Drug Ratings for ARIMIDEXAverage Rating: 2.6 (1174 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 CA Stage1 Her2+ No lymph | Bone loss after the 4th year. Carpal Tunnel and trigger finger. Rib and ankle pain at times. | My cancer was an aggressive strain. Got lucky and found the tumor myself, 7 months after my last Mammogram. I'm going on 5 years. For me, anything is better than being told I'm no longer in remission. At my age I thought the aches and pains were just old age setting in. Glad to hear this may get better when I'm off the medication. Problem: I'm afraid to stop taking it. Rating: For me, I'll consider myself cured after 15 years and not a day sooner. | F | 62 | 4 years | 10/12/2009 | 2 | bc recurrance after 13 yrs can/free | Given Arimidex after 13 yrs cancer free due to recurrance at original site and mets to five other sites. After eight weeks on Arimidex, four sites show no sign of cancer. Sacrum was my main concern as the bone was deteriorating and I have low pain tolerance. After eight weeks, showed sacrum healed but now have new medical issue. I am incontenent and the doctors feel the healing process has pinched or severed the nerve which tells the brain when you need to use a bathroom. So I was wearing diapers to avoid accidents in public. I saw a bladder specialist who said there is nothing physically wrong with the bladder and put me on Ditropan. I can't sleep at night as I wake up every hour to use the bathroom even though I take sleeping pills. I am fine through the day but when I wake up in the morning my mouth feels glued shut, dehydrated, water doesn't help. I feel depressed, fatigue, lathargic,old way beyond my years. Haven't been to the cancer clinic for months even though I was d | F | 57 | 6 months | 10/12/2009 | 2 | Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma | OMG, reading all your stories really hits home with me. I had a TAH in January of this year. I have been on Arimidex for about 3 months. Was on Provera before, but it didn't agree with me. I feel sick all the time. Nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia, numbness in hands, joint pain. I could go on. My doc more or less blows it off as just real bad menopause. Have pain on my right side below rib cage for 2 mos. now. Have to have CT Scan tomorrow. I think this drug has alot to do w/my syptoms. Any info is much appreciated. If the scan comes up negative, I would like to go off the Arimidex just to see if I feel any better. I could always try Femera. | F | 42 | 3 months | 10/11/2009 | 1 | Her2 Brest Cancer | This is an update to an earlier rating I added. I was having "Carpral Tunnel" pain my doc refused to believe me when I told her she stated "NO Way" I stopped going to her and started seeing a new oncologist last week she printed out info. on Arimidex and it has now been confirmed this medicine DOES Cause Carpral Tunnel this info. was given me by my Doctor so ladies I am starting Aromasin hope I have better luck with it. I also have Lymphedema and had a blood clot the clot is cleared for now I am still suffering with Lymphedema and Carpral tunnel pain good luck to all who are still using Arimidex | Please if you want a copy of this info email me and I will send it to you | F | 60 | 1 months | 10/10/2009 | 4 | Stage1 BC/no lymph node removed | nausea past two weeks, occasional back pain. I get relief from my chiropracter | I have been taken arimidex for 4 months and just within the two weeks I have been feeling nausea. My oncologist says it is not the arimidex. Not really sure why I see her, when I tell her how I am feeling she says it is not the arimidex. I don't know what to do. She says to take prilosec, so I am going to try it now. | F | 52 | 4 months | 10/7/2009 | 4 | Breast Cancer Her2+ BRAC2+ Stage 3 | Hot flashes, joint pain & stiffness, trigger fingers, tingling & numbness in hands & feet, mouth & throat sores, occasional memory problems, no sexual desire, big weight gain, etc. - I am High, High risk - right mastectomy 2007 Oopharectomy 2008 | I'd like to give a little encouragement, my hands are better! It happened around a year out - they were very bad for about a year, I even had an arthritic lump at the joint of one finger - now all gone! Hang in there ladies it does get better! I still have days I ache all over & have other symptoms but I am at least 75% improved & no more cancer! | F | 51 | 2 years | 10/6/2009 | 4 | BC, Stage 1, no nodes | Occasional severe hip and knee pain of days. I have wondered whether Arimidex depleats minerals. So twice have taken Twin Labs Multi Minerals and the pain was gone after about 3 days. Not sure of cause and effect. But it seems to work for me. | Early side effects included feeling tired, slow and old. Of course just knowing you have breast cancer can make you feel that way. Best therapy - spending time with friends and family - keeping your mind on more positive things.Of course, I hope Arimidex lives up to my expectations in the long run. Time will tell. | F | 69 | 3 years | 10/6/2009 | 2 | Breast Cancer | Insomnia, shortness of breathe, waking up at all hours and feeling disoriented. Joint pain and no energy at all. Also when I wake up I feel like I can not breathe at all. Not a good feeling. | I was told by my doctor I would not experience any side effects at all. Boy was he wrong. Will stop taking it and see just what the percentage of my getting cancer again with out taking it is. If it is very low then I will take my chances. Really need to be able to work right now. | F | 57 | 4 days | 9/26/2009 | 1 | BC Stage 1 ER+ with neg nodes | Fatigue, extreme pain in joints, muscles and bones of feet, ankles,legs,knees,back, shoulders, elbows, hands, fingers, wrists, and headaches. Stiffness in ankles, knees upon arising in morning and standing up after sitting for a while. | At this point, I question whether to continue this drug. I've been on it for 3 and 1/2 months and feel progressively worse each day. Have begun a "two week vacation" from Arimidex with the approval of my oncologist. When I meet with her in two weeks, since I have no pain since stopping this drug (24 hours), I cannot find a reason to continue it. How can a drug that feels like it is poison in my body actually be doing a good thing for me? Is there an alternative that is any better tolerated? | F | 69 | 110 days | 9/22/2009 | 3 | BC + 4 lymph nodes in 2006 | Did the mastectomy, chemo and radiation as there is a strong history of breast cancer in my family. I experience bone pain, muscle aches, hot flashes usually preceded by an sudden moment of anxiety, depression (related to not having any estrogen>, thinning hair and lots of headaches. Cranky off and on. | If one looks at the literature about Arimidex, the incidences of most of the side effects are supposed to be "rare". If one reads this website, they might not be so rare and when more than one is present, they pile up. I take extra calcium and Vit. D, MSM for pain, Zoloft for the blues, exercise 3 times a week at the gym and living in a rural area, there's always something to be done on the property. I'm feeling a little frustrated because 5+ side effects at a time, are very energy consuming. I'm grateful for the progress in the treatment of BC however, this stuff is rough | F | 62 | 23 months | 9/20/2009 | 4 | Lower estrogen levels | Muscle aches, joint pains, hot flashes. Minor nausea at beginning. | Exercise, especially water aerobics, helped with muscle and joint pain. Massages were useful to alleviate muscle discomfort. | F | 55 | 4 years | 9/19/2009 | 1 | breast cancer | Why dont they mention hair loss as a side effect and how it can age you. but I guess this drug is given to older women only, who cares if it ruins our appearence as long as it keeps cancer away right? I understand this is a fairly new drug with so many side effects. That is frightening. | 60 | | 9/19/2009 | 4 | Stage 1 invasive breast cancer | Increased joint and muscle pain in legs and lower back. Had previously had mild problems in these areas, but now very intensified. Feel like I'm 100 years old trying to get out of a chair. No hot flashes. Slight weight gain. | I have been on Arimidex for six months. Told both my oncologist and surgeon about the severe joint and muscle pain. Both mentioned that patients who experience this have better results. In other words, it's working. I can put up with the aches and pains as long as there is no recurrence of cancer. Have been told I will be on Arimidex for five years. | F | 73 | 6 months | 9/14/2009 | 5 | Breast Cancer stage 3 | Took Tomoxiphen for 2 1/2 years -- experienced weight gain, very achy joints, bone 'pain' extreme hot flashes -- but I was alive -- switched to Arimidex consider it Tomoxiphen (SP) light. Side effects 75% less harsh. Cancer free 6+ years | F | 56 | 3 years | 9/9/2009 | 3 | Prevent a recurrence of lobluar car | I've been on the drug for a year and have experienced mild side effects: hot flashes, knee joint discomfort, experience stiffness in am. and after sitting for an hour. Some weight gain (5-7 lbos), some loss of libido, and stomach discomfort. Overall, I'm hoping these mild side affects are worth the benefit of my cancer not recurring. | F | 62 | 1 years | 9/8/2009 | 2 | Breast Cancer Invasive stage 1 | Carpal Tunnel was under control before Arimidex but worsen to the point of surgery in July. Surgery is scheduled for Trigger Finger and left hand tendinitis. Feet hurt in the morning when getting out of bed. Brain fog, lack of motivation, severe depression even on Wellbutrin, tiredness, ADD. And on and on. | After 6 months I stopped taking Arimidex but symptoms have not completely gone away. Started Tamoxifen in July. Don't have any new side effects except for a 5 lb weight gain which I'll work on. But really, how could I tell with so many side effects still there from Arimidex? Depression is much better! | F | 59 | 6 months | 9/7/2009 | 2 | Prevent breast cancer return | Severe joint pain and swelling of extremeties (now have "cankles"), osteoarthritis in both knees, weight gain (actually happened on Tamoxifen). Ortho. surgeon now talking about knee replacement. I'm not even 50! Will this go away eventually? | I went hiking 1 year ago, right AFTER finishing chemo and radiation. Now in so much joint pain that I can hardly walk or get up out of chairs. Have had surgery on right knee. Keep testing me for lupus (always negative). Pain came on sooo fast. Oncologist insists it's the "chemo-pause" and not the medications. | F | 48 | 2 months | 9/3/2009 | 4 | breast cancer stage II a | i have severe carpal tunnel and tendonitis. i have degenerative disc disease in my kneck. i am tired most of the time and have brain fog. it sounds bad but i have a great quality of life. i exercise five times a week and i am a type a personality, nothing stops me. i feel blessed to be alive. i have one more year to go on this medicine and then hopefully all the side effects will go away. i took tamoxifen for 5 years and then took femara for a few months. femara is awful!!! i could hardly walk up and down the stairs my hips hurt so bad!!! | i gave it a four because i feel it is what i am supposed to take