Drug Ratings for ARIMIDEXAverage Rating: 2.6 (1172 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Gender with males listed first Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ARIMIDEX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 4 | breast cancer | Splitting nails. Hand and joint pain but MUCH less than with Femara | M | 66 | 70 days 1 mg 1X D | 10/12/2010 | 4 | Breast Cancer Stage IIIB | Joint pain/stiffness/hot flashes | It has kept me alive for two years, that's good. Memory fog we have is related to chemo, age at onset, and reproductive stage, IMO. | M | 48 | 2 years | 9/12/2004 | 3 | DCIS Stage 0 | Constipation has really been a problem. I am told it is one of the side effects. It has been very annoying. Recently I am having a lot of pain in my hands, especially thrumbs. More aches and pains in general. It is very difficult to loose weight. | M | 55 | 3 months | 7/29/2005 | 3 | breast cancer | After six months, most of the joints in my body ache. Mornings can barely walk. I have been taking large doses of aspirin, doesn't help much. Have one year appointment with oncologist, am bringing it up. I've read about bone loss taking this med. It's one of those dilemmas, is it helping me more than harming? I don't know. | M | 59 | 8 months | 5/13/2005 | 3 | stage 2 breast cancer | within a few months I experienced the joint pain and body aches and total lack of sex drive. I figured better to deal with the pain than to die. BUT ...after 16 months of being on this med... My hair is thinning. Kind of like male pattern baldness. I already did the bald thing with cemo, I don't want to do it again. Is this normal after 16 months to all of a sudden in 4 week time to start lossing your hair.? Does the thinning hair grow back ever? thanks for any help. | M | 54 | 16 days | 1/31/2008 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Frequent headaches | Almost 7 years years out from diagnosis I had to stop taking Arimidex because of the frequent violent headaches. I am wondering if there is any value in taking half a tablet/day or maybe 1 every other day | M | 68 | 3 years | 5/30/2008 | 3 | Breast cancer Stage 1 Chemo | Joint pain especially hands and feet. My ankle can have severe pain. Memory loss. | If it helps me survive I'll gladly live with the problems. I can't say it is good or bad in preventing cancer returning. Testeserone concers due to prostrate cancer 12+ years ago. PSA still monitored and is 0. Arimdex was determined to be the only after care drug. I had life threatening blood clots during chemo. Exercise stretching and yoga helps. Watch my diet. Try my best to stay calm without stress. Try to keep a positive state of mind. Hope to survive and not have a cancer re-occurance. Hoping new findings on zometa will also help prevent re-occurance. | M | 62 | 2 years | 6/3/2008 | 3 | breast cancer stage 1 | muscle pain, joint paint , brain fog, memory problems, increased pain in arms, hands, legs, lower back, I have carpal tunnel bilaterally, degenerative disc lower and upper back, fibromyalgia, gerd postmenopausal bleeding, decreased libido | when I first started this med the side effects were so bad I almost stopped after 1 week, couldn't hardly walk or stand up for more than a few minutes at a time. I tried to stick it out and I am into my second year now. The side effect are still present and I do not sleep well, due to pain. I take vicodin three to four times a day, which I have been on for over 5 yrs for arthritic pain,etc. sex drive is non existent, I just go thru the moves to help satisfy my husband. I hope some of these effects go away when I finish taking this med. my sister who had breast cancer the yr. before me has had a reoccurance so I will keep taking this med anyway. her cancer was HR-, so arimidex would not benefit her. we are lucky to have something to help keep it away...good luck everyone | M | 57 | 17 months | 1/6/2010 | 3 | Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma | '05 masectomy, followed by Arimidex. Stopped after 1 year. Bone loss, joint pain, very dry eyes/skin. '08 lung cancer (non smoker), LLL removed. Started Arimidex again b/c studies show it might also help non-smokers who have