femara side effects

Alyce · 08-16-2012, 08:25 AM

I am on my 4th year of Femara. Everything is going pretty well EXCEPT I now have Cholesterol (245!) and never had a problem before. We eat a 99% healthy diet, I even wrote a cookbook about changing to a healthy diet. Lo and behold I have now gained about 20 pounds which is another side effect! My husband could not believe I could gain on our diet of mostly veggies, some fruit, a little bison and chicken, hardly any carbs. Anyone out there taking any kind of diet concotions to lose some of the weight? I'm always afraid to add supplements but would love some advice if you have had the same experience. My primary Doc does not want me to start statins which is fine with me.

chekmark · 08-19-2012, 08:05 AM

I have been on femara for a year and half now. I have never had a weight problem and I also have gained about 15lbs. My oncologist said it was from the femara most likely. I find that my ankles and wrist tend to swell at times and just feel puffy. My rings are tight. I have never really had to watch my diet but I have found that I do now and cannot really get rid of the weight. I lost a few pounds but nothing noticeable. I walk and stay extremely active. I take vitamins and drink a ton of water, veggies, fruit just like you and it is just frustrating. My cholesterol was ok, my ldl just slightly elevated so was just asked to have it rechecked in 3 or 4 months which is next month so I will see. My hdl was fine. If there is a solution I would also like to hear about it. Good luck to you. Darlene

Pray · 08-19-2012, 01:59 PM

It may not work for everyone. My urologist only has me drinking 5 or six glasses of water a day. (which includes all fluids for that day). Unless you have some other health issues we just dont have to have alot.When we are on arimidex and other ais not only do we gain weight we also tend to carry extra fluids. This has worked well for me. I still have some swelling but not a weight problem. As with everyting we try new, always check with your dr. first! This is my case I don't assume to make it out to be anyone elses.

Alyce · 08-19-2012, 02:44 PM

Thanks for the info. it is really frustrating to not be able to lose some weight. I have gone up 2 dress sizes! We walk or I do a treadmill every day. I thought about trying "Sensa" but I wonder if any diet supplement would even make a difference because I really don't eat a lot of food.

KristinSchwick · 08-19-2012, 03:29 PM

Not to offend anyone, because weight is a big deal to me too. But its funny because my oncologist and nurse are excited when I gain weight. Threw me off at first because I was like "what" but then realized that chemo often 0really makes you so sick that weight loss is alot bigger issue. Just thought I'd share.