Drug Ratings for ARIMIDEXAverage Rating: 2.6 (1172 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added 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 |
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| 4 | Breast Cancer | After having a total hysterectomy 2 months ago, I switched from Tamoxifen to Anastrozole. The only side effects I notice (which may be related, or not) is skin itchiness and increased urge to urinate during sleep time. I have been getting up during the middle of the night more frequently to go to the bathroom. I take the medication at bedtime. I have not noticed any other severe side effects. | Like many others, it is difficult to go off the drug when the consequence could be negative with an increased recurrence of breast cancer. The side effects have not affected the quality of life. | F | 45 | 1 months 1mg 1X D | 3/8/2011 | 3 | Breast cancer | Most of my problems began when I started taking the generic form. Flu-like symptoms, joint pain, breat discomfort, weight gain without any reason, increased gastric problems. The problems have interfered with daily functioning. | F | 53 | 1 years 1mg 1X D | 3/7/2011 | 2 | stage 1 lobular breast cancer | This is a follow-up to my post of 12/5/10. I have many side effects after 4 months being on the generic form of Arimidex. I am going to stop this medication because of how its use has affected my life. Rated 2 (this medicine did not work to my satisfaction), rather than 1 (I would not recommend taking this medicine) because others have not had a negative experience and it may work fine for them. | When I started this medication, I had good energy and was able to function well in my daily life. The constant nagging aches and pains, hair loss, GERD symptoms, fatigue, memory problems and foggy thinking, and strange, brief sudden pains in various places in my body have convinced me that this drug is toxic for me. The hot flashes are manageable, but the other symptoms are seriously affecting me. I am very concerned that because the side effects are increasing, that my quality of life is in jeopardy. I can't imagine taking this drug for 5 years. I had no problems with my lumpectomy surgery and no problems with radiation and had good energy through it all and had a good attitude. I still have a positive outlook, and feel that my mental outlook will improve when my body has a chance to recover from the effects of the drug. It is a risk to stop; I understand that and accept it. I wish all of you well and see that some posts indicate no side effects at all -- it just shows how each individual processes the drug differently. The observation from several people questioning why the dosage is exactly the same for everyone is a point well taken. I thank askapatient.com for having this website -- there are few places where patients can see such a broad cross section of drug effects. And thanks to all contributors who have been proactive, sharing their experiences. Blessings to all. | F | 65 | 4 months 1 mg 1X D | 3/2/2011 | 1 | back, hip, right leg pain and ankle swelling. | My 80 year old mother has been taking this drug for almost 1 year, at which time she had to discontinue. I am pretty sure this drug is a bad news bear! My mother has osteoporosis and Arimedex is very bad for your bones, also she has experienced very bad pains in the hip and leg like sciatica type pain. She has lost height and I'm pretty sure when she goes for her bone density test next month they will say that her bone density is low...think twice about taking this especially if you have osteoporosis, even if you are taking fosomax, you will still lose bone, and quality of life! | F | 80 | 11 months 1X D | 2/22/2011 | 1 | breast cancer stage 2 | Terible hot flashes all day and night, sore feet and bone aches, upset tummy, mood swings, disturbed sleep.Severe tiredness. | No one understands what we go thru on this drug! Would love to stop it but am scared. No sympathy from oncologist or solutions. | F | 52 | 18 months 1X D | 2/20/2011 | 1 | breast cancer | I started taking Femera in July '09 after I finished chemo/radiation. Summer of '10 started becoming inchy when I got hot so stay in air conditioning then around Dec '10 I started breaking out all over so I switched to the generic of Arimidex. I all ready had joint pain and sleeplessness but I too feel like I am beginning to gain wait. I fear what this drug is doing to me and contemplate going off of it. I am two years out from my original diagnosis. The mammogram I had in 12/10 of my remaining breast was clear and the pet scan I had in '09 was also clear. So do I stay on it????? Insurance won't pay for another pet scan nor cat scans. I know others that have gone off of it. | F | 56 | 1 months 1 mg 1X D | 2/17/2011 | 1 | brca rt duc. invasive lobu sta 3 | joint pain, need replaced both hips, rt knee. dry rough skin, dizzy, want to kill myself every day, no cancer though. i had it twice. i would rather die than take the medication. hair thinning. i look like a blown up balloon, gained 26 pounds. craving for sweets. can't walk, can't climb the smallest step, can't reach, bend, stoop, have headaches, nails are dry and separated from skin. legs and hands and fingers dry and numb. dehydrated severely. teeth falling out. inflamation in teeth and joints. arimidex robbed me of my early