hear from anyone on Femara who has to start taking Prolio for osteopenia? I am so afraid of getting this shot! I'm already having issues with joint muscle pain and I cannot tell if it's from my arthritis, Femara or both. Now another med that causes joint/muscle pain! The onco went right to Prolia, did not discuss the biophosphate type meds, I'm wondering why now. I think I need to meet with her before the shot to talk about options but would love to hear from those of you who are on this particular combo? Thanks!!
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cbaird, I am not on any bone-strengthening medication. Have been on Femara for 2 years. My bone density has not worsened in the last two years, so even though I was and am slightly osteopenic, my onc does not recommend any additional medication. He feels that since I exercise daily, with an emphasis on walking, that this is the best treatment. I think you are wise to get more information about why Prolia is recommended for your situation. None of us want to take more medicines with yet more side effects unless it is really needed.
MsP
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cbaird99. I wasdiagnosed with osteopenia many years ago. I started on fermara in February 2015 and was sent for a bone density test in August 2015. My osteopenia remained in two areas but went to a -2.5 in mice lower spine which is the beginning of osteoporosis. My oncologist sent me to and osteoporosis specialist who put me on the generic for Actonel once a month. There was no mention of putting me on the once a year alternative. After I took my first Pill I had diarrhea for a week. She told me to take it the next month and see if I still have the same symptoms and if so she would recommend going on are Reclast???not sure of the spelling. I did take the pill and I only had diarrhea for two days so maybe I'm adjusting to it. Mentioned it to my oncologist and he didn't like the idea of the once a year injection. I get muscle aches and joint pain from the actonell as well as the fermara don't know which is from which and as always I worry about it being something else.
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I'm kinda nervous about this, since I'm starting Femara in January and was just diagnosed last week with osteopenia. I have a feeling that my PPIs for GERD (have been taking them 20 yrs--first Prilosec, then Prevacid, then Protonix and since 2011 Dexilant) might have been a cause. Can't give them up, as when I do I get esophageal inflammation regardless of diet (the only other thing that helped was giving up NSAIDs for arthritis, which had caused an occult GI bleed). An integrative MD once switched me to deglycerrhized licorice--and I had killer heartburn right away. The PPIs interfere with the absorption of calcium carbonate (the 1000-1500mg of Tums I've been taking for nearly as long) because calcium carbonate requires stomach acid to be absorbed (and taking it with vitamin C, coffee or citrus juice isn't enough). So as soon as I got the osteopenia dx I switched to calcium citrate, which is assimilated without the need for stomach acid. (Even the “petite" version is a freakin' horse pill that's tough to choke down--and I have to take two twice daily. Already have been taking D3 for several years, and magnesium for over a year).
I've also read that the Nasonex I've been snorting (on my FP's orders) and the montelukast I've been taking to keep my asthma at bay can also contribute to bone loss--but then again, asthma can kill me much faster. And the inhaled steroids (Advair, Symbicort) that are usually the first line maintenance therapy cause irreversible vocal cord atrophy--a dealbreaker for a singer--plus (you guessed it) bone loss. (And GERD also gave me a "bowed" vocal cord that required six months of vocal exercise therapy to bring back some clarity & volume to my voice--and heartburn can also trigger asthma attacks). So I must choose between (on the one hand) serious GI problems &/or asthma (which can kill me suddenly, or slowly if it becomes COPD) and (on the other hand) the long slow painful decline of being incapacitated by eventual hip or spine fractures 10 years down the road. Oh, joy.
And that doesn't even factor in the joint pain from an AI and the bone pain (and possibly, worse GERD) from bisphosphonates. I think the side effects from an annual or semi-annual Reclast or Prolia injection or infusion might be more tolerable and fleeting than those from taking a daily or even weekly or monthly osteoporosis med. Of course, I already have been fighting periodontal disease more than half my life--and trying to keep oral bone loss at bay. But at least I can’t get arthritis in my knees--they’re fake, with titanium instead of bone and plastic instead of cartilage.
I never thought I'd reach the point in my life so soon where it's no longer possible to treat one serious chronic disease without causing one or more equally serious chronic diseases. No wonder they say aging ain’t for wusses.
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I just started femara 4 days ago and experienced bone pain w/in an hour. Will it get better? Bone pain was my primary SE from chemo and Neulasta injection.
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Spoke to my FP today to bring him up to speed as to my progress. He surprised me by warning against both the injected biologics (Prolia, Reclast) and the oral bisphosphonates. With the biologics, he's encountered severe fevers, and bone pain far worse than with AIs alone. With the bisphosphonates, he says they all cause terrible esophagitis, often erosive; and he has seen patients develop not just jaw osteonecrosis but oral bone cancers as well--plus horizontal femur fractures (why take a fracture-preventing drug that can CAUSE fractures?)!. At last summer's AAFP convention, there was research discussed indicating that in the majority of women with osteopenia, it doesn't often progress to full osteoporosis. He suggests I continue with calcium citrate, vit. D3, magnesium and weightbearing exercise even after starting Femara.
