| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
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| 4 | Breast cancer / recurrence | Aching joints,inability to sleep,numbness in arms & hands during night,dry skin & eyes.Loss of sex drive :(
Weight gain which is still climbing :0 | After first diagnosis I refused meds just had lumpectomy but I had a recurrence in same breast 3 years almost to the day .This time I had lumpectomy + radiation .For the first year on Arimidex I felt very few side effects ,mainly loss of sex drive and loss of quality sleep.Now my arms & hands go numb every night.It takes a while in the morning before I able able to clench my fists.I have had a few days when I am disabled by nausea and head aches.not sure if this is due to Arimidex.
I would love to talk with others about their experiences so feel free to email me .I live in Australia.
I take Arimidex at night.Its been 2 years now and I just got the all clear after mammo :) I thank God and the hard work of all the researchers that I have a reasonable quality of life | F | 52 | 2 years
1mg 1X D | | 9/1/2010
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2 | breast cancer | I can't figure out if I co-incidentally got some strange virus or if these are side effects. Since the half-life is 50 hours and I took Arimidex for two days, I think it will take one more day for me to get it out of my system and then I can tell. Very odd very uncomfortable upper leg, back, hip pain, fever, very congested cough, it's just bizarre. Left arm tingled all of second day. This may help others but I think this is not for me. Will go back to tamoxifen for now with DCA treatment which I have just started and keep on Budwig Diet. This medicine is not for me. I just wish I knew if I was sick or having a reaction! | | F | 59 | 2 days
1mg 1X D | | 8/31/2010
| 5 | Early stage IDCC no nodes | joint pain, bone pain | I started taking Arimidex in 2003 and took it for the whole 5 yrs until 2008. I am amazed that some of the comments about this drug are so negative, especially from the people who have only been taking it for a few weeks, or even days. Of course I had days when I felt that I had every side effect listed for the drug, but I knew most of what I felt was anger or depression because of the cancer. I know drugs affect people in many different ways, but alot of the side effects people feel the first few weeks, months and even years are because of the disease, not the treatment. After going off the drug in 2008, I feel every bit as good as I did before getting breast cancer, and I am still cancer free. If your Dr recommends this drug for you, give it a chance, it may save your life. It did mine :) | F | 58 | 5 years
1X D | | 8/26/2010
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| 4 | Stage 2b breast cancer | fatigue and depression, some joint pain, had total knee replacement and shoulder surgery during past five yrs, hair loss, weight gain, various illnesses and general feeling of being old. | Several family members have had breast cancer and not lived five years to tell about it. I have made it the five years, so I would take it again and deal with the side effects. | F | 63 | 5 years
1mg 1X D | | 8/24/2010
| 2 | breast cancer | joint & hip pain, tiredness most if not all the time now, weight gain not able to loose or stop even when dieting, short term memory loss, no libedo, feel old. | had full hysteretomy & overies removed, was on tamoxifan no bad side affects can remember,will ask to go back on, feel better now read comments though now know what is a matter with me! made appointment to see doctor thought under active thyroid or worse! thank you all and god bless i am not alone. | F | 44 | 1 years
1mg 1X D | | 8/16/2010
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| 5 | stage 2 breast cancer | | I am about six weeks off of Arimidex after taking for 5years. I am still not feeling any better. Lots of nights sweats and joint pain. Cannot seem to lose weight. Hopefully will feel better soon. | F | 63 |
1 mg 1X D | | 8/15/2010
| 1 | breast cancer lumpectomy | wake up too early. fixed it by taking pill in am. dry eye. cry more/ use to almost never cry. | i wonder if i don't really need it. i read a woman say arimidex made her labia shrink a lot, and got exceedingly dry to the point she could not sit for long without discomfort, and had to apply lube just to sleep. | F | 58 | 3 months
1 mg 1X D | | 8/15/2010
| 2 | BC Stage 1, ER +, HR- no nodes | I experience restless nights and forgetfulness(major) as I did going through menopause, my cholesterol is up, but my main problem is that my immune system has been severely compromised. I am always sick with whatever is going around. One complaint finishes and next starts. This started within weeks of finishing radiation and starting arimidex. I don't know which of the t/ments would be causing this.I don't take to the bed, but I might have the occasional rest. I was an extremely healthy, fit woman before BC, I had no risk factors other than being 59. I still try to keep my fitness up, but it is impossible to get any routine daily exercise going.
Anyone else in the same situation? | I have decided to take arimidex for 3 years because of the memory problem. My father had Alzthmer's and I have decided not to run headlong into the desease. | F | 61 | 18 months
1mg 1X D | | 8/13/2010
| 2 | breast cancer | Heart shakes/flutters/vibrates. Cough. Occasional hoarseness. Cough. Arms went limp on 2nd day. Very weak legs and arms. Dry, thirsty, sore throat. Insomnia. Fatigue. Depression. Headache (dull). Less nausea than Tamoxifen. Joints hurt a LOT. Shaky body. Chemical taste in mouth. Dizziness occasionally. General chest pain. | I don't like it. | F | 52 | 5 days
1 mg 1X D | | 8/12/2010
| 3 | Stage IIIc BC, ER +, HER - | Started as hot flashes, insomnia, & mild knee pain. Now have debilitating pain in my knees and ankles which causes mobility and balance issues. Had to have trigger releases done on both thumbs in the last six months. Also having elbow and neck stiffness coupled with neuropathy which is still present in my toes from chemotherapy. Hot flashes & inablity to sleep more than 5-6 hours a night remain a problem. Use vaginal moisturizer for dryness but have also experienced tears. Memory and forgetfulness issues are embarassing at work. There have been days when I wake up with severe headache and call out that day. I noticed in the past month that I have gained weight and my ankles and feet swell every day to the point of being painful. | Oncologist asks me what would be the better choice: Arimidex side effects or recurrance of breast cancer. I am just having a difficult time with having my first grandchild to enjoy and feeling like I am 90 years old. It seems like once I get up and move around my joints feel better but I also tire easily and have to sit down & rest. Then when I get up again, it starts all over again. NSAIDs help if I take dose first in morning but I am concerned that this joint pain will remain after finished treatment. Counting down the days to last dose of Arimidex! | F | 53 | 21 months
1mg 1X D | | 8/11/2010
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| 1 | stage 1, er, pr, her neu +3 | Severe depression, hot flashes, fuzzy thinking, forgetfulness, joint pain, sensitivity to heat and light, gradual hair loss, weight gain controlled with exercise and diet, extremely dry eyes resulting in blepharitis with vision distortion. | At first I could deal with the side effects but they seem to be increasing after 2 and a half years on this drug. My oncologist has told me that effects are not cumulative. I don't believe it because they have increased. This drug is too debilitating and aging. It is becoming more debilitating than either double lumpectomy, chemo or radiation. I am seriously considering alternative therapies. I am fearful that these symptoms will persist even when I stop taking this very scary drug. My oncologist also said that it has only be shown to prevent recurrence by 2 or 3 %. Has it really been tested to determine its true effectiveness? | F | 66 |
1 mg 1X D | | 8/10/2010
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| 5 | Stage IV breast cancer | So far I have not experienced many side effects from this medication. I do have some fatigue and depression but minimal joint or muscle pain . I attribute the fatigue and depression to the fact that I am only one year post surgery / chemo / radiation. I expect my energy and mood to improve. | Take it in the morning first thing . Any info on if it is better to take at night or morning? | F | 56 | 9 months
1mg 1X D | | 8/7/2010