retirement . was always healthy until i was 57. cancer had little effect on me and chemo and radiation. the drawback is the arimides. i am only 64 and i feel 1000. no spirti, no will power, or enthusiasiam. taking 5400 miligrams of ibprofen just to sit in a wheelchair. i can not lift my legs into bed each night. i am all old and drained and dried up. | F | 64 | 4 days 1 1X D | 2/15/2011 | 2 | Posted back on 12/7. Saw oncologist last week for 90 seconds. Told Im done its been 5 years. She did not want to hear about my side effects. I told her I stopped early. On the counter was a newsletter stating that this drug showed significantly less side effects in the clinical trials than in has in practice.My side effects are much improved, need to lose some weight. God be with you all. | F | 53 | 2.5 years 1X D | 2/14/2011 | 1 | Breast cancer, stage 2 | Foggy brain, totally unable to function in corp world. Joint pain, no one will understand. I would choose shorter expectancy of life, rather than not having a life, thats what arimidex does. | I think, the one tablet does not do correct justice, to a 50 kg and or 100 kg lady. Needs more study on that one. The one tablet for all is not ok. It effects everything, mind and body. Alah, is why many choose not too..... | F | 49 | 18 months 20mg 1X D | 2/14/2011 History | 4 | Stage 4 Breast Cancer, | I took tomoxafin for about 3 years, then had a mini-strike. I have a lot of the side effects, but I could not take Tomoxafin, Arimidex was safer. I have hair loss (use Rogaine for Men), I break bones all the time, I have gained a lot of weight (better than unexplained loss), I have extreme vaginal dryness, infections etc., but I would rather suffer these than the cancer. I had two different types of cancer - both breasts - stage 4 on one side, stage 2B on the other, double mastectomy, brain surgery (benign tumor)extensive chemo and radiation. But Arimidex is my friend. | I am going on 11 years remission - thank you Arimidex. They want to take me off it, but I am fighting it. | F | 71 | 7 years 1 MG 1X D | 2/11/2011 | 2 | Breast Cancer | frequent and severe hot flashes, depression, insomnia, really tired all the time, joint pain, | I have decided to stop. I had a very active life style, my husband is 77 and goes to his office everyday. I had cervical cancer 18 years ago and beat that with very aggressive treatment with some very unpleasant long term side effects. but at 72 I want my quality of life back | F | 72 | 14 months 1 mg 1X D | 2/6/2011 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Most side effects others are having. My hair is falling out more and I found a shampoo Nioxin and it seems to help along with cutting it short. I wear wigs from TLC.com and my teeth are getting sensitive hot and cold. Not sure if it the Arimidex doing it for my teeth. I have good no cavities and good gums. | I have other friends on it and feel the same and some are not taking it against their Dr. advice. I wish well to all that is taking it. I pray for a cure for Cancer. | F | 59 | 2 years 1mg 1X D | 2/5/2011 | 2 | Stage 3 Breast Cancer | Thankfully, I didn't experience any more hot flashes than I had previously, from early menopause that I experienced due to a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, I did experience some very unpleasant side effects. I was hoping to find my body and brain recovering, becoming stronger and "healthier", regaining a sense of balance after the battle of chemo. Instead, I seem to just be on a downhill slope of increasing and new symptoms. My "chemo brain" doesn't seem to be getting any better. I'm having trouble finding the right words and remembering things. I can't seem to get enough sleep and even fall asleep at my desk and computer. Getting up to walk is SO painful and sometimes I just have to PULL myself up, FORCE a foot to move, and literally WILL my legs to move. I look like I'm twice my age, but once I'm up and going, I walk pretty well - just a bit slower than normal. The bone pain is the worst part of it all and is absolutely excruciating. I developed neuropathy from chem | Even with the problems that I've had with this drug, I'm so glad that these drugs exist, because if each drug can help keep just one person alive and cancer-free, it's doing its job. Recovery didn't come without discomfort and staying alive won't either! I'd rather be here with my family, friends, and precious children in my class and all the people that I have yet to meet with pain as my companion than to just feel like a sitting duck waiting helplessly for cancer to strike again. At least we're armed! | F | 49 | 4 months 1 mg 1X D | 2/2/2011 | 3 | Breast Cancer - estrogen driven | I have been on Arimidex 2 and a half years. I have had all of the horrible side effects: unbearable hot flashes, extreme joint pain, felt like a 90 year old woman. When I was sitting and stood up, it took me a minute to be able to walk and the walking was very painful until I had walked for a while. I usually exercise 7 hours a week, the elliptical and weights and have been able to keep that up. But I am writing because I have started taking some supplements that have been like a miracle for me. I take 2 - 500mg of turmeric a day and 8 oz. of Light grape juice with 1 T of CERTO mixed into the grape juice. I am almost back to my old self. The