He also mentioned that Femara (or any AI) tends also to raise both LDL cholesterol and blood glucose--and statins given to reduce the LDLs raise glucose even higher, possibly necessitating adding an oral diabetes drug (which in turn further raises LDL). But he says that as long as I watch my diet, five years of experiencing joint pain and “personal perennial summers" (his description of hot flashes) is a small price to pay for the chance to live out a normal-length lifespan (or at least forestall recurrence or mets as long as possible). And at this point, it's the only viable option for low-Oncotype-score ER+/HER2- cancers this far past menopause.
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I was recently dx with osteoporosis in my lower spine and osteopenia in my hips.....about 9 months after starting Femara. I didn't have a baseline so I don't really know if the Femara was a contributing factor. I was dx with osteopenia about 10 years ago so I was probably well on my way to osteoporosis. I really did not want to take another medication in addition to Femara so I searched for an alternative. I have been doing OsteoStrong about 2 months. I have noticed reduced hip pain so far. I go once a week for about 15 minutes and do 4 weight bearing machines. Their claim is that these exercises will increase bone density by 7.7% in one year. I can't attest to that since I've just started but i'll try anything to avoid another prescription. I also do yoga a few times a week and walk on the weekends.
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chisandy, my onc also does not recommend bone strengthening drugs for osteopenia. I am slightly ostepoenic and have been on femara for two years. Latest bone density shows no change.and onc says that I am doing well and it is quite possible that I will never develop osteoporosis. He says that my exercise consisting mostly of walking 6-8 miles/ day is probably what is keeping my bones strong. I also take d and calcium.0 -
Nash, very interesting! Which machines do you use?
Ms Pharoah, I hope that's correct because that's what I do!
((Hugs)))
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Tammy.....chest press, core pull, leg press and vertical lift. The machines are connected to a computer that measures pressure and time. You do as much weight and you can and hold for about 5 seconds. Google OsteoStrong if you want to research.
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Nash et al,
I was diagnosed last week with osteoporosis (forget osteopenia, blew right by that!). I'm only 44 but on Femara, Lupron AND prednisone, all of which destroy bone density. I'm a little miffed that none of my docs thought to check my bone density until now, after almost two years on these hateful drugs.
I'm quite active but mostly just running. I guess I need to get a strength training program going. My BFF who's not my doctor but is a great doc recommended the annual shot for the osteoporosis. I'm waiting to see what my PCP recommends...
Does anyone have diet/nutrition advice? I've read to reduce salt, increase protein, dairy and other sources of vitamin D and calcium, and .... reduce caffeine. I love my coffee but it leaches precious calcium from the bones .... sigh, does the world really need to take away my last comfort?!
On another topic, I've been taking fish oil (wild Alaska salmon oil - the best!) and I think it's mitigating the bone pain. And maybe helping keep my brain from being complete and utter mush. I recommend!
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Thanks Nash, I will do some further research!
Alaskamama, I've been taking a triple strength fish oil at an anti-Inflammatory strength but.....I've been gaining weight.....what is the dose you take
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alaskamamma....HI! I was born in Anchorage Alaska! Always wanted to go back as I was just a baby when we moved. Diet will help with bone loss but not near as much as weight bearing exercise. I love OsteoStrong because it is monitored and targeted to the areas I need. I don't know how wide-spread the facilities are. It was founded here in Nashville by a doc who was helping his aging mother. I have been wanting to add fish oil to my regime mostly for dry skin...due to lack of estrogen. What brand are you using and can you get from Amazon?
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Morning ladies. I'm back to that "is it really worth it stage." The claw hands, morning shuffling, slug like feeling is getting me down this week. I wonder how much of it is aging and menopause and how much it the stupid yellow pill. Oh well. Bottoms up. Keep on keepin on. I'm past the halfway point. Hugs.
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the OT has me wearing gloves to bed. keeps the heat in and my hands don't hurt quite as much when I wake up!
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Nash - You should visit AK! It's so beautiful.... and the fish is the best. (I can't BELIEVE the FDA just approved Frankenfish! All of Alaska is appalled!)
Nash and Tammy - The fish oil I've been taking is Pure Alaska Omega and it says "100 percent Omega-3 Wild Alaskan Salmon OIl 1000 mg, cold pressed extra virgin." I take 2 a day. I got them at our local health food store but just checked Amazon and there they are!! Here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Alaska-Omega-3-Softgels...