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| 5 | following breast cancer surgery | I don't think I experienced any side effects, though my memory is challenged -- don't know whether that's due to the drug or to stress or age or.... I do have osteopenia, which may be a result. I'll find out soon whether taking Fosamax kicked that problem. | I don't discount others' reports of side effects, but I've been essentially unaffected. I'm actually nervous about going off it after 5 years. | F | 56 | 5 years
1 mg 1X D | | 8/4/2010
| 3 | Early stage DCIS | Hyper-emotional, shoulder-elbow-finger pain, fatigue, malaise, sleeplessness, warm waves (hot flashes), low appetite, weight gain/no weight loss, altered life outlook, did I mention FATIGUE!!!!!!! | Been on this WRETCHED medicine 7 mos. since Dec. 09. After first month I put myself on 1/2 tablet before onset of side effects. I cannot even fathom how much more miserable I would be if I were taking the full dose of 1 mg/day. Everyday I have to CHOOSE to take this poison! Make your own life choices ladies and don't regret or look back! One day soon I will decide to NOT TAKE IT and never regret it. My score was very favorable for doing nothing so taking this CRAP is a concession to my very empathetic surgeon and onc. If I come off of this crap I'm NOT going to take anything else! | F | 58 | 7 months
.5 mg 1X D | | 8/2/2010
| 2 | breast cancer | terrible joint pain. esp. knees, feet and my hands. fatigue! I am 59 yr old and feel like I'm 90. I walk up and down stairs like I'm 90! Tired all the time. Memory is also bad! My mother had altzeimer's, so that really scares me. I sound like everyone else here. Joint pain, fatigue, memory loss,sleepless nights! | | F | 59 | 1 days
1 mg 1X D | | 8/1/2010
| 1 | Metaplastic BC 1 cell slightly HER+ | I'm considering my options. I'm fairly sure that the cancer will Mets to my lungs, or liver or bone & not much is known about it. I am only 58, my husband is 60 and disabled and I must continue to work. | I find it very odd that every comment I see talks about the overwhelming fatigue, but in the official Arimidex website, fatigue is NOT mention... | F | 58 | 14 days
1mg 1X D | | 7/26/2010
| 4 | stage 1 bc no nodes | stiff joints when I get up in the morning and when I get up from sitting. I also feel VERY tired most of the time. | Once I get up a moving I feel OK. I ride my bike a lot and I run. While I am doing these I feel great. But I pay later with fatigue. If this is all from Arimidex and it is a sign the medicine is working, I will continue. I was worried the fatigue was from something else like new cancer. | F | 49 | 7 months
1 mg 1X D | | 7/25/2010
| 4 | Stage 2 HER neg breast cancer 2006 | 2007 first year joint pain and stiffness insonmia vivid dreams fatigue memory was cloudy couldn't remember names of some common items (ex. I wanted a screw driver and knew what I wanted but just couldn't tell my daughter what it was.Needed a stamp but couldn't remember what to call it. I knew what the item was but couldn't give anyone the name of it)
2008 After I "got use to it" stiffness in feet and ankles (I no longer drive because I'm afarid I'll have an accident)
Painful knees and generalized aches.Have difficulty with stairs. Hair loss and thinning.Weight gain! sleep only 3 to 5 hours with vivid dreaming.High blood pressure,bone loss and occational depression. I refuse to take any anti depressants.
I'm tired of xrays and the like. I'm surprised I'm not glowing in the dark!
| I feel like my life got sucked up!*I use to be very active. walked 5 miles a day and managed an apartment building. I can't do that anymore. I want to be me again! After 4 years I want to discontinue the Arimidex. I need to feel normal again but I am afraid of the cancer! I just want to be normal again! | F | 52 | 4 years
1mg 1X D | | 7/25/2010
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| 2 | IIB Rare Metaplastic | This is horrible.Couldn't sleep first few days but that passed.Now all week have had chronic, constant, incapacitating FATIGUE, mental confusion, eyesight problems, headaches.Worked all through chemo & rad. Have lupus & this fatigue far surpasses that or the chemo. | Metaplastic breast cancer is RARE and made up of 3 different types of cells, and 1 cell tested "slightly" HER+. Plus oncologists know so little about it they don't really know how to treat it. Since it has only been 7 days since I started taking it, I am very hopeful (but doubtful as well), that at least the fatigue will pass. Have important job helping others file for Social Security Disability and have to remember rules & regs & be able to communicate clearly. MUST continue working as my husband is disabled at age 60 | F | 58 | 7 days
1mg 1X D | | 7/23/2010
| 2 | bc stage 1 | joint pain. Especially knee & foot pain. tops of my feet feel like I have iv's in them. walk alot @ work, and at night the pain in my feel & legs keep me awake. Wearing pj's help my leg pain. Also have weight gain around the middle. I hate this drug, but my mom died of neck & spine cancer. My friend had bc and never took the drugs...now it is in her liver and panceas. So what do you do? So far, it is working. No re-occurance. I hope the side effects don't get any worse. I still have 2+ yrs to go. God bless you all. | | F | 60 | 26 months
1 mg 1X D | | 7/21/2010
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| 3 | 19mm Grade II DCIS, 1 lymph node | Depression. Tearfulness. Finger joints swollen, hip Bursitis, stiff knees & feet. Memory worse. | After 1st 3 months (stiffness, tiredness & memory loss) I tried Femara/Letrozole which made me feel badly depressed. Misery all the time. Back on Arimidex for 4 years but tiredness and tearfulness getting WORSE. Embarrassing. How about I go on to half a pill?? Don't want it back - I got HER2 pos on other side in 09, & only just finished Herceptin. | F | 73 | 4.5 years
1mg 1X D | | 7/20/2010
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| 2 | DCIS stage 1 ER + node negative | Severe joint/muscle pain. "Claw hands" in the morning and difficulty walking down my stairs due to leg stiffness, My ankles feel at times like they are going to snap. Poor memory, insomnia. Low libido with vaginal tearing the last time I attempted to have sex 2 months ago.Very painful intercourse even using every lubricant availble. I feel like I've aged 20-30 years. My 90 y.o. mother is much more limber than me. Also, had an acute appendicitis last week with emergency surgery. | Surgery/radiation was much easier for me to handle physically. My quality of life has decreased due to chronic mod/severe joint/muscle pain. I've gained 12 lbs. and have little interest in walking/exercising. I do work 40 hours/week and must to survive finacially. Also, I like to work. Yes, I'm having a hard time with all the pain/discomfort. I'm talking to my oncologist tomorrow. Maybe I'll try Tamoxifin? Has anyone been on that? Also, I tried one month of Aromasin 25mg without any improvment in symptoms. | F | 54 | 10 months
1mg 1X D | | 7/19/2010
| 5 | BC Stage 1 no nodes | Hair loss, bone loss | I was fine on the drugs the first 3 years.Now I am experiencing minor joint pain and major hair loss. My five years are up in Aug. and I hope my hair grows back. Has anyone had this experience with hair loss? Does it grow back when the drug is stopped? | F | 56 | 4 years
1X D | | 7/18/2010
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| 2 | breast cancer | severe tendonitis in heels and hands. all over bone pain that has steadily grown worse. severe tiredness and depression. I am considering going off this drug,I plan on discussing this decision with my Dr. in Aug. | | F | 67 | 3 years
1mg 1X D | | 7/12/2010
| 4 | stage IV breast cancer | creaky, painful joints, particularly the knees and foot including top of foot and achilles heel. Particularly painful in the morning when get up (very difficult to walk down stairs, one stair at a time) or if I have been sitting a while. dry skin and lots of new wrinkles. Vaginal dryness and loss of libido. But what does that matter with all the weight gain in the middle. Soft nails. sometimes painful scalp. | No dispute from supportive oncologist re side effects. Says that is why 30% or more stop taking Arimidex. But since I'm currently NED & I want to stay that way, I'm sticking with Arimidex until something better comes along. When I had a luggage snafu and was without my arimidex for a week, I lost a couple of pounds, got my waistline back because my weight redistributed, and my joints did not hurt as much. Also taking Herceptin every 3 weeks and Zometa every 4 weeks plus thyroid (because of radiation damage to thyroid). So maybe some of the side effects attributable to Herceptin such as the painful scalp. I take stuff which reduces the side effects and helps me live with the side effects: double my omega 3's, 6 grams of vitamin D with natto K-2, zyflamend, boswellia serratta, and glucosamine, chondroitin with MSM | F | 70 | 26 months