pain is not gone, but much, much better and the hot flashes have lessened. I just had to share, this has been like a lifesaver for me. I hope this can help some other people too. | F | 65 | 2 years 1 mg 1X D | 1/28/2011 | 1 | IDC Stage 1 | severe insomnia, numbness in hands, memory loss, hair loss, severe joint pain to the point of needing crutches, fatigue, balance issues & tripping, weight gain. | I feel like I am 80 years old. Originally took Femara but side effects were worse than Arimidex. Stopped Arimidex 4 days ago and the pain is starting to go away. Oncologist recommended acupuncture but it didn't work. Also had MRI on spine & it showed inflammation. Inflammation is also dangerous for the body. I don't trust that these side effects are temporary. I cannot risk permanently damaging my joints at my age. I was on so many drugs to counter side effects that I felt like I was living in a fog. These aromatase inhibitors are horrible drugs. I would rather have had 6 months on chemo and be done. Oncotype DX test said I did not need chemo. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins, no +nodes & radiation. I am asking doctor for Tamoxafin. | F | 57 | 2 months 1 mg 1X D | 1/28/2011 | 2 | Breast Cancer | Hot Flashes,nausea,hair loss,bone pain,stomach distress,tiredness and memory loss. I will continue to take till the five yrs is up or till the side effects gets to bad. | F | 59 | 2 years 1mg 1X D | 1/27/2011 | 1 | breast cancer | joint pains, hot flashes, chills, neck pains, falls, fatigue, some incontinence, backwardness, reticence, posture, blood pressure, back pains | Whoa! I've gone from a woman who could ride a bike, walk, climb steps easily, get out of chairs to someone who can't do those things easily or at all. Now I have to make sure the restroom has a handicaped toilet or I can't go. I haven't had a broken bone in 68 years and now have a badly broken wrist from a fall. I can't go on like this. I have got to feel better. I am going off the drug. I will gradually go off the same way I went off hormones. The Lord willing in four months I will have my life back. If the cancer occurs again I will have a masectomy and no drugs. At my age what have I got to lose. | F | 75 | 11 months joint 1X D | 1/27/2011 | 2 | estrogen receptive breast Ca | Horrible hot flashes,joint pain esp. knees,hands,elbows and weight gain. Good news for Hot Flashes. | Dx with Stage I,estrogen receptive Invasive Ductal Ca/ Aug/2010. 30 Rad. Therapy treatments/no chemo after oncotyping. Began Anastrozole (generic for Arimidex) 1mg/per day. Didn't want to take after reading side effects. Immediately began to gain wt. Had lost 45 lbs 2 yrs ago..began to gain 2 lbs/wk. To date/ 22lbs. Joint pain..like elderly person. Take Ibuprophen alot. The hot flashes were unbelievable. Thought I was just about over them. First began for me at 49 y/o. Gyn, prescribed FemHrt. Took 4 1/2 yrs. That was immediately stopped after Dx of Ca. Wish I had never taken. Since beginning Anastrozole, hot f. 4/hr with severe intensities. Ca Dr. gave Effexor.(antidepressant) standard for hot flashes. No good for me. My other Dr. gave/ Pristiq (antidep.50mg./day) and Seroquel 200/mg day (helps sleep and enhancs the Pristiq) . This combination is great. Hot F's measureably decreased in frequency and severity. Sleeping so much better. Ask your Dr./you may have to push. Dr's usually prescribe what is pedalled to them by sales reps. good luck, Nancy Nashville | F | 56 | 5 years 1mg 1X D | 1/23/2011 | 1 | breast cancer | joint pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, headaches, hot flashes | Horrible side effects!Very cruel! I was fine for 2 weeks, then I started living with hot flashes and pain all day long. I can't concentrate to do my daily chores because of the pain. Five years of this drug causing bone loss is frightening! It is dangerous for old people to have osteoporosis.This drug is almost like poison. I am not sure how long I can tolerate the pain.. I really don't want full blown osteoporosis.The onc wants to give me Zometa.(bisphsphonates on IV)But, that has a whole set of problems of its own. How could the same dosage of Arimidex be given to everyone? We are caught between a rock and a hard place and it is extremely depressing. The FDA should know about the horrible effects of this drug. Maybe more studies should have been done before it was released | F | 65 | 45 days 1 mg 1X D | 1/22/2011 | 1 | stage 3 BC, 20+nodes | Severe joint pain-knees, hands, feet. Can't sleep, weight gain, mood swings,vaginial dryness, memory loss | I was Dx with stage 3b BC back in April, i have had chemo & radiation and mastectomy. waiting to do reconstruction next year. Since I started taking Armidex my life has gone down hill. I feel as I am an 80 yr old woman.Can barely get out of bed in mornings, cant close my hands all the way, if i sit for more than an hour i have major trouble standing up. Lots of fatigue. This is driving me crazy. I am ONLY 39 yrs old!! OH and sex....yeah right!! The dryness is so bad its very painful even using lubricant. I want to stop taking it but i am scared to stop. But i feel i have no quality of life on this stuff. I have read other comments and I see the same thing is happening to other women. I get maybe 3 hrs sleep a night. I just went back to work and that does help some, but