Lucy - I would encourage you not to dismiss the nagging "is it really worth it" questions. In some cases it is NOT worth it. A friend's mom who had stage 1 breast cancer was miserable on AIs. She discussed it with her daughter, who supported her decision to get off, and her doc was open to it. She is much happier and healthier off the drugs, in my opinion. Unfortunately there's no clear equation by which we can work out the right answer. I am widowed and had advanced cancer and my oncologist has made it pretty clear my kids will be orphaned if I go off the drugs, so it makes my decision kind of a no-brainer!
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Alaskamama - Thanks for that. I'll mulled it all over. I probably just need to suck it up. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Chloesmon - Interesting about the gloves. I wear a right hand splint to bed and it feels great.
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Thanks for the link Alaskamamma...just order !
Hang in there FarmerLucy....I had some short lived achy hands and shuffling in the morning. Exercise really seems to help. I do yoga and walk. I try to do something everyday. When my hands were aching I would open/close several times while exercising and that seemed to help. I also started doing some ostegpenic loading exercises and things are much better for me. Bottom line for me....daily exercise has kept the aches and pains at bay. I also try to eliminate as much gluten from my diet as I can and take magnesium and a low dose aspirin daily....thanks to Alaskamamma I'm adding Fish Oil.
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I lived in Alaska from from when I got married at 24 till about 30 when we moved back to CA. Nash---were you born at Providence Hospital? Seems like everyone was. I had my daughter there in '84. Alaskamamma is right, you should visit. It is unique and overwhelmingly beautiful. I regretted leaving many times when I was stuck in SoCal traffic or tired of so many people. I had a hard time adjusting at first and would really stress on the number and speed of cars on the freeway. Funny huh? I lived in Fairbanks and Wasilla. You should visit the Kenai Penninsula. Take the train or drive the highway north from Anchorage through Denali National Park up to Fairbanks.
I am not familiar with Southeast AK but I did drive out of Alaska via the Alcan Highway. That was a memorable roadtrip. The Yukon and B.C. are beautiful too. Maybe Aug-Sept on the chance you could catch some northern lights but not too cold yet.
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Thanks Nash. Yeah def worse when I don't exercise.
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Yay! There’s an OsteoStrong center in Schaumburg--about 45 min. away in the NW suburbs (dangerously located near IKEA and Woodfield Mall). If I cant get out there daily, I do have a treadmill and stationary bike. My FP advises that for every cup of caffeinated coffee I drink I add some calcium-rich food (whole sardines & canned salmon--eating the bones of both, greens and lattes, anyone)? And for hand arthritis, he says I need to get back to practicing guitar daily, starting now, to keep my fingers limber; and to be vigilant about wearing gloves or mittens whenever the wind-chill dips below 40F. He confirms my knees should be fine, as they’re made of titanium and plastic with no cartilage or bone to erode, but to be careful about avoiding falls (use a cane or trekking poles in snow & ice even if I’m not hurting)--and to let someone else shovel snow. If I do attempt X-C skiing I should do it on grass only, not on sidewalks. Meanwhile, when I told him I switched from Tums to calcium citrate (800mg/day), he said that’s what he was about to suggest. But once I start Femara, I should raise that to 1200mg. Two “petites” with every meal--not just breakfast and dinner or bedtime snack. Tried the full-size ones, and I kept choking on them--even when I split them, the rough edges catch in my throat. Even the “petites” are tough to swallow, and I lose a couple every day to coughing them up when they get stuck. Might switch to the chewables, but considering a single dose is four wafers they can get pretty expensive. I get 2000 IU of D3 from my supplement and 500 in my multi; and I take 500mg of magnesium at bedtime, plus 200 in my multi.
I wonder if my friend who just fell out of bed her first day at long-term acute care and broke her femur was on a bisphosphonate. (She’s petite, but medium-frame and olive-skinned; she was a smoker >50 yrs). Because of her emphysema and pulmonary hypertension, she can’t have it surgically reduced and pinned, so all they can do is keep it in an immobilizer and her non-weightbearing and heavily pain-managed....in hospice, unfortunately. I’m terrified of ending up like that--I already had an iliac crest fracture 18 yrs ago when my surgeon dug a little too deep when harvesting bone to patch together my shattered tibia (from my being hit by a car).
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ChiSandy...with Osteosrong you only go once a week but you have to go consistently. They should offer you a free visit before you decide to sign up and of course you can quite anytime. I had to pay a one time $79...then $79 a month so works out to about $20 a visit. If you're not a talker (like me) it should take less than 15 minutes. I really do think it's helping me.
Ellelou....I was born in Anchorage...Army hospital (Fort Richardson I believe). My mother loved living there and she got to see the Northern lights. It's on my bucket list.
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Alaskamama, thanks for the link
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Thanks for all the tips and the Alaska chatter ... I live in Southeast Alaska - fjords, glaciers, rainforest, bears, whales, beautiful mountains ... and rain rain rain!
I think I need to be taking more stuff - magnesium, curcumin, green tea ... It all takes a lot of discipline and organization, neither of which is really my strong suit
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