1 mg. 1X D | | 7/10/2010
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| 2 | BC | Extreme fatigue, weight gain, swollen feet, joint ache results in difficulty climbing stairs, moodiness. | I'm considering getting off after a year and a half. I'm tired of being tired. I find it hard to feel the gratitude in my life that I felt before I started taking this pill. I was a very peaceful, calm person even after I was diagnosed and going thru radiation. But now, I'm just angry. About everything. I'm tired of being that way. This boils down to a quality of life. I'd rather risk the recurrence of breast cancer than stay on this drug. I hope to meet with my oncologist this week to discuss or rather, inform her, that I am stopping this drug. | F | 58 | 1.5 years
1 MG 1X D | | 7/6/2010
| 1 | EARLY STAGE ER+ BREAST CANCER | ****Dear BC Survivors****, Am now much content with decision to cease Arimidex, after taking for 11 months. Can't wait to feel better, physically. | Used to walk 5 x wk. with friends, gradually decreased to every other day, for past 2 months unable to exercise AT ALL. Must undertake only survival requirements for self and family. Son and wife are Int. Med. MD's, but not experienced w/ this med. When asked to describe symptoms to them, response is: "Not sure if extreme pain is causing exhaustion, or if severe exhaustion causes pain." Discussed w/ oncolog. who stated that she has "no problem w/ you going off this med." To summarize: DX, pre-surgical & radiation treatments/post-radiation recuperation were NOTHING compared to the incapacitation I've experienced while taking Arimidex for only 11 months, and I'm a Pollyanna by nature and a non-wimpy army brat. It was a huge decision, but I look forward to resuming non-survival activity, especially because only 15 min. of vigorous exercise per day leads to 50% reduction in breast cancer. Can't wait to feel well enough to resume walks w/ friends. Here's hoping you have minimal side effects. God bless us all, as well as our families. | F | 57 | 11 months
1 MG. 1X D | | 7/5/2010
| 1 | breast cancer | Since I started arimidex I can't sleep and have been having heart palpitations...atleast that is what I think they are. My hands are tingling and my hips hurt. I can't believe all this is happening so fast on this drug....I just got started. I just took myself off today...the heart palpitations it too much. I was doing fine on tamoxifen for about two years but had my ovaries removed about 6 months ago so my doctor recommended me to start arimidex. I was doing fine on tamoxifen....no real side affects other than the usually hand swelling here and there...no real hot flashes but every blue moon. My hair even grew back on tamoxifen.
I will see my oncologist in two weeks and will insist on going back on tamoxifen or taking no drugs at all. Like others have stated whatever will be will be. I don't want to live my life in pain or damage my heart. | | F | 39 | 2 weeks
1X D | | 7/3/2010
| 1 | stage 2 breast cancer | joint pain, hip pain, knee pain, bad hand pain. weight gain. Fuzzy thinking, depression, tired all the time. | This drug is pure poison!!! I have never been on any meds in my life until this drug. So all the side effects I was having were surely from this small little white pill. I took myself off of it on my own and I will take my chances. My life is more important then being crippled if I stayed on this for five years. WHO INVENTED THIS PILL, probably a MAN!!! I took it for six month, been off of it for almost two months and must say I am feeling much better. I still have some pain in my hands, but the hip pain doesn't wake me up at night anymore and I can easily go up and down stairs again. Chemo and Radiation wasn't as bad as this pill. I am cancer free, all testing and ex-rays were excellent. So my life now is WITHOUT THIS POISON PILL!
Whatever will be will be!!!! | F | 66 | 6 months
1X D | | 6/26/2010
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| 1 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer | joint pains, especially back and ankles, fatigue that sleep does not resolve, memory changes | I did have some of the back pain prior to Arimidex but the ankle and foot pain began about 1 month after starting it. The fatigue has actually caused me to shorten my work day occasionally to come home and nap; I see a chiropractor, physical therapist and am lucky enough to be able to have fairly regular massages. Unfortunately when I get up in the morning, it takes me some time to get moving. Getting up from a chair the same. | F | 65 | 9 months
1 mg 1X D | | 6/26/2010
| 4 | B C stage 2 nodes 2 | back pain, leg pain, headaches, occ hot flushes, low libido, severe tiredness, depression, weight LOSS..... | originally put on tamoxifen, but had severe cramping, so my oncologist put me on Arimidex. I am trying to tolerate and work around all of these side effects. I just take 1 day at a time. But I seem to be the only one that has experienced weight LOSS since being on this drug. I have gone from a size 12 to a size 6 ( Australian sizeing here )My appetite for most of the time is just non existant.... The only thing that I am concerned about though is the fact that I refused chemotherapy ( although it was recommended ). So I am relying on this drug to keep me cancer free. But of course I did take the radiotherapy. My sister died of B.C. ( only 40 yrs of age ), my father died of brain cancer, and my other sister recently has been through throat cancer. I just pray every day that all will be o.k. Thank god for modern science. Even with the horrid side effects. | F | 55 | 3 days
30mg 1X D | | 6/25/2010
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| 1 | Breast cancer | Crippeling of the hands, intense hand pain, joint pain, depression, exhaustion | I took Arimidix for 60 days from May 2009 to July 2009 and after intense crippeling of the hands I swithced to Femara. I took Femara for 5 months with the same results . I stopped Jan 12, 2010 and in June the symptoms were finally gone. | F | 67 | 60 days
30 mg 1X D | | 6/25/2010
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| 4 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer | | I had complained to my doctor about muscle & joint aches, tiredness, fatigue, weight gain, etc. My doctor took me off of Arimidex for 3 months. I still had all those symptoms so we knew that it wasn't all the Arimidex symptoms but other issues as well. I am back on the Arimidex but feel much better knowing it is other things causing those symptoms. That sounds ridiculous but I do feel better. My doctor also explained that my body has gone through a lot with the radiation therapy so just be kind to myself as much as possible. | F | 64 | 3 years
1MG 1X D | | 6/24/2010
| 4 | breast cancer | Bone pain, and mental cloudiness! I have felt tired most of the day and most of the time. I promised my two adult daughters that I would continue taking arimidex no matter what.
So, here I am, which is a good thing. | My quality of life has deteriorated so much. I can have a few good days, and then---physically down and out for several. When I am at work or out with family, friends, I pretty much "lie" now and say, "Oh, I am doing fine and feel well." Surely, they are tired of hearing me complain during the prior months. | F | 55 | 23 months
1mg 1X D | | 6/23/2010
| 3 | Breast cancer stage 1 | | | F | 51 |
1X D | | 6/23/2010
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History | 3 | Breast Cancer IIA | Exhaustion, memory problems, extreme lower back pain, severe osteoporosis; finger neuropothy (numbness) | MY doctor is concerned about the quick progression of bone loss even though I take Boniva. She suggested I could try Tamoxifen, however I'm not in a rush to add/change symptoms. I exercise regularly. I sometimes feel as exhausted as when undergoing chemotherapy. Good news - tumor markers are normal. | F | 54 | 3 years
1MG 1X D | | 6/21/2010
| 3 | ER+ Breast Cancer Stage 1 node-neg | Fatigue Fatigue Fatigue Fatigue! Loss of libido and concentration. Poor memory. Bone/muscular pain. Harder to maintain/lose weight. | It is now 18 months since I started taking this drug. I have left it a while before I posted here because I wasn't sure how many of my symptoms were left over from the chemo and radiotherapy.
