Anastrozole and sinus issues
Hi-
It's been awhile since I've been on here. I was diagnosed in May 2014 with ILC. I had surgery, followed with radiation, and then a prescription for Anastrozole. I've had the usual side effects of insomnia and aches and pains, but have just been watching the calendar knowing that my 5 years will be coming up next year and I will be ending this medication (I know some doctors are recommending 10 years). Since October 2016, I've had 5-6 sinus infections. I never had sinus infections previously. I had a CT scan on my sinuses last week and my regular doctor said my sinuses are normal. The strange thing is that I don't feel like I have drainage or stuffiness, but my left side feels extremely dry and I get this screaming pain around my teeth. An antibiotic clears the problem, but I don't understand why I keep getting them. I read somewhere that sinus infections could be a side effect of Anastrozole. I am almost 61 years old, so post menopausal, and have been taking this medication for 4 years and 2 months, with the first infection in October of 2016.
Anyone else having this issue?
Comments
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Hi. I found your post while searching for Arimidex and sinus issues. My doctor switched me from the generic, Anastrazole, to the name brand Arimidex in March 2021. Since then, I have had at least 3 sinus related issues that include severe pain in my nose, ear and teeth, stuffiness, etc.
The last episode only went away with a steroid pill. The nasal steroids only make it worse.
Do you have any more insight since your post in May? I am at my wits end with all these sinus problems and the ENT doesn't seem to know what to do other than suggest surgery! That is a big NO.
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This original post is pretty old now, but I just wanted to say that since I've been on Letrozole, I have had a lot of sinus problems - pretty much chronic. I don't see much about this problem and I can't see myself telling the oncologist, as she will just dismiss me and say it has to be something else. I will say, sinus issues don't show up on most of the side effect lists, but mine have never been so bad as they have since starting Letrozole. I try to avoid the antibiotics if I can and use the Neil Med nasal irrigation system with the squeeze bottle and pre-mixed packets of salt and soda. I have to use it 3 times a day though, or I start to get "backed up" and the beginnings of those infection feelings. A lot of people only do this once or twice a day and then when it's under control, they can go down to once a day a few days a week. It does seem to do the job, but it's a royal pain sometimes too! I'd be curious to know how common this problem might really be for those taking AI's.
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Thanks for responding. I also use the Neil Med sinus rinse at least once a day along with an allergy pill. Starting to think I might need to see an allergy doctor. The ENT I go to has been no help at all.
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Hi. I have been on anastrozole for almost 3 years. I did not realize that sinus pain could be a side effect. I get terrible sinus pain pretty much daily. I thought it was associated with scuba diving. It gives me hope that this pain may go away after I complete my 5 years. I take Sinusalia, a homeopathic remedy for sinus inflammation and it works like a charm. I buy it on Amazon and the price is very reasonable.
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Hi,
This is my first post here. I read all of the above replies.
In addition to bone and joint pain since starting Anastrozole just two months ago, I have been overwhelmed by sinusitis and rhinitis. The nasal drainage is clear but copious. I sneeze a lot. That's bad enough but am having eye surgery soon and don't want to be coughing and sneezing to cause problems with the surgical wound healing.
That Sinus Calm (formerly Sinusalia) sounds like a good idea. It's definitely on Amazon.
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