Drug Ratings for ARIMIDEXAverage Rating: 2.6 (1179 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 |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 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 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 4 | breast cancer - lumpectomy | Please enter updated side effects | Please enter updated comments | F | 74 | 5 years 1 MG 1X D | 3/29/2010 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 |