lung cancer. | One thing I have learned from my eye doc-take 2 grams of fish oil twice a day. My symptoms are less severe and I feel very healthy. My calcium level was low, so I take calcium supplements, 4,000 iu each day. Studies show low calcium levels in cancer patients. | M | 66 | 6 months | 1/4/2010 | 3 | Breast cancer | Pain, mostly hands and hips. Overwhelming fatigue at times | I will probably continue taking it so I have the full 5 years (from what I gather, there is no additional benefit to taking it more than 5 years), though I may ask my oncologist about taking a drug holiday, as some people on this site have, to see if the hand/hip pain is really from the drug or perhaps arthritis | M | 66 | 2.5 years 10 mg 1X D | 1/30/2012 | 2 | Stage 1 breast cancer | Significant numbness, tingling and pain in my hands - worse at night. When I wake up, I cannot make a tight fist, or even pick up a pill. Joint pain in knees, hips, ankles. | I was on Arimedix for 2-1/2 weeks. Side effects were so severe, oncologist took me off it and wanted me off for a while before trying Tamoxifen. I have been off the drug now for 8 weeks, and no significant improvements. The numbness, tingling and pain in my hands is slightly better, but the knee, hip and ankle pain is just as bad. Without a drug, my chances of recurrence are 12%; with Arimidex - 4%. It is not worth it to me. I'd rather get 6 month check ups and deal with the slight risk of cancer than continue the lower quality of life. My question now is - how long do these symptoms last AFTER stopping the med? | M | 55 | 2.5 weeks 1MG 1X D | 10/6/2010 | 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 | 2 | breast cancer | Very stiff in the morning (ankles, neck). Joint pain that is getting worse, particularly in hips. Loss of flexibility despite stretching regularly. | I cannot take Tamoxifen because of blood clot problems. I am determined to stay on Arimidex to prevent recurrence but I am very worried about it's effects on my quality of life. I am very active and I am now starting to feel limited because of the joint pain. I am also worried about the long term effects of Arimidex. | M | 41 | 7 months | 9/21/2005 | 2 | breast cancer | hot flashes, thinning bones, stiffness in morning, mood swings, poor sleeping, achy joints | After 2.5 years on tamoxifin, I was switched to arimidex. After 2. 3 years on it, I took myself off. I feel much better--most of the symptoms disappeared within a week. Some of the permanent ones--osteopenia, I will have to live with. | M | 55 | 750 days | 2/23/2008 | 1 | stage 1 b.c. lumpectomy and radiati | severe joint pain, hot flashes, weight gain, sleeplessness, constipation and moodiness. I would cry if you grinned crooked...and palpitations. Blood pressure went up alittle also. | I got so bad I could hardly function at times. Had my doctor switch me to femara and I seem to be somewhat better even though I still have the hot flashes and the joint pain to a degree. I can at least have some days where I can move now. I am taking osteo bi-flex and aleve daily. | M | 59 | 3 months | 3/31/2008 | 1 | stageIII breast CA | severe hot flashes,Night sweats,moodiness,crying fatigue,Bone,muscle,bone and back pain,cognitive and memory impairment, depression,acne | Ibuprofen helps with the pain but I have to take it every 4 hours I think I'm going crazy with all the crying and moodiness. Have an argument with my supervisor at work very unlike me now may loose my job I haven't even been on Arimidex 3 months yet I don't think I can do 5 years of this I am going to stop taking it | M | 53 | 2 months | 12/16/2007 | 1 | B/C Stage 1, clear nodes | Swelling, severe joint pain in feet, fingers, weight gain, short term memory loss, hot flashes, can not sleep, heat sensitive, shortness of breath, mood swings. | I just don't know about this drug. I hate my life the way it is now. I want to be me again. | M | 51 | 1 years | 8/26/2009 | 1 | Breast Cancer Stage 2 | joint & muscle pain. Vaginal pain. the feeling that I had a UTI although I didn't. Severe back pain. Always feeling lousy. | Totally stopped Iscador and every other pharmaceutical suggested by oncologist. I completed treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery)for stage 2 breast cancer 5 years ago.I've been taking supplements prescribed by my Functional Medicine Dr(such as Broccoli seed extract) and I also have been injecting Iscador for the past 5 years and continue to do so but at a decrease frequency Iscador was prescribed by my homeopathic/anthroposophical dr. Iscador has been used in Europe for more than 80 years as a cancer treatment.. no side effects from anything I've been taking. You can find info at Weleda.com Iscador is a mistletoe derivative. I heard it mentioned on the radio 5 years ago butnever again. I believe it was squashed by the oharmaceutical companies. I am not alone in my belief that a cure for cancer will not be found in this country because the business of cancer treatment is too profitable. You have to be your own advocate Check out what Dr. Christiane Northrup has to say about mammograms For the most part Arimidex can destroy your quality of life. There are other alternatives. Check them out Good luck! | M | 70 | 2 months 1X D | 2/20/2013 | 1 | Breast Cancer | I was bed ridden for three years my oncologist did not want me to stop taking the drug. I was in severe pain. What happen that I had a an ulcer in the right groin. And the Arimidex, was not allowing the sore to heal. I was bleeding from the skin and the tissue. I could feel a wetness between the tissue and the skin. I went to the Oncoligist he again denied me the right to get off the Arimides. During the time I was taking the drug I, was getting off the car and my foot broke. I, developed two herinas from the fall. As a result of the herinas I got a pinched nerve talking about pain. I was in so much paid no pain pill would help. This drug is not fit for humans. I went off of the drug on my own. I don't if I have cancer. It has now been almost five years. I am in limbow I don't if I have cancer or not I would rather be dead then to take that awful medication again. I could write a book on the side effects. | I do believe arimadex definitely need more research. If would have kept taking the pill one more month I certain would have d0ed. I could not eat I could not drink water very bad taste in my mouth. I did not have pain in breasts but I had pain all over my body. I had a horrible oder. | M | 71 | 3 years 1mg 1X D | 6/29/2012 | 1 | Breast cancer, stage IIb, grade 3 | Post menopausal at age 50 - BC diagnosis with immunohistory showing estrogen positive at 98%. Following partial chemo (3x dose-dense infusions of just AC of ACT rx due to pneumonia complication)then radiation trmnt, began Arimidex concurrently w/radiation (concern re: current lack of systemic trtmnt). Within 1st week, felt tired/lethargic, increased to "jet-lag" chronic feeling - like weighed down. Noticed SEVERE hip/joint pain to right leg (woke up and walking with limp one day) before I realized I needed to get serious about daily intake of 1000mg of calcium and 800 units of vitamin C. Pain relieved within a day or 2 and gone since. Whole body tiredness still occurring and FREQUENT urination of 3-5 x night. Before Arimidex 1-2 x night. Am not diabetic, recently tested, although 30-40 lbs overweight at age 50. Dry mouth and weight gain (slow, steady) increased appetite started immediately after taking in early Nov, 2006. On Arimidex 2 months now. | I have encouraged all my "gal pals" I met during radiation trtmnt to post their experiences; we met for lunch today and those taking it have same side-effects, to one degree or another. They're also disatisfied with side-effects and we unanimously agree that there needs to be MUCH MORE information on short and LONG TERM affects with respect to arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone, bone marrow - adverse affects from this drug communicated to the public. We all feel like guinea pigs and we are in a catch 22/fear vs. comfort in knowning we're preventing estrogen fueling cancer cells. | M | 50 | 2 months | 1/5/2007 | 1 | Breast cancer stg.4 | I posted on 8/31/2010 and again 9/15/2010 (see history). This is an update as I have lingering side effects of joint pain and now something like sciatica but in left groin and down left thigh, cannot sleep