Femara isn't a chemo in the true sense. It is an oral anti-estrogen. And it is fairly new - probably only used in the last 10 years or so, so I was given it when it was new. I think you can find just about every side effect with every drug - at least one person has every possible side effect. The problem is the cause and effect is difficult to prove, unless there is definitely some biological/physiological expectation of the drug. Like niacin for cholesteral. Since it can open up the capillaries, flushing is an expected side effect.

How does anyone in the medical community look at a list of medications someone has taken (either maintenance or occasional) and have the ability to say definitely that this drug caused this side effect? Sometimes so many people have such a severe or life threatening side effect (like heart problems with vioxx) that the FDA removes it.

But for any doctor to say - my femara, or cipro or pravachol caused this would be nearly impossible. And even if they did, what would be the treatment - other than going off the medication (which I am for 2 of these 3)?

I did not take any other chemo. Also, the femara is very effective in reducing the recurrence of breast cancer, which can kill. So it has been a lifeline for me. But now I'm off it. Most women don't last as long on it as I have due to bone and joint pain. So, we'll see how it goes with my being off of it.

Thanks for the links and information.