where i use a computer all day, it makes my hands and arms hurt worse. I am supposed to take this for 5 years but i fear i will be crippled by then. What to do?? | F | 39 | 7 months 1mg 1X D | 1/19/2011 | 2 | breast cancer | Have experienced general aches and pains, severe headaches and muscular pain along with the most terrible hot flushes and a real sense of fatigue and lethargy thats making me feel old before my time plus I've gained nearly 2 stones in weight that I just can't shift however hard I try. I also suffer from palpatations and have been experiencing the most severe depression I've ever had. I'm so stressed and irritable all the time and my memory has become so poor that it's really effecting my work and my relationships. My oncologist says is probably not the arimidex causing these symptoms......all I know is I didn't have them before and although part of me feels I should be grateful that thed drug is keeping my cancer at bay another part of me longs for the day when I can stop taking them and get my life back. Good luck to all of you fellow arimidex users out there x | F | 49 | 18 months 1mg 1X D | 1/18/2011 | 2 | breast cancer | severe stiff neck, affecting sleep and mobility. Having regular physio but keeps reoccuring. | No other symptoms except lots of hot flushes which were helped by accupunture. Not sure if these were due to drug or ovary removal. Anyone else had severe neck pain? | F | 50 | 6 months 1mg 1X D | 1/18/2011 | 1 | Post mastectomy treatment | Horrible joint pain (feet, knees, hips, hands), significant weight gain, and depression (never been depressed a day in my life before this). | This stuff is poison--chemo in a bottle. I quit taking it as my quality of life means way more to me, but I wish I had never taken it in the first place. I have been off of this for two months and while getting a little better, the pain in my hands and feet is still significant. Feeling like a 90 year-old woman in a 55 year-old body. This drug treatment was a horrific experience compared to the mastectomy surgery itself. | F | 55 | 5 months 1 mg 1X D | 1/17/2011 | 2 | breast cancer | I've had them all! Last summer I was switched to the generic by my insurance and I think that has been the cause of my latest problems. At the end of October I had a severe allergic reaction and ended up in the ER and in ICU for a day and a night. It was blamed on my ace inhibitor but I really think the arimidex(generic) is the root cause. And since late summer I have had very dry itching skin and rash/hives. I am only 30 days away from finishing the drug but I am seriously considering stopping now. I can't control the rash and it's getting worse. Every medication I take has been changed except for this one. I'm just not sure I can make it through the next 30 days. I have trouble controlling blood pressure; my cholesterol and triglicerides are high; joint and muscle pain is almost unbearable. If I sit too long, I can hardly get up on my own. I'm ready for all of this to stop. | F | 63 | 5 years 1 mg 1X D | 1/13/2011 | 2 | breast cancer | exacerbation of bipolar disorder, inability to sleep, severe dermatology problems (skin, hair and nails), fatigue, loss of bone mass, constipation, arthritic hands, memory loss | I went off the medication after 18 months because i had become a severe suicide risk. My sleep cycle was disrupted. i couldn't get myself to go to bed till the middle of the night, then never slept for more than an hour or two. I was unable to work or maintain social activities. Mood swings abated and sleep patterns adjusted within three days of stopping the medication. If you experienced depression or mood swings (irritability, anger, elevated mood of any kind) after you started taking Arimidex, or if you were being treated for depression or bipolar disorder prior to taking Arimidex, please post here. Any information would be helpful: severity, duration, changes that occurred simultaneously with Arimidex. Also indicate fatigue or sleeplessness, and any new medications your doctor may have put you on, along with the effects of the new medication. Information about mood side effects is limited. Please help! | F | 56 | 18 months 1X D | 1/10/2011 | 2 | Apart form aches and pains I experienced a very disconcerting memory block on several occasions during conversations. After 8 months of taking it, I have stopped since i don't want any neurological damage. if the cancer reoccurs I will deal with it, in the meantime I don't want to knock out enzymes which we might need after all. or take something which may be toxic in other ways than described | F | 68 | 8 months 2X D | 1/9/2011 | 4 | stage 2 breast cancer | Took arimidex for 6 years with head aches, memory fuzziness and unbelievable weight gain. now taking anastrozole and having joint pain in lower back, constant acid reflux, and tiredness. | It has kept me alive to see and enjoy grandchildren but feel that sideeffects need to be studied. Found that eating an apple a day has helped the reflux. Going to try the Schiff/Move Free Advanced plus MSM as soon as I can get to a store. God Bless everyone. | F | 57 | 6.5 years 1 tablet 1X D | 1/5/2011 | 3 | breast cancer stage I, lumpectomy | I quit taking Arimidex 3 mos short of the 3 yrs prescribed. The last yr of it caused my feet to become more and more numb. 6 yrs