much and pain pills (extra doses of NSADS and occasionally a tylenol w/ synthetic low dose codeine) sometimes don't even reduce the discomfort. | The lingering side effects are joing pain, if I go get groceries and bring them in, that is enough to start the discomfort. Same for light yard work. I can't do what I should be doing as a single working mom and am afraid to do more because I can't afford for this to get worse. After working part time since I had the reaction to Arimidex, I just started a fulltime office job, and from the difference in having a relaxed schedule to now sitting in a chair for 8 hours a day working, I immediately got major hip pain in left hip and nerve pain in groin and down left thigh, making trying to focus on my new job very challening to say the least, and pain is moderate and continual, making sleep a challenge, and some days the pain meds don't help at all, sometimes they get me through my day able to focus on my work. I am so at my wits end about the lingering effects of this drug. (I am now on aromasin and that seems to be working okay, we'll see...) | M | 60 | 2 days 1X D | 5/22/2011 | 5 | BC Stage 2, only 1 Lymph node | Stiffness, serious foot pain, joint pain, tiredness, no energy to do anything or go anywhere | Ladies, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. After 5 years of various side effects effecting my mood and general well-being, I finally am feeling great again. It's been 5 months since my last pill and finally a few weeks ago, I realized I felt no more stiffeness, achiness, or foot pain. I can walk and ride in cars for 30 minutes or more without feeling that I am so stiff that I can hardly get out and move! I can walk now without my feet killing me! Ladies, don't give up hope. It will go away when you have been off the meds for a few months. I am a five and 1/2 year survivor now and I think these meds have helped me get this far. | F | 67 | 5 years 10 MG 1X D | 6/5/2011 | 5 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer HR+ | Very infrequent joint pain. Weight gain, slight hair thinning. | I have been very fortunate. Side effects are minimal. I do take 2 fish oil caplets daily. | F | 67 | 3 years 1 MG 1X D | 6/30/2011 | 5 | Breast cancer - stage 2 | Almost constant deep-bone pain; fatigue; severe joint pain; and at least 10 pounds weight gain, mostly in tummy. Had to take a bone building med which was to counter-act the bone loss of Arimidex | I've been cancer free a total of seven years, having stopped Arimidex 2 years ago. Although I had to use a diet system to get the weight gain down, all the pains are essentially gone. I've always had arthritis, but that's extent of my pain now. If you can hang on through all the nastiness, I think it's worth it! Face it - the alternative SUCKS!!!! | F | 69 | 5 days 1 M 1X D | 7/14/2011 | 5 | For breast cancer; no chemotherapy. | i had joint pain and hair thinning. After three years, I developed trigger fingers (middle and ring) and thumbs on both hands and had surgery. No problem thereafter. Some days with pain were worse than others; however, I kept focusing on the fact that I believed Arimidex was the BEST. I began in June 2006 and, happily, ended June 2011. | F | 73 | 5 years 1 mg 1X D | 8/10/2011 | 5 | Stg2 Breast Cancer-hormone+ | The past 4 years of negative side effects have been challenging, but the alternative is far worse. I just celebrated 5 year, cancer-free anniversary & I'm happy to be alive - side effects & all. | F | 54 | 1X D | 9/11/2011 History | 5 | Early stage breast cancer | Most of those listed by others, in the last year my cholestorol, blood sugar, and triglycerides began inching up. I have been off arimidex for 2 weeks now and am feeling much better. I have also lost 7.4 lbs. of the 22 lbs I put on while taking the arimidex. | I am glad I took the arimidex since I did not have to take chemo or radiation. It was my only treatment other than the bilateral mastectomy that I had. My joint aches, fatigue and carpal tunnel symptoms have already improved greatly. I am certainly not sorry I took it and put up with the side effects but I am very glad to be off of it. | F | 62 | 5 years 10 MG 1X D | 9/8/2011 | 5 | STAGE 