I am crippled by fatigue. Not tiredness - absolute life sapping fatigue that leaves me confused and tearful with a general feeling of awful malaise. I can't see properly or hear properly, I just want to curl up in a ball and close my eyes. Rest really doesn't seem to improve it - I can't predict when it will strike me down either as it comes and goes randomly like the hot flushes. One minute I feel ok and the next minute I am on my knees with fatigue.
I do not want to quit this drug but my quality of life is really dire. I have lost my confidence completely. Most nights I am in bed by 7:30 in the hope that total rest will get me through the next day. It usually doesn't. I am wondering if Tamoxifen will be a better option. Maybe I shall give this another year and then swap. Has anyone gone from Arimidex to Tamoxifen?
I will not stop this treatment because I want to live to bring up my kids. And I try to convince myself that these side effects are proof that the drug is doing what it should. I do feel very disabled now and life really isn't what it used to be. But if this drug buys me many more years then perhaps it is a deal worth making. | F | 45 | 18 months
1mg 1X D | | 6/20/2010
| 3 | Stage I Breast Cancer | Osteoporosis, joint pain, depression, mood disturbances, extreme fatigue, sleeplessness, weight gain, thinning hair, weak nails, high blood pressure, dry skin, hot flashes. | I have been taking Arimidex for 4 years and 2 months. I've had it. I can't stand it anymore. I could live with most of the effects for the 5 years, but the depression, fatigue, sleeplessness, mental fuzziness, not feeling like myself, and feeling 10 years older with absolutely no energy or drive are the deal breakers. I'm afraid I'll lose my mind if I continue on this stuff. I've been through a lot in my life; cancer isn't the first awful thing I've had to face. I'm noit a wimp. But right now, I'd rather take my chances with the cancer than live through this anymore. Like another lady who made a similar comment, I feel that at 65 I don't have enough years left to waste any more living like this. The doctors prescribed pills for depression and for the osteoporosis, but I'm scared to death the anti-depressant will give me yet more side effects and I've been maaging the osteoporosis well with calcium and vitamin D. I'm calling my oncologist on Monday to check whether you can stop cold turkey or should stop gradually. I rated the drug 3 because so far I haven't had a return of my cancer, but who knows if that's because of the drug or not? | F | 65 | 4 years
1 MG 1X D | | 6/18/2010
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| 1 | breast cancer | extreme deep bone pain, joint pain, mood depression, lack of concentration, memory problems | I never had much pain from the cancer or with my mastectomy, but after just a few days on Arimidex I couldn't stand up very long without severe discomfort in legs; arms feel heavy, knees ache. Stopped taking but still have symptoms 2 weeks later. Will not go back on this drug. | F | 60 | 14 days
1 mg 1X D | | 6/18/2010
| 3 | 2 nd BC | tired, loss of libido, vaginal drynessl,WEIGHT GAIN | Definitely feel like I am 10 years older than I am. Was on tamoxifen for 5 yrs and no real problems. On Arimidex 11 months- 20 lbs gained, diet and exercise not helping budge weight. Too tired to exercise half the time now. Very frustrating. No sex drive and painful when attempted. | F | 44 | 11 months
1X D | | 6/17/2010
| 3 | breast cancer stage 2 | sleeplessness, joint pain, high cholestrol,tingling in hands,fatigue, irritability.
feel like I'm 100 whne I first get out of bed as my feet don't wnat to walk-- they are stiff & ankles ache | I will persist because I do not want the cancer to recur. | F | 62 | 2 days
2mg 1X D | | 6/16/2010
| 1 | Breast Cancer - Stage II/III | intense hot flashes, severe lower back pain, hip pain, muscle weakness and fatigue (especially in legs), swelling in hands, severe lower leg cramps. | After having had two spinal fusions in the past, the back pain caused from the drug was just too much. After checking out the arimidex.com website, I found out that the risk of a recurrence of BC is only 10% in the first 3 years. This is a risk I am willing to take. Quality of life wins out every time for me. | F | 47 | 6 months
1X D | | 6/16/2010
| 3 | Breast cancer Stage II a | Severe knee and hip pain; my arches ache and now I have sensitive feet. But, I keep going, walking 5K a day, yoga at least 3x a week. Vit D3 seems to help. I take an Aleve if I really need it. The more I move, the better I feel, the more energy I have. Have given up dairy, red meat, my daily glass of wine. I hope Arimidex really works as it is supposed to. I am willing to take it as long as necessary. | | F | 58 | 3 months
1X D | | 6/15/2010
| 2 | Stage 2 breast cancer | Joint pain in fingers, hips, back, feet. Numbness in hands and arms on arising from bed. Constant fatigue. Sleep difficulties, probably mostly due to the joint pain. Occasional hot flashes. Fuzzy-headedness and memory problems. Thinning hair. Basically experiencing what most people seem to experience with this drug. My quality of life is not what I would wish for me or anyone. | More long-term research is needed! This drug was found to be somewhat "effective" and it was marketed too prematurely, I think. It's a shame that our "wellness" is so tied in with the profits of drug companies. There are certainly other ways to look at cancer and its treatment and these should be explored. | F | 58 | 2.5 years
1X D | | 6/14/2010
| 2 | Stage 1 breast cancer | Joint pain, initially in wrists, now in hands, quite severe, can't make a fist with either hand. Some fatigue | My cancer was , ER+/HR+/HER2-. I will talk to my clinical oncologist at my next visit to see about alternatives. I don't know how to rate my satisfaction with the drug, as I haven't had any recurrence yet (1 year from initial diagnosis). I suppose if I have no recurrence in 4 more years I would be satisfied. Not sure I'll be able to take Arimidex that long though | F | 64 | 9 months
30 mg 1X D | | 6/10/2010
| 1 | Stage1 Breast Cancer Survivor | On Tamoxifen for 1 year after Stage 1 inductu-carcinoma with no side effects except hot flashes. Had hysterectomy and changed to Arimidex...within 2 months started feeling joint pain in toes...then after five months, severe joint pain in thumbs with hip pain and other joint pain. Tried Celebrex, Aleve, Advil, flax seed oil, glucosimine, parafin baths, etc. and nothing helps. Primary care doc, oncologist, rhematologist all giving me remedies but no diagnosis! Seeing a hand specialist at months end...still say it is the Arimidex...STAY OFF IT IF YOU CAN! My quality of life has been so damaged because of this awful drug! | More clinical research needs to be done on the side effects! | F | 51 | 9 months
1 1X D | | 6/10/2010
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| 2 | breast cancer | I originally submitted a rating and my experience 7/22/2009. Please refer to it for a comparison to what I say today. | I still have bad joint pain in my knees and stiffness all over. It is difficult to sit down or to stand up without my knees hurting. For the last year, I have had extreme tingling, numbness, burning in my middle 3 fingers on my right hand. Orthopedic hand surgeon said it was carpal tunnel, so one month ago I had carpal tunnel surgery. It has helped so far, but this surgery is a very long healing process and I won't know for months if the surgery has really done the trick. Diet makes a huge difference to me. I take a lot of calcium (Citracal with D3), my vitamin with D, and extra D3 daily. I also take glucosomine with MSM and Fosamax. I eliminate as much refined sugar as possible and no red meat. The only sugar I eat is in fruits. I eat as many different veggies as possible (limited potatoes). For meat, I eat salmon and chicken. Exercise (slow walking and recumbant bike) helps me a great deal. I do not have to take daily naps anymore, only an occasional one. I sleep okay at night. My energy level and stamina are not what they were before breast cancer, but surely improved over what they were a year ago. My oncologist will never convince me that my troubles are not due to Arimidex. I don't feel like 90 years old anymore, but at the same time, I can't get down on the ground (my knees) to play with my grandchildren. I just find other ways to play with them. The bottom line: I hate Arimidex on one hand, and on the other hand, I hope it's saving my life. | F | 69 | 16 months
1 mg 1X D | | 6/9/2010
| 4 | breast cancer double masectomy | weight gain | no side effects have been taking vitamin d and calcium daily | F | 50 | 2 years