out, still numb/painful. Tamoxifen X 2 yrs=uterine CA. I do walk at least over a mile most days, feet are very picky about the shoes they wear, nothing touching toes, sandals or preformed toe type shoes only. Sometimes can't sleep, the feet like an even pressure not 'free floating' in bed. | A lot of time I wrap my right leg at night to keep it warm, it cramps up the shin bone and top of foot if it gets cooled to much. Do take daily vitamins, extra D, eat well, take care of general health/immune system as best I can. Fresh air, good attitude/friends/yard work, painting/reading staying busy is a must. Take care of greatgrandson fun/exhausting/rewarding.:)I am 8 yrs out of the breast surgery and 6 yrs out of the uterine cancer surgery caused by Tamoxifen. I'm assuming all is well and the Arimidex was the end med, will know in 25 yrs or so hopefully. | F | 67 | 3 years 1 mg 1X D | 1/4/2011 | 3 | DCIS + Inv;3/14;Stage 2;Mast+chemo | Aches and pains especially in wrists and fingers. Often very stiff in the morning. Fuzzy thoughts and find it hard to organise a task; used to be so efficient! Pains seem worse in damp weather, strangely. Don't know if Arimidex is cause of these. | Offered Exemestane but stuck with Arimidex- a case of "the devil you know..." God bless you all. | F | 58 | 16 months 1mg 1X D | 12/31/2010 History | 2 | Stage 2 BC 2/13 Vasclar Invasion | Severe Aches and pains in all joints.Feet hurt.Everything hurts.Can hardly get out of a chair or go up and down stairs.I am 46 before all of this felt young now i feel old.Also have put on alot of weight. | F | 46 | 65 days 1X D | 12/26/2010 | 4 | Breast Cancer | I have started to feel some side effects similar to what others are complaining of. By not dwelling on these I seem to stay more up beat. I'm taking this 5 year treatment plan for a better life in the long run. | I have to keep myself positive. Hope others can also... It is the long run we are working for. | F | 66 | 60 days 1 1X D | 12/23/2010 | 1 | Post mastectomy w/ chemo | Knee pain & other shifting pains, arthritic movement-feel 80, ankle & foot swelling, sleeplessness until exhausted then 10-12 hours sleep, seborrhea worsened, hypertension, sudden weight gain, fatigue & lethargy, mild but constant depression, crying easily, flat emotions, frustration with disruption of life. | A hemotologist once told me to remember that all meds are poisons. Chemo has to be, but Arimidex is more chemo in a pill. I had a 1.5cm lump near left nipple, refused lumpectomy, got mastectomy since I'd already had one 8 years earlier. Was told I'd get chemo this time due to progress in research, i.e., cells can get loose in blood during surgery, family history of breast cancer, tested HER2 positive. But Arimidex is indicated in more advanced cancers or metastasized cancers. My surgeon had told me chemo would clean out any errant cancer cells and I'd be "sterile." But then my oncologist put me on Arimidex for 5 years. At 68 I'd be done at 73! Productive years. We just retired, moving, I want to be a portrait artist, lifelong dream, have the gift. Can't work with pain & exhaustion. Feel prescribing Arimidex in my case is unnecessary overkill done to everyone. Stopped taking it 3 days ago regardless of consequences I don't expect. Protocol seems same for everone, dose same, symptoms same. Unacceptable considering my tiny lump and having full-dose chemo to assure cleansing my system. I'm done! Will monitor, however. Can't wait to be me again, experiencing chemo symptoms in withdrawal. | F | 68 | 3 months 1 mg 1X D | 12/23/2010 | 2 | To prevent breast cancer recurrence | Headache, stiff neck, lower back pain, constipation every morning followed by diarrhea in the afternoon, trigger finger, minor hot flashes, itchy eyes, now the straw that broke the camels back. Today I went to my office as usual and was so short of breath I felt as if I was going to keel over. I stopped and was unable to catch my breath or speak, as I stood in the hall, all of a sudden, I suffered urinary incontinence for the FIRST TIME in my life. It was humiliating to say the least. The other odd sideeffect I had was a vibrating/buzzing feeling in my left breast. I spoke to my oncologist who told me to stop the medication, keep a diary, and call her in 2 weeks. The shortness of breath and incontinence is my biggest concern.Has anyone had a side effect like this from this drug? | I had DCIS 13 years ago and had a mastectomy. This time it was a 6 mm invasive cancer that required a lumpectomy and radiation. I elected to have the 5 day (twice a day) accelerated treatment. | F | 62 | 3 weeks 1 mg 1X D | 12/20/2010 | 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 | 2 | Breast Cancer | Severe hip and joint pain. Then trigger thumbs, Hair began falling out, splitting nails and general feeling of lethargy and zero energy in spite of trying to walk 1-2 miles a day. Weight gain,feezy thinking, cholestrol started going up and then chest pain, with high blood pressure and then pain in the area of the liver with a sick, nausea feeling. | It has been three months since I stopped taking Arimidex and I no longer have the hip pain/joint, more energy, my hair has stopped falling, lost the nausea feeling,and my mind is clear ...how GREAT to be free of all these side effects....Hopefully, the lumpectomy, radiation, and 19 