4 METASTISED BREAST CANCER | WITH THE RETURN OF BREAST CANCER,AFTER 45 MONTHS ON CHEMO,I HAD HOT FLASHES VERY BAD,THIS SUBSIDED AFTER THE SECOND MONTH. | F | 63 | 5 months 25 1X D | 9/8/2011 | 5 | BC stage 1 | Mild hot flashes, don't even know if it's from the medication. No bone or joint pain, no "brain fog," and I have more energy than ever. Take a good multivitamin & keep active. I have a very demanding more-than-full-time job and am feeling wonderful. I hope this encourages some of the women reading these very negative scary reviews!!!! | Very glad to be taking it!! | F | 60 | 1 years 1/day 1X D | 2/3/2012 | 5 | Breast Cancer Stage 2, Double | I had very mild side effects, very blessed for great onc's Dr. Some joint pain, Ulastis used during Chemo was much worse bone pain then Aremidex. Chemo saturation after 5 months caused numbness is both feet so bad I was falling almost constantly for months. Then numbness in both feet subsided except my toes 8 years later still get numbness if my feet when cold only(wear socks). I have been off Aremidex for over three years and Thank God Cancer FREE. So please be careful with just dropping medication it could be your life. | Every person is diifferent and my prayers and heart goes out to you patients may God Be With You. I hope you can blog eight years later on this site that you are CANCER FREE!! | F | 65 | 5 years 30 mg 1X D | 6/12/2012 | 5 | Breast Cancer | Hot flashes, bone loss, bone and muscle ache/pain. Decreased joint mobility, breast tenderness. Hmmmm hair loss, hair growth | Not sure what is due to Arimdex. Diagnosed with Parathyroid tumor and had surgery to remove that adenoma.Some symptoms just result of decreased estrogen? Memory and Fatigue better after surgery and addition of synthyroid. Stiffness seems worse after generic but bilirubin levels are down. Plan is to continue Arimdex beyond the five year mark. Will wait for newest study to be completed before stopping. | F | 54 | 4.5 months 1 1X D | 12/6/2010 | 5 | bilateral breast cancer post chemo | General body pain and extreme pain on my feet. | none | F | 54 | 123 months 1mg 1X D | 12/1/2010 | 5 | BC stage 3, double mastectomy | First couple of years, felt like hit by truck... but for last several months that seems to have stopped. No other side-effects that I can pinpoint caused by Arimidex. I've been on generic for last six months... hmmmm... maybe that accounts for less aches and pains? | I wanted to add to this website because I was so worried to start taking this drug after reading so much bad stuff. Everyone is different, but my experience is pretty good. I am a long term (25 years)cancer survivor from Hodgkin's Disease, so when I was diagnosed with the b.c. I opted for double mastectomy... but I was 60 at the time and cosmetically it wasn't as big an issue as it would have been in my younger years. At the same time as the b.c. diagnosis, I was told I had a bad form of thyroid cancer - so had a thyroidectomy at the same time as mastectomies. My philosophy has become that if it can be removed totally - get the sucker outta there. I've had so much radiation and chemo at this point that I take a very aggressive surgical approach. | F | 64 | 3 years 1 mg 1X D | 12/12/2010 | 5 | breast cancer | Stiff back, dry mouth, hot flashes | I was prescribed Arimidex in 2002 after being treated for invasive lobular breast cancer followed by lumpectomy of an .8 cm tumor, 0/17 lymph nodes & 7 weeks radiation in 2001. I took the Arimidex for approximately 3 months and stopped it because of brain fog & hot flashes. It was the biggest mistake I ever made because in November 2010 I found out my cancer had metastasized to almost every bone in my body including my skull, many clusters of lymph nodes and to the intra peritoneum on my stomach. My oncologist immediately put me on Arimidex and after only 2 1/2 months my cancer has shrunk by 83%! If I had stayed on Arimidex after my first dx. of bc in 2001 I would probably not be writing this now. My first breast cancer was very, very small and I was sure it would never come back but I was wrong, it took 9 years for it to return and when it did, it returned with a vengeance! Today I am very grateful