1 1X D | | 6/8/2010
| 2 | lumpectomy/ breast cancer | stiff joints, mental confusion, itching/particularly head, sleep problem | It has taken me a while to realize the problems I have been experiencing are undoubtedly side effects of the drug. Whether it is necessary or worth it to continue are not decided. I have yet to convince my doctor these problems are side effects of taking Arimidex. | F | 77 | 15 months
1X D | | 6/8/2010
| 3 | Estrogen + cells in plural effusion | So far I don't feel anything. I have an unknown primary, with estrogen + receptors, so Arimidex is prescribed while we keep trying to find the primary. | I don't know if it's working or not because I feel the same--But I'm taking scads of supplements to boost my immune system, and am eating like a saint, so I don't know if that may affect anything or not. | F | 66 | 30 days
1 mg 1X D | | 6/6/2010
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| 1 | Inflammatory Breast Cancer, 111-B | Joint pain, body aches, trouble sleeping, memory loss, fuzzy brain. hot flashes, less ability handling life stresses | Did a man invent this drug? This is cruel. No one would be taking this if they didn't think or hope it was going to save their life. After discussing this drug in my cancer support group, there seem to be those who have few side effects or many side effects. I feel like this drug is toxic for my body, but I am still taking it just like I did the chemo drugs - which some worked for me and others didn't. I lost my breasts, that hurt but in the big picture, but okay if you keep your life. Now I seem to be losing my memory and thought process which is brutal. Lack of sleep and joint pain are issues also. If I didn't walk 3 miles a day and do yoga twice a week, my body would become stiff and ache. I have to be very careful about what I eat or otherwise the weight gain would make my situation worse. | F | 61 | 2 years
1MG 1X D | | 6/4/2010
| 2 | breast cancer | severe hip pain. Incapacitating fatigue. Muscle cramps. No libido. Fractured femur after 3 yrs. 4 mos. Depression. No quality of life. Mental fog, memory lapses, difficulty learning anything new. | I did not want to take Arimidex due to my active lifestyle. Was not given SERM option.Bone pain and fatigue have robbed me of all hobbies, activities, even walking my dog. My house is dirty, my yard is overgrown, my body is fat (gained 25 lbs.) My
social life is nil, since I am too tired to even pay attention after 45 -60 minutes. | F | 59 | 3.5 years
1 mg 1X D | | 6/3/2010
| 4 | breast cancer | No libido, some joint pain, depression, nails very brittle | | F | 55 | 15 months
1 mg 1X D | | 6/1/2010
| 2 | breast cancer | Joint pain, memory loss, fatigue, rashes (on feet) weight gain, can't sleep, so not myself!!! I had a great memory and brain, ha where has it gone? I need so much more sleep???? | Is this pain going to continue after the 5 years? Big question, will it be worth the suffering? I have been told the joint pain doesn't get any better, please tell me it will. I am incredibly fit for my age and have always worked out, still are, under sufferance, high pain threshold. But what I am struggling with is my short term memory loss, I don't remember things. Its embarrassing. This alone makes me think, is it worth it? Lifes short, remember it...... | F | 48 | 15 months
1 mg 1X D | | 6/1/2010
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| 2 | stage 1 bc | Ache all over, constant flu, sore throat,became a tenor from being a soprano due to terrible state of throat, dried up,hacking cough and bronchitus, shattered, felt 80. | Came off drug for a week, completely recovered. Took another tablet - in bed within 2 hours.Highly allergic individual. | F | 58 | 11 months
30 1X D | | 5/30/2010
| 4 | Stage 2 Breast Cancer | After 2 weeks of taking the drug, I noticed sever joint pain in the hips. It was so bad that I found it difficult sleeping, sitting, standing and walking. The third week my feet felt like they were getting ready to explode and my toes were tingling. | The doctor explained that the symptoms were normal and he could prescribe more pain relievers but I'm not going to be on pain killers for the next 5 years. I went online and researched benefits of vitamins. LADIES take 2,000 to 4,000 IU of Vitamin D3 Liquid SoftGels daily and you will be amazed! I take 1,000 IU in the morning and one in the afternoon and my pain has disappeared. NO JOKE! Also...Make sure you are taking atleast 1200 MG of Calcium for your bones. I am taking a combined 4600 IU of Vitamin D3 which includes what is in my multi vitamin and calcium supplements. I thought maybe this was just my imagination but no. My daughter and a friend suffer with back pain and I told them to take 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 AND their back pain is gone! Please don't suffer anymore. OH...and it has helped my mood! Take some Vitamin D3 and let your pain melt away. It's very difficult to overdose on the vitamin, so experiement to see what dose works for your joint pain. YOU WILL BE AMAZED! Besides...fighting cancer is not going to be easy. We need to remember that the cancer drug will only work if you take it. Without it we may not have the chance to enjoy our families, friends and life for as long as we can. Be positive...Be proactive...and Love Life! You only have one! I love you all! | F | 42 | 2 months
1 MB 1X D | | 5/28/2010
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| 3 | Early stage BC Lumpect clear nodes | Carpal Tunnel in both hands-surgery. Two broken arms and broken shoulder, Severe knee pain-unable to walk more than 200 metres or be on feet for longer than 15 minutes. Two partial knee replacements required. First one booked in. Jaw repeatedly dislocates. Weight gain, depression. | I am assured Arimadex is a very effective drug in preventing a recurrence of Breast Cancer. My doctors told me my joint pain would disappear when I stopped taking this drug. My knees remain unchanged. I first noticed joint problems eight months into treatment. Over the 5.5 years, I have gone from being a fit, active, happy person to being an hobbling old woman at 56. | F | 56 | 5 years
1MG 1X D | | 5/23/2010
| 2 | ILC Stage 11B | short term memory loss (not sure if it is chemo brain or Arimidex or both). Hot flashes - much more in control after starting Effexor. Joint pain. Fatigue. Numbness in fingers upon awakening. No secretions. Dry skin. Eyesight decreasing | Tough tough drug but nothing like the pain of Adriomycin. I have always exercised. After the second day at the gym the next morning it is difficult to get down the stairs. This is hard knowing the highly respected JAMA study on decrease in recurrence with cardiovascular exercise thiry minutes five times a week. | F | 59 | 1 years
30 1X D | | 5/23/2010
| 3 | invasive lobular carcinoma breast | I had leg discomfort and tender wrist joints. I was on a gram of naproxyn a day during the 5 years of treatment to control the pain. I was and still am in a phase three study of the arimitase inhibators and I was randomized to arimidex and celebrex. The celebrex arm of the study was stopped after the heart problems came to light from celebrex. | I thought the leg discomfort would resolve after finishing the 5 year course but I have been off the drug since Dec and have had to go back on the gram of naproxyn a day as I was awake in the night with leg pain, woke up with leg discomfort, and by the end of the day my legs hurt so bad I could hardly walk. I feel a lot better since I went back on the naproxyn a week ago. | F | 63 | 5 years
30 mg 1X D | | 5/20/2010
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| 2 | Stage 2 BC | Bad palpitations, hip and foot pain (excruciating), trigger finger, unable to bend either thumb due to joint pain and swelling, carpal tunnel, interrupted sleep constantly, feeling quite agitated and generally 'unwell'. | Oncologist took me off Arimidex - am now nearly four months off this medication. ALL side effects have gone, except for foot problem (plantar faciitis) which has improved considerably and seems to be very slowly repairing, so I hope that given time, this will also go. Taking Tamoxifin now and so far have no noticeable side effects, so am taking one day at a time. | F | 65 | 2.5 years
1X D | | 5/20/2010