months of this drug along with prayer has cured me for life. My quality of life is now back to normal. | F | 73 | 19 months 1mg. 1X D | 12/12/2010 | 3 | bc-stage 1 no nodes | bone pain, hands tingling with numbness at nite. Swelling of lower shins and ankle area. Difficulty sleeping at nite, vaginal odor, no infection, no discharge.weight gain.overall achiness.loss of libido. | my onco says the swelling and tingling/numbness not the drug. I don't believe him. My symptoms got worse when I took the generic, especially the hand numbness and leg swelling.I have switched back to brand name 5 days ago and the numbness and leg swelling has lessened a bit.I am willing to continue for a few more months. | F | 63 | 9 months 1mg 1X D | 12/8/2010 | 3 | invasive lobular breast ca- insitu | I started with tamoxifen didn't like it. Tried femera but had joint pain and fatigue. I was unable to walk up/down home staircase.I was switched to arimidex and the pain was relieved. I do have osteopenia with increased bone loss this past year. I have begun to sleep on a heating pad for back pain. I am stiff. I look like I am pregnant when I used to look anorexic. After reading this site I have decided to stop 6 months early. I previously had a total hysterectomy(complication of infertitily treatments)and took hormone replacement therapy for 10 years=postive BC. I stopped HRT at diagnosis 6 months before starting the hormone suppressants so in total 5 years without female hormones. I believe I have tolerated it reasonably well as I take very highly rated nutritional products. | F | 53 | 2.5 years 1X D | 12/7/2010 | 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 | 4 | stage 1 lobular breast cancer | Because I am very sensitive to medications since I take so few of them, I was very concerned about possible side effects with this drug. I was relieved when I did not experience anything but some aches and pains during the first week of taking the generic form of Arimidex.I have to switch to the brand in January, as my Part D insurance no longer covers the generic (it only costs $3.00 for a 30 day supply!). | My life is very active, with at least three hours every day of heavy lifting of water and feed for my livestock as well as tending a large garden. The lumpectomy and radiation went very well and I had very little down time, side effects or lack of energy for either one. Important: I insisted on being referred by my family physician to an endocrinologist to have my thyroid medication adjusted, as I was feeling very tired -- this was before any surgery or radiation. (I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 1968.) The results of the new medication adjustment have been amazing. Not everyone has thyroid issues, but if fatigue is one of your side effects, it might be worth asking to be checked for a full thyroid panel. Staying positive, being physically active every day (including 30 minutes of easy exercises to help get the kinks out) and focusing on things that I enjoy helped me through an experience that I certainly had not planned on. My thoughts are with all of you for a good outcome. I will post any changes in side effects, since I note that many postings list problems after long-term use. | F | 65 | 2 months 1 mg 1X D | 12/5/2010 | 3 | Stage 2 BC | F | 66 | 4 years 1 mg 1X D | 12/2/2010 History | 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 | 3 | Inv BC stage 2/3; nodes - yes; | Serious muscle/bone pain to the point that I could hardly walk let alone get out of a chair or climb steps. Shooting leg pains. Pains in hips, knees and ankles. Tingling in hands and feet that stopped on my 2 week hiatus from it. Had to get Handicap Card. Ache all over, all the time. Weight gain. Hot flashes that finally subsided. (Not sure if all these SE got worse after I was switched to the generic as I was dealing with side effect from chemo and rads.) Need to rate this as a 3,,, in the hopes that it is doing its 'job' ... scans in Feb will help me make an updated rating. | Afraid to stop,,need protection since possible metastasis. Also tried Aromasin during my 2 wk hiatus, but it raised blood sugar levels. Back to Arimidex 1/2 dosage for now. Appt w/onc in 2 weeks to discuss further. ACT Chemo (8 dose dense), surgery for lumpectomy (large tumor shrunk enough from chemo), then 35 radiation. I must say I do feel more alive than a year ago at this time when it all started .. but I would really like some good days thrown in with the bad ones! Sure would help with the 5 years I am facing it. My Onc is GREAT and very understanding and helpful. Willing to try some other AI's and now this alternating dosage. But said there are no stats on success rate of the smaller dosing. So will try to gradually build back up to full dose. | F | 63 | 8 months 1 mg 1X D | 12/1/2010 | 1 | breast cancer | too many to list but new problem 3 yrs after TEETH TRANSPARENT enamel almost gone ???? anyone else having this??? | NEW PROBLEM, TEETH DETERIORATING, TRANSPARENT,.. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS? CHIPPING | F | 59 | 3.5 years 1mg 1X D | 11/28/2010 | 2 | stage 1 breast cancer | constipation, bloating, headaches,dry eyes, fatigue, elevated cholesterol, decreased vitamin D level, reflux | I was told there wasn't a lot of difference in outcome for me between tamoxifen and arimidex. My cancer was stage 1 and not aggressive. I was on tamoxifen for two years with no side effects. I'm discontinuing the arimidex and going back to tamoxifen. Fatigue is the worse problem and I don't want to put up with it. | F | 63 | 25 days 1X D | 11/20/2010 | 1 | BC 11 - grade 3, vascular invasion | I used Femara first. Hot flashes,nausea,loss libido, vaginal dryness. At 5 weeks pain developed hip and all down bones in leg. Worsened until could not walk without excruciating pain. No sleep because of pain, impossible to exercise. Stopped at 8.5 weeks. Began herbal complex for inflammation and pain. 'Herbs of Gold - Pain Ease'(Devil's Claw, Boswelia,Ginger,Tumeric, Black Pepper). Worked immediately, within 1 week walking regularly and doing weights. Agreed to try Arimidex - big mistake! Pain back immediately, stopped after 2 weeks and more than 2 months later still have pain. This time, hips, bones in legs plus toes. Now using 'Totally Natural Pain No More' as it also has MSM and Glucosomine to repair damage done by drugs - improving, walked today with minimal pain. Warning! Pain is our bodies way of saying something is seriously wrong. I couldn't get out of a chair! Make your own decision but do your homework. Femara/Arimidex was supposed to give me 6-12% better survival - not wort | I will not take any more Aromatase Inhibitors and will keep on with my research and experimentation. I just had my 12 month breast check - Ultra sound as I refused a mammogram and all is clear. I had a very poor prognosis originally and took responsibility to change what was out of balance.I researched and started some natural interventions before I had surgery (22cm + over 1/2 kilo and 22 nodes removed), reluctantly had radiation, refused chemo. My surgeon said I was 'extraordinarily fortunate' when he read the results after surgery (he expected the worst as my tumor had doubled in two weeks) - I agree but credit some of that result to the protocols I had already started. For me Femara and Arimidex are not worth it. See iodine supplementation & Vitamin D3 on 'Breast Cancer Choices.org'. Do whatever works for you but listen to your body if it is in pain - ask why? Read more at askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20726&name=FEMARA | F | 68 | 2 weeks 1X D | 11/20/2010 | 3 | bc stage 0, double mastectomy | Weakness, arthritis, joint pain, bone pain, back pain, urinary track infections, pelvic pain, deep muscle pain, feet stiff, triger finger, loss of bladder control, sleeplesness, memory cloudy, never feel rested, heal spurs, osteoprosis in lumbar region and both hip joints, general dread of the pain each day. Increase of colestrol numbers and weight gain. | I have the heart and spirit of a 20 year old and pray that my body will become my friend again. I can do the slightest physical work and suffer for several days. Asprin, Tylenol, Advil all are a daily must. I live with a heating pad on my back. Must work so I must have faith that I will be "Myself" again. If I can go for another 1.5 years I will do it just to not have the worry, but my heart goes out to all who suffer with the side effects. I feel like I have played 4 quarters as a defensive linebacker without padding. I have a positive attitude but am worried that I won't get back my previous state of well being. | F | 65 | 3.5 years 1 mg 1X D | 11/8/2010 | 2 | stage 1 breast cancer | just bones aching and hot flushes for first 6 months, then the urine infections started, it seemed to be one infection a month kept being given antibiotics, and thrush was unbearable, had scans of pelvis, kidneys all working fine, stopped Arimidex my self could not stand anymore, not having a sex life not wanting sex, hair thining, facial hair growing, wrinkles coming. life is for living and and really intend to especially now I have come off them, it has been nearly two weeks and the past few days I have felt like I have flu, the side-effects suggest this, also dizziness and headache, hopefully it will pass, it is the quality of life not the quantity | it is a very expensive drug and what the statistics dont mention is how many women die that dont take it? even if it is only a small amount of women who last alittle longer with the drug the dept of health will still use it, I would like to know the statistics to be able to make an informed choice, | F | 55 | 15 months 1mg 1X D | 11/8/2010 | 2 | Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma | With Arimidex: Pain from neck to feet...muscles, joints, and rib cage. Annual Pet/CT completed today to check for cancer recurrence. | New Problem: 45 days ago my insurance co required me to change to generic. Terrible stomach and gastro problems which I never had with Arimidex. Blood work came back with elevated levels of potassium and elevated liver enzymes. This did not show up in previous blood work while taking brand Arimidex. I am stopping the generic today to see if issues resolve. Eventually everyone will be forced by insurance cos to go generic. We should start tracking side effects of generic. | F | 67 | 12 months 1X D | 11/2/2010 | 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 | 2 | prevent recurrence of breast cancer | joint pain in knee and thumbs. muscle pain in upper arms and shoulders. lower back pain. feel like I've become an "old woman"...have to stand for a