and my doctor tells me i am cured. i feel blessed. | F | 48 | 4 years | 8/30/2009 | 3 | Third BC diagnosis. | Foot, leg, shoulder and hand pain. Balance and Fuzzy Brain. Sore throat,ear and headache.Fatigue, I can fall asleep anywhere but can't stay asleep for more than an hour or two hours at a time. Depressed - Have taken anti-depressants since last BC treatment. Also take thyroid medication since last radiation treatment in 2001. Some hot flashes, not like tamoxifin. | I gave it a three because I don't know if it works. Took Tamoxifin for five years and have had two recurrances. Since this is my third go around with BC, 1st time '93 Stage II with nodes, Lumpectomey, chemo and radiation. Second time in 2001 -no nodes, Lumpectomy and radiation. So - this times I had a bilateral mastectomy. They found cancer in my left breast too, that was not found in Mammogram. Right breast discovered in mammography. I could not afford to order the refill after having my insurance changed so until I found the $$ I was off the drug for seven days. The quality of my life improved and I didn't connect it to the drug until today. I did let my Dr. know at the first follow up visit that I wanted to stop the drug. He persuaded me to give it another chance. Now - I do not know. I know I get too tired to go back to work right now.I make myself do water aerobics 5 days a week and walk every day. | F | 69 | 3 months | 8/30/2009 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Hot flashes, numbness in right arm and hand, especially at night, weight gain, sleepless nights, had severe arthiritis is left hand, could not use it, severe knee pain. | I took my last pill of arimidex in July 2009, the pain in my knee is gone, severe, arthiritis in left hand is gone, no longer take medication for arthiritis. Sleep through the entire night now, numbness in right hand and arm are gone, I feel like a new person. I cannot believe how badly that little pill made me feel. I read the arimidex takes about 4 months to get out of your system, I can't believe how much better I already feel. Now if I can continue to have good mamos, and test results I believe it was worth the pain. I am working on losing the weight. So hang in there if you can bear the side effects arimidex might be worth taking. | F | 57 | 5 years | 8/29/2009 | 1 | Breast Cancer stage 2 | One of the side effects I experienced was Adhesive Capsulitis..Frozen Shoulder. An Orthopedist said that never happens in women my age. An Oncologist told me I was the 4th patient she had with this Arimidex caused condition. Info on that condition was not mentioned anywhere, although I researched extensively prior to taking the drug . I also suffered from drying of mucus membranes & thought I had a UTI. Arimidex caused microscopic blood in my urine, I had severe muscle & bone pain. Made it difficult to stand. Loss of appetite, insomnia and an all around disintigration of my quality of life. Who knows what other damage done by Arimidex the pharmeceutical company omitted from their reports. Poisonous stuff. | I stopped the Arimidex after 2 months. Women weighing less than 110 pounds have more severe side effects to Arimidex and many other medications. During Surgery, Chemo & Radiation I used & continue to use supportive & Complementary Alternative remedies. I use Weleda's Iscador..an anti cancer subcutaneous injection that has been used in Europe for over 70 years and other homeopathic, herbal and essential oils, all with the Oncologists knowledge & approval. My diet is restrictive..only organic foods and I avoid a long list of foods. I eat cruciferous vegetables daily & take a cauliflower extract daily along with other vitamins & supplements in an effort to change my estrogen ratio. I think that Arimidex, Famara, Tamoxifen etc MIGHT diminish the recurrence of breast cancer, causing who knows what else? what of the short & long term damage it causes.Since I stopped taking Arimidex I feel great and I look really well! I wouldn't take again it if you paid me. | F | 67 | 2 months | 8/29/2009 | 1 | BC Stage 1 Clear Nodes | Severe joint pain in feet. Can hardly walk sometimes - especially in the morning. Hot flashes, night sweats, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritable, numbness of toes. Totally miserable! | I hate the way I feel taking this drug. I try to stay positive but the side effects are taking their toll. I have an active 9 year old and can’t even enjoy doing the basics because of the joint stiffness/pain. I’m strongly leaning towards stop taking the drug and go for a good quality of life. I’m taking just about every vitamin out there. And the reality of all this is you still have a chance of reoccurrence after taking it for 5 years and living in misery. | F | 49 | 2 years | 8/28/2009 | 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 | It was prescribed for breast cancer | I read extensively on the web about all the horrible side effects this med can cause, and declined it when my oncologist insisted that I take it. A hungry person may accept moldy bread if that is all that is available; it is a shame and abomination that this kind of med is all that doctors can offer to women to prevent cancer recurrence. Living without estrogen is a nightmare. | I already have tiny bones, a metal hip, and arthritis in my knee and hands. I know that bone loss occurs immediately when starting this drug, and I don't want to take bisphosphonates, which are prescribed for bone loss. Also, it is difficult to use my hands after chemo because of trigger fingers, etc., and I didn't want to add to