| 2 | Stage 1 Lobular Carcinoma | Joint pain - particularly in the hands, hips, knees, and feet. Difficulty sleeping at night. Would wake up and find my arms numb, and it would hurt to roll over. Had difficult climbing stairs because of the pain and loss of strength in my knees. Trigger finger in thumbs and ring fingers on both hands. Diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Minimal weight gain mostly because I regularly worked out and watched what I ate. | A lot of people have asked about how long it takes for the symptoms to go away. I QUIT taking Arimidex over one year ago (quality versus quantity trade-off). Most of the pain has gone away, and I can sleep fairly well at night. However, there was PERMANENT damage (swelling and pain) in my finger joints. My left ring finger increased from size 7 to size 9, and I can't close the ring finger on my right hand. The trigger finger I was experiencing in my right thumb has gone away, though. Anyway, I know these joint problems were caused by Arimidex because I had NO prior history of arthritis or joint swelling. I also wasn't about to go on an Ibuprofen regimen, which is what the patients in the drug trials must have done! | F | 56 | 7 months
1 MG 1X D | | 5/19/2010
| 3 | stage 3 breast cancer | I'm very active and that helps a lot. I exercise everyday but I still have some aches, pains in joints. I don't generally take to much for them- just some ibuprofen as needed. My hair is thinning in front on top of scalp. Has anyone used Rogaine to stop that? I did have a fractured femur from sledding last year, and have been diagnosed with bone loss and will start Boniva this month. I have a toenail the refuses to heal and that needs to be taken off. Over all, I'm going through menopause and all that it means but I guess I'm alive and that's what it's about. Also, when do the side effects stop when you stop taking the drug? | | F | 45 | 2 years
1mg 1X D | | 5/18/2010
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| 2 | Stage II Breast Cancer | Fatigue, muscle aches,joint stiffness, feet tenderness, hair thinning, WEIGHT GAIN (around the middle especially), water retention, hot flashes, insomnia, trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. | I was very active and upbeat until I was treated for my BC. I figured that whatever side effects I experienced from the initial treatments, I would grin and bear; being grateful that treatment did exist. Now I'm almsot 2 years out since initial diagnosis and would LOVE to put it all behind me but its difficult when you feel like crap all of the time. I feel like I've aged a good 15-20 yrs. I am tackling the side effects as they come, so far I've had carpal tunnel release surgery and my hand feels great! Been trying different pain meds for the body aches--and as for those extra stubborn 12 pounds--if anyone has any tips---please share!!! | M | 51 | 9 months
1 mg 1X D | | 5/16/2010
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| 5 | Breast Cancer - Stage 2 | All of the usual; hot flashes, deep bone pain, joint pain, weight gain (mostly around the middle). I was in pain constantly, but something I learned to live with | Since my oncologist thought this the best medication, gave me faith in it and got me through the bad times. Nothing was as bad as chemo therapy and I'd do almost anything to avoid that again.
I quit taking it (doctor orders)about 2 weeks ago, and I'm already noticing a difference in the constant pain, and hoping the weight will come off now. Gained about 20 pounds. | F | 68 | 5 years
1 MG 1X D | | 5/14/2010
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| 3 | stage 1 breast cancer | really bad hot flashes, sleeplessness, memory loss, joint pain for the last 2 days and I seem to be finding more hair on the floor after drying and styling my hair-really don't have a rating yet | I just started taking Arimidex so I don't know if the side effects are going to get worse, after reading all the comments I am very hesitant about taking this drug. I lost my mom to breast cancer so I don't know what to do. I am supposed to take it for 5 years. | F | 56 | 1 months
1 mg 1X D | | 5/10/2010
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| 1 | Second bout with breast cancer | Lower back pain. Swelling of hands. Trigger finger. Aching fingers, knees, wrists. Tired, memory problems, thinning hair, trouble getting up and walking after sitting for a while, can't straighten up, heal spur flare up. I may be forgetting some. | I was originally on Femara. The symptoms were the same. Was switched to Arimidex, told it was better. Not so. I stopped taking it two days ago. At my next appointment in two weeks I am going to ask to go back on Tamoxifin. I was on it my first round of breast cancer (8 years ago). Had no side effects. Second breast cancer was unrelated to the first. | F | 60 | 5 months
20 mg 1X D | | 5/10/2010
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| 3 | Breast Cancer | All of the abovae and below mentioned. I look forward to getting off of this drug. | I plan on taking it only about 7 more weeks, that will be a total of 4 years and 9 months I think thats good enough. I would like to know how long does it take before you feel better and some of the side effects start going away? Someone give me some ensight on this please ???!!!!! | F | 50 | 5 years
1X D | | 5/8/2010
| 3 | Post mastectomy, stage 2 breast can | All the SEs everyone else has experienced. Basically, I just feel like crap all the time. The worst SE, because it is permanent, is full blown osteoporosis after 3 years on the med. Now taking Fosamax. My bone density before taking Arimidex was normal. Otherwise, worst SE is chronic fatigue--not sleepiness, just absolutely no "get up and go" ever! Bone and joint pain almost always present, though less severe as the years pass. Have to use iron will to literally get up once seated. I don't want a recurrence of the cancer, else I'd have quit after a few months. Will quit very soon, nearing the five-year plan. | | F | 69 | 4.5 years
1 mg 1X D | | 5/5/2010
| 1 | stage IIA breast cancer | Terrible bone and tendonitis in all joints, trigger finger, felt like I was 90. | Quit taking more than a year ago and in this last month the symptoms are finally subsiding. Permanent damage to hips and fingers, trigger fingers and carpel tunnel. Went to rheumatologist who said there was a dramatic increase in cases like mine once arimidex came out. Encouraged me that it would take a long time for symptoms to go away and to use PT to prevent permanent damage. It usually takes a lot more than 1-2 months for recovery and be careful of permanent damage. I'm taking tamoxifen and feel so much better. | F | 58 | 9 months
1X D | | 5/1/2010
| 1 | BC Stage 1 no nodes | | Ya'll have convinced me! I already have had back pain for several years, I will not risk the bone loss and the pain ya'll are describing! It is not worth it to me. I don't want the cancer back, but I won't trade the rest of my health for a "maybe" this will help. Oncologist said I am in the 16%tile of recurrance, so to me, it is worth the risk! | F | 59 | 0 days
1X D | | 4/30/2010
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| 5 | DCIS:lumptompy & radiation | No side effects; maintained my weight. I also have had MS since I was 20 & many of comments previously written apply to problems I have had with MS over the years. However, I did not experience any increased or additional symptoms while on Arimidex. Cancer free for 6 years!!
| | F | 62 | 5 years
1 mg 1X D | | 4/26/2010
| 3 | Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma | Sleep problems, bi-lateral hip bursitis, loss of stamina, depression | I never suspected my sleep and joint issues might be a result of taking this drug, but on the eve of submitting to a sleep study, I inquired of my oncolcogist about possilbe sleep problems due to the Arimidex and he said that is it is a known side effect. That got me wondering about my hip problems after reading about so many similar issues with other patients who answered this site. After three cortisone shots in the left hip and no relief, it makes me wonder even more about the cause. I am going off the Arimidex for two months to see what happens and what relief I might get. It is a quandry as to what to give up, possible cancer protection or quality of life. The jury is out. | F | 63 | 8 years
1 mg 1X D | | 4/26/2010
| 2 | Breast Cancer | Joint & muscle pain, hair thinning/loss, high blood pressure & cholesterol, hot flashes, cough, depression, headache, no appetite, insommonia, dry skin, no energy. | I stopped taking this, on my own, 2 weeks ago. I have an appointment to see oncologist this Wednesday to discuss further treatment. I would far rather have quality of life than put up with the way I'm feeling. Talked with the lady at our Women's Wellness Clinic (for breast cancer patients) who told me that info regarding this med would probably extend your survival rate by 3-4%.