that I have Arimidex because right now it is saving my life. Don't think because your cancer was small and stage 1 that it won't return, mine did and I will be fighting it off for the rest of my life! | F | 62 | 10 weeks 1 mg 1X D | 3/15/2011 | 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 | 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 | 5 | breast cancer..lumpectomy | HAVE HAD NO REAL SIDE EFFECTS AND TAKING ARIMIDEX FOR 3 YEARS..A LITTLE TIRED, BUT AT 74 STILL WORKING AND WATCHING GRANDCHILDREN... | POSITIVE ATTITUDE CAN HELP... | F | 74 | 3 years | 1/26/2010 | 5 | breast cancer after op radio therap | Have only just become aware there are any!Just come off arimidex[3days ago]after my 5 year check so I am looking forward to feeling even more fantastic!Glad I did nt do any research beforehand as would have been put off.I trusted my doctors and my experiences were so positive.I am obviously suited to this drug and I feel a little insecure without it. | none | F | 65 | 5 years | 1/27/2010 | 5 | Br Cancer | At first I had some bone pain but now no symptoms other than vaginal dryness | I feel it has been worth it-no joint pain or other symptoms-my doctor who specilizes in alernative medicine said there is nothing in the nautual filed that would work as well as Arimidex | F | 54 | 5 years 1 mg 1X D | 2/27/2010 | 5 | interductal with invasion mastec | everything you all have!!!! I went to try on dresses for my daughters wedding today and I was ashamed of the reflection in the mirror!!! But at least I'll be there........ | Weight gain, sweating profusely, thinning hair, are all sooooo real!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I love hot showers in the morning Helps with all the stiffness. | F | 57 | 2 years 1mgm 1X D | 2/9/2010 | 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 | 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 | 5 | breast cancer | Not too much joint pain-but head aches, some stomach problems, weight gain. Occasional extreme fatigue, fuzzyness, dizziness, anxiety, vaginal dryness, loss of desire. | I do feel that the arimidix is helping to save my life, however, it does effect the quality of life. About once every month of six weeks, I have a one day to three day bout of extreme fatigue, headache, fuzziness that makes me exhausted and anxious. Reading the side effects of the arimidex I was releived to see that these symptoms can all be attributed to the drug. I've been having these symptoms to one degree or another since I started it 7 years ago (more severe at first), so I know it is not an acute problem but a chronic one I feel must be caused by the arimidex. Doc says that it's working so I will stay on it, but wish I felt physically better. | F | 57 | 7 years 30 mg 1X D | 11/1/2010 | 5 | Prevent Recurrence of Breast Cancer | I have tolerated the medication well overall. I experience some minor bone pain. However, my cholesterol and triglycerides which started at a low level have been gradually increasing and have now entered into the "high" zone despite exercise and a low cholesterol diet. | I will continue taking arimidex for the next 1.5 years in spite of the cholesterol and triglyceride elevation because of its success in preventing breast cancer recurrences. | F | 57 | 3.5 years 1X D | 10/25/2010 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 5 | Infiltrating ductal Ca Stage 2B | Bone pain, tiredness, weight gain, I don't get as many pimples. It hasn't been that bad...I try to always be active so I don't get so stiff. | I was diagnosed in June 2003 with Left breast ca(opted modifed rad mastectomy); had atypical dysplasia on the right the previous year(which was excised). I started Arimidex after 6 mos. of Taxoterre, Cytoxan & Adriamycin. I decided not to have radiation.Had mastectomy on the right 2005 followed by bil. reconstruction. I continue to take Arimidex and my oncologist told me that it is perhaps a treatment I will have for life....after all one never knows if one has beat cancer....only if you die from some other ailment other than cancer. | F | 49 | 3.5 years | 3/10/2007 | 5 | Stage 0 - DCIS | I am fortunate that I have experienced very few side effects with