minute to steady myself before walking. weight gain?? took me a few months before agreeing to go on drug...doctor recommended it but told me to come back if having bad side effects. not sure what to do...but am inclined to go off medication and deal with cancer again if it shows up. | F | 62 | 5 months 1X D | 10/31/2010 | 3 | breast cancer | depression, joint pain, itching, mental difficulties, weight gaim | F | 65 | 6 months 30mg 1X D | 10/29/2010 | 3 | Oncologist prescribed it for me | Extreme joint pain, dry eyes, skin and vagina, short term memory loss, hot flashes, and recently, numb hands and major hair loss | I believe the side effects were highly minimized by the drug's manufacturer. During the most recent two years of taking this med, the joint pain has increased, as has fatigue, hand numbness and an alarming amount of hair loss. Most of the time I feel ten years older than my real age. I hope to recover a more pain free and energetic self after I finish taking Arimidex. | F | 67 | 4.5 years 1 1X D | 10/28/2010 | 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 | 1 | post mastectomy medicaition | joint and back pain, extreme fatigue, sleeplessness, lethargy, menopause symptoms (hot flushes, emotional), impaired brain function | I had a mastectomy in May of 2009 and after the nightmare of 5 doses of cheomtherapy was put onto Tamoxifen which had severe side effects. I was then prescribed Arimidex, which, while the side effects weren't quite so severe they are enough to interfere with my life. However I honestly don't think I could cope with feeling this awful for another 4 years. I stopped taking Arimidex 1 week ago today and already I feel much better. I am sleeping soundly, not nearly as tired, and I'm sure I'm thinking much more clearly. I have an appointment on 1st Nov for my annual checkup and will discuss this with my specialist then. I would prefer not to have to take anything, and may yet make that decision. As far as I'm concerned I was cured the day of my mastectomy, and if the rotten thing comes back I'll handle it if I need to when the time comes | F | 70 | 12 months 1X D | 10/18/2010 | 1 | breast cancer | Holy cow! Doctor took me off Armidex over a month ago due to SEVERE bone/joint pain, general feeling of lethargy and zero energy. Extreme difficulty getting going in mornings or after sitting or laying for a while. Stiffness and pain have made my life so different. I honestly cannot care for myself entirely on my own now! Hands and fingers hurt so bad my husband has to help with bathroom responsibilities(wiping). I am 48 years old and had chemotherapy and had bone and joint pain with that. Nothing compares with what I am feeling now. Have done quite a lot of research-this pain doesn't go away for a lot of women after taking Arimidex even for a short while! Honestly I went this week and applied for disability at Social Security Commission I am so bad off. I am completely unable to work and see no improvement. My oncologist said he could easily see me being unable to work for a year or more-which is what is required by SS disability. I cannot afford to miss a year of work so | F | 49 | 45 days 30m 1X D | 10/18/2010 | 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 | 2 | Inv Lobular BC stage 2b ER+ HER2+ | This the only drug I am taking. I have experienced almost all of the side effects mentioned. Had to get cortisone shot for a trigger thumb. Now having wicked headaches. My hair is falling out at an alarming rate. Hope to make it to 5 years. Also tried Femara. Mostly the same side effects. | Has anyone taken the generic anastrozole? I'm trying that for 2 months now. It's a lot less expensive. It seems the rest of the world has had access to the generic for quite awhile! Best Wishes to all of you. | F | 67 | 16 months 1 mg 1X D | 10/12/2010 | 1 | Yes | Cholesterol raised through the roof, loss bone density now have severe back problems, hair loss, short term memory loss, easily agitated, | Doctors need to be very upfront with patients on how this drug ruins your quality of life! You should balance the side effects against the claimed benefits!! | F | 74 | 15 months 1 mg 1X D | 10/12/2010 | 1 | Stage II Breast Cancer | Severe pain in feet; overall achiness; significant hot flashes; general fatigue | My oncologist suggested I switch back to Tamoxifen to complete my required five years of treatment using an anti-estrogen drug. | F | 56 | 3 months 1 mg 1X D | 10/12/2010 | 2 | follow-up stage 2 breast cancer | Joint pain - especially in knees; pain and stiffness in feet and hands; "fuzzy brain"; short-term memory problems; weakness; fatigue; sleep disruption; extreme & frequent hot-flashes | After 2 years on Tamoxifen, my docs switched me to Arimidex to try to decrease the hot-flashes. After 5 months on Arimidex, I was so miserable I sought out my oncologist. He confirmed most of the problems are likely to be caused by the Armimdex. Two weeks ago, he took me off Arim. for a couple of months to clear it out of my body. Then we'll try Aromasin. He noted that there are no studies that compare effectiveness of 3 years of Tamox./Arim./Arom./etc. versus 5 years. He is has left the door open to stopping all treatment if I don't respond well to the Aromasin. NOTE: All my treatment has been in Switzerland. | F | 55 | 5 months 1 mg 1X D | 10/11/2010 |