All new hair growth I've experienced over the past few months has disappeared almost over night. Doctors keep giving me additional drugs to combat side effects for high blood pressure & cholesterol and then I suffer from those side effects. Also tried Femera but couldn't tolerate it either. I now have an eye problem which will require surgery. Sure it was caused by this drug. | F | 65 | 10 months
15 mg 1X D | | 4/26/2010
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| 2 | Post Breast cancer treatment | Constant fatigue; painful legs (knee joints), feet, hands and hips; depression; and as a result insominia (sometimes the pain is so bad it stops me from sleeping). Every time I get up from sitting or laying down the pain level is at its worst. | Fighting with it every day and questioning the quality of life, but keep going because of children, husband and aging parents. Am tempted to go off it, and if I did not have family I would. My specialist says if you can feel the symptoms you know its working. Check this site every so often to know Im not alone and to the paranoia in check. | F | 48 | 6 months
30mg 1X D | | 4/24/2010
| 4 | breast cancer | Weight gain, muscle pain, joint stiffness, fatigue | | F | 54 | 5 years
30 mg 1X D | | 4/22/2010
| 1 | stage 3 A Invasive Lobular Cancer | Screaming tinitus, could not sleep, severe joint pain, hips shoulders,no libido, then severe depression, suicide looked like the only way out! I finally stopped it (AMA) and it took 3-4 months to finally feel better. I would go to hospice before taking that drug again. I have 3 kids and I didn't want them to remember me miserable and hobbling around! I didn't survive 3 surgeries, double mastectomy, chemo and 6,000 rads of radiation to feel that awful! Sometimes you need to go for broke! | | F | 49 | 4 months
1 mg 1X D | | 4/22/2010
| 3 | Breast Cancer Stage 1 Nodes 1 | Bad headaches from neckpain, hot flashes, stiff feet in the morning weight gain. | Took Arimidex for 5 years and 4 monthes. I have made the decision to quit taking it. So I can start feeling good. I believe I got Breast Cancer in the first place, from taking prempro for 6 years. I don't recomend anyone to take hormone replacement drugs. | F | 55 | 5 years
1 mg. 1X D | | 4/20/2010
| 2 | Breast cancer | Joint pain, heel pain, hot flashes, weight gain, high cholestorl,insomnia, etc etc | After two years I have quit taking Arimidex. I can't live like this any longer. I can't sleep, I hurt with every move. I haven't seen enough good said about it that I will continue to live like this. It is a Man Dr. that tells me how important this is but I bet he hasn't taken it himself and never will. Convince me that it is necessary to upset my entire life with Arimedex to keep from getting cancer that would upset my entire life. | F | 60 | 2 years
1 mg 1X D | | 4/18/2010
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| 3 | breast cancer | weight gain, fatigue, muscle aches -expecially back -upper and lower, moves around, mood swings, depression, hair loss | I think that the longer I have been on the drug, the worse the side effects. I did not really notice how bad until you stop and realize that everyday I feel like I am contiuous discomfort. I meet with my oncologist today and am going to ask if I can stop - 4 months until it has been 5 yrs post BC, I just want to enjoy the summer without the constant aches. Like all the other posts, I wonder what is a reflection of natural aging and what it cause by drug. | F | 51 | 4.5 years
1X D | | 4/16/2010
| 3 | stage 2 breast cancer | Just joined a gym 1 month ago and started notice the joint pain in my knees and elbows. I thought that I had over did it with the exercise. I then started feeling the pain in my feet. It only hurts when I put pressure on knees when they are bent, such as going up and down stairs and getting up from the sofa. | I was relived when the oncologist indicated that the soreness was caused by the Arimidex. I was thinking much worse such as bone cancer. After reading all of the comments is it safe to assume that all of these symtoms will go away when the medication is stopped? I also have chrissos of the liver. | F | 61 | 450 days
1mg 1X D | | 4/15/2010
| 1 | ER+/PR+ HER2- IDC | I went from walking one mile a day to only being able to walk 100 feet with a cane. Horrible joint and muscle pains in my back and knees. Lost an inch in height during that time. | I would not recommend this medication for my dog let alone a person. It has given me no quality of life and in fact took a lot from me. | F | 59 | 42 days
25 mg 1X D | | 4/13/2010
| 4 | breast cancer | i was fine on arimidex until about 4yrs ago then joint pain trouble sleeping cramps weight gain tired at first i put it down to age i am 56 pain in right knee has been so bad no pain killers seem to help have made appointment for clinic as pain so bad | i an sure arimidex is a great drug maybe not everyone will have the side effects | F | 57 | 9 years
1mg 1X D | | 4/12/2010
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| 2 | followup to lumpectomy and radiation | Have not been able to decide if I want to put this drug in my body because of all the damage it can do | I am concerned that no hormone levels have been checked to see what the levels are now...and to have something to compare it to in tests later...to KNOW that it is doing what it is supposed to do. Questioning totally blocking hormones and how healthy that can be. | F | 63 | 0 days
1X D | | 4/12/2010
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| 5 | BC bi-lateral mastectom | 25 lbs weight gain, mild to moderate aches, pains, etc. | Like many, I have gained weight while on this drug. My oncologist has repeatedly said that no studies indicate that arimidex causes weight gain - it's all related to normal aging, slowing metabolism, etc. BUT I met yesterday with a registered dietitian who had worked on a longitudinal study that is still underway. Interviews with BC survivors show increased weight and reports of stronger food cravings. The study's current hypothosis is that in response to Arimidex suppressing estrogen production,the body tries to boost estrogen by adding fat cells (which produce estrogen). This makes so much sense it just blew me away. Hasn't been proven yet and may not be, but I'm just so glad to have a rationale explanation presented, I could cry. | F | 56 | 2 years
1 mg 1X D | | 4/10/2010
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| 5 | breast cancer - bi-lateral | joint pain, thinning hair, no libido, osteoporosis, stiffness, tired, bone pain | I initially mentioned side effects to my oncologist - he said they were normal. When beginning Arimidex my bone scan showed osteopenia but was not put on Fosamax until I had full blown osteoporosis the next year. I don't want breast cancer to come back to I shut up and endure everything. Husband doesn't understand so add stress to side effects. I try to have positive outlook and continue to exercise - I have gained around my middle but trying to keep it under control. The facial hair is driving me crazy - pluck the chin hairs daily. Feel like my entire body has dried out. Won't give it up though...but do look forward to the day when I don't have to take it but that in itself will cause anxiety. | F | 57 | 4 years
30mg 1X D | | 4/9/2010
| 3 | stage 2.7 BC 1 LYMPH NODE INVOLVME | STOPPED TAKING ARIMIDEX AFTER 4YRS 9 MO.i EXPER. HAIR LOSS, PAIN
NUMBNESS BONE LOSS AND EVERY OTHER SYMPTON I READ ON THIS BOARD.