the exception of pain in my shins when I first started the med. I have no pain now. I attribute it to giving up sugar, preservatives, processed foods and artificial flavorings and dyes (my oncologist didn't encourage me to change my diet). I have also lost 18 lbs since being diagnosed March 2006 (without starving myself). There are a lot of good books available about "beating cancer with diet." | Lumpectomy and Radiation | F | 56 | 7 months | 3/6/2007 | 5 | Breast Cancer Stage II B? | Weight gain, stiff joints/gout, fuzzy memory, hair thinning and facial hair. Anyone else have facial hair or is this from something else? | I have been free from cancer for 6 years. I was first on Tamoxifin and and have been on Arimidex since available. I have had no reoccurence! | F | 55 | 6 days | 10/27/2006 | 5 | Stage IIB breast cancer 3 positive | Joint pains and hot flashes I will have taken the drug for 5 years in january. i was fortunate to be placed on what was an encouraging protocol for my stage of disease but at the end I was only eligible for Tamoxophen. I begged my oncologist to see if the the administrators of the study would allow me to take the Arimidex because of its greater success rate and lower severity of side effects. I am a pathologist so i am well aware of my risks and am grateful everyday for the drug. My knees hurt most of the time and in the morning my feet are very tender...I walk like a horsehoe crab sometimes. | In a nutshell....whatever my symptoms are right now, they are better than the alternative. By the way...for the lady with finger arthritis...i have it too. i consider it related to the drug. | F | 59 | 4 years | 9/2/2006 | 5 | breast cancer | muscle and joint aches, fatigue, spotting | F | 40 | 10 months | 9/15/2006 | 5 | breast cancer leading to mastectomy | When on Tamoxifen, I gradually developed all the side effects over two years. I was then switched to Arimidex. My 'blue' days disappeared completely, as did the hot flushes and the 'teenage' acne. I feel ancient in the mornings as hands and knees extremely stiff and unreliable until gentle stretch exercises get me going. I gained 3stone on Tamoxifen and hoped it would shift with the new drug - no signs yet after 2 years. | F | 60 | 29 months | 4/22/2006 | 5 | breasta cancer stage II-Grade II | joint pain-knees, back, shooting pain in feet as well as tinglingly, extremely exhausted and tired at times | F | 58 | 8 months | 6/28/2005 | 5 | stage II B -dx in1994 | I am very happy with this drug. I have joint pains EVERYWHERE. Feet,elbows,knees,hips,on and on. Worst in the morning but get better as the day goes on.Hot flashes got better the longer I was on it but the bone pain has only gotten worse with time. BUT I'M ALIVE Took tamoxifen for 4 years before Arimidex. | F | 46 | 7 years | 11/17/2006 | 5 | breast cancer | All of the side effects that are talked about here. Fatigue, depression, joint pain and hot flashes. See my comment under the ratings of "3". I've found an answer for myself. Anti-inflammatory diet has helped in a HUGE way. Scroll down for my entry "estrogen pos. node pos. stage 3" (it's down at the 3's) | Read all you can about the loss of estrogen on the female body. The high levels of homocysteines can cause all of these symptoms. I've done away with wheat, sugar, caffiene and commercially made foods, for the most part. I feel like NORMAL again. God Bless. | F | 52 | 18 months | 12/3/2006 | 5 | Stage 1 DCIS, radiation, no chemo | The drug was aging me prematurely -- vision problems, aching joints and muscles, exhaustion, inablility to fall asleep, could barely get out of a chair with painful hips and lower back. When I developed trigger finger in my thumbs, I went off the drug, but already had severe nerve damage and carpal tunnel by then. I'm trying to buy time to avoid surgery. (See my additional reply at rating 2.) | Stay on this drug if you don't experience accumulating pain and sided effects. Contact me if you developed carpal tunnel or trigger finger. I want to know how long your symptoms remained and how your doctor revised your treatment. | F | 59 | 3 months | 1/7/2007 | 5 | breast cancer | joint and muscle pain | F | 53 | 3.5 years | 7/6/2007 |