ALSO LOST TWO BIG TOE NAILS. THE WORST OF ALL WAS THE SEVERE DEPRESSION. I DON'T REALLY LIKE TO TALK ABOUT HOW BAD IT WAS, A THERAPIST WAS VERY HELPFUL . 3 WKS AFTER I STOPPED THE MEDS I BEGAN TO REALLY FEEL THE DIFFERENCE IN MY MOODS, MY BODY ETC. AND I REALIZED IT WAS THE DRUG ARIMIDEX. BEEN OFF FOR 5 MONTHS AND MY LIFE IS SO DIFFERENT.I'D BLAMED A LOT OF THE SYMPTOMS ON AGING !!i DON'T HAVE CANCER NOW SO THE DRUG MAY HAVE PREVENTED THAT I'LL NEVER KNOW. I LOST 5 YEARS OF MY LIFE AND I'M PISSED.
I'M NOW 69 YRS AND CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE TIME ! | IT WAS HARD TO RATE THIS DRUG 1-5....I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AFTER 5 MISERABLE YRS | F | 69 | 5 years
1X D | | 4/9/2010
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| 4 | 4A bc | Major fatigue, hot flashes, joint pain, weight gain, feeling so tired and dizzy, major mood swings, depression. | Would love to quit Arimidex. Then it's quantity vs quality. I am so tired all the time that I have to make myself go. Then when I make myself go, my body hurts so bad. I am alive though! The weight gain is such a disappointmet though and the fatigue is almost too much!! | F | 57 | 4 years
30 1X D | | 4/7/2010
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| 3 | Prevention of breast cancer. | About 5 lbs of weight gain. Tiredness and just started with the joint pain. Hard getting up after sitting or laying down. | | F | 47 | 6 months
1 mg 1X D | | 4/6/2010
| 2 | breast ca | Acquired adult onset scoliosis; osteopenia; vit. D deficiency; pain/bone | | F | 68 | 2.3 years
1X D | | 4/6/2010
| 3 | BREAST CANCER JUNE 2005 | HOT FLASHES ABOUT 4 AN HOUR, BONE PAIN, MOOD SWINGS FEET HURT,BAD NECK PAIN | I DON'T LIKE TAKING ARIMIDEX, BUT IF IT REALLY WORKS AND THE CANCER DOESN'T COME BACK I WOULD BE A HAPPY CAMPER. I HAVE 6 MORE MONTHS TO GO I'D LIKE TO BE OFF OF ARIMIDEX NOW!!!! | F | 50 | 5 days
1X D | | 4/3/2010
| 3 | Breast Cancer Stage 1 no + nodes | Terrible joint pain in hips, legs, knees, down to heel of foot. | Cannot sit to long, hip pain horrible; cannot walk long, knees are too painful. Used heat/ice, neither helps. Tried Tylenol, Ibuphofen, neither helped. | F | 63 | 3 months
30 mg 1X D | | 3/30/2010
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| 4 | breast cancer - lumpectomy | Please enter updated side effects | Please enter updated comments | F | 74 | 5 years
1 MG 1X D | | 3/29/2010
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History | 3 | ERP BC 2nd time after 13 year remis | Apart from the joint pain that seems to be everyone's problem, I have hot flashes, night sweats, aching feet and tingling hands but the worst effect for me is the endless dry sore throat. i seem to be forever clearing my throat (or trying to). did anyone else have this problem? My mouth is not dry - only my throat. | It is still early days for me on Arimidex so I will stick with it and see. Hard to say if my weight gain has to do with Arimidex or other factors. (I've been menopausal since I was 35 due to Chemotherapy and am now 49)I put some weight on when I was Tamoxifen and lost it all when I came off it but that was years ago and I'm not sure this weight gain is all due to the Arimidex. | F | 49 | 7 months
30mg 1X D | | 3/25/2010
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| 2 | Breast Cancer | Developed high blood pressure, severe hip pain, skin rash, vaginal dryness, periodic joint pain in hands and knees, and frequent headaches. | I stay tired, over the last few months the feeling of being tired has increased. Read Arimidex vs. Tamoxifen and I guess I made the right choice even though Tamoxifen has been around longer. | F | 62 | 1 years
1X D | | 3/25/2010
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| 4 | BC Stage 3a-7 nodes out of 19 | early joint pain, particularly hip pain, which disappeared after about 1 year. Carpel tunnel surgery after 2 years. Fight high blood pressure with exercise, diet. Hair thinner, but may be the result of high dosage of Taxotere during chemo. I'm convinced that glucosamin-chondrotin, fish oil, and Vitamin D all help. Sleep helped by Benedryl, but all my female friends over 60 have sleep issues. | Thankful to God to be alive, feeling great, working, exercising, and enjoying life, family, and friends. My life is in His hands, and I treasure the gift of each day. | F | 65 | 5 years
1X D | | 3/18/2010
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| 4 | stage IIIa breast cancer | knee pain, may be some minor headache but not sure | I think so far I am lucky to have very little if any side effects. I still run or at least walk/run several miles a day(finished chemo 1 month ago and have just started radiation), so I am not even sure whether my knee pains are from Arimidex but seem more pronounced now than ever. Still definitely worth it! | F | 59 | 16 days
1 mg 1X D | | 3/12/2010
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| 2 | Breast Cancer | I have been on this medication for seven months now. I have found that each month I feel worse than the one before. Severe joint pain, fatigue, loss of hair, headaches, nausia the list goes on. I really do not want to take this any longer but am afraid to stop for fear my cancer may come back. But then what will I take after the time limit...so really it can come back at any time. I don't know...frustrated..just want to feel better. | | F | 43 | 7 months
1X D | | 3/12/2010
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| 1 | stage 2 breast cancer | blood pressure 185/100,hip pain,sleep problems,gained 4 lbs. | Dr. says take more BP meds and get more exercise,gee, do you think!Thanks so much for all your responses,I had no clue of what to expect.My heart goes out to you all and I will pray for you.As for me,I have stopped Arimidex and put my life in Jesus hands, Luke18:27. | F | 51 | 2.5 weeks
1mg 1X D | | 3/12/2010
| 2 | stage 1 bc | knee join pain/swelling. weight gain. pain in thumb joints
sleep patterns compromised | I wished I had found this web sight earlier in my treatment plan. I had such bad knee joint pain that I felt like an old woman every time I stood up (I am 64). My onc finally told me to begin taking fish oil tabs which I do now daily. Somewhat helpful.
The 5 extra pounds I know carry with me are all in my stomach and I now have that extra tire look that I have never had before (size 6 for past several years). I do 4 mile walking tapes and stomach exercises daily..no reduction to that spare tire. I fly internationally for a major airline, so I have no idea if my sleep pattern is bad because of my constant time zone chantes or Arimedex.
Thank you all so much for your encouragement and honesty. I will continue taking this drug until the end of treatment as I never want to go through any cancer prep and surgery again. | F | 64 | 3 years
1 mg 1X D | | 3/9/2010
| 3 | Breast cancer stage 1, nodes clear | Joint pain for several months when first taken, recurrent Urinary tract infections, weight gain, lack of interest in sex, cracking and splitting of nails. | On tamoxifen for 1 year after BC then three on arimidex. Glad to be here taking it but consider it a mixed blessing. Looking forward to when I can stop taking it in hopes that side effects are not permanent. Oncologist and other MDs appear clueless about effectively dealing with side effects. | F | 58 | 3 years
1 mg 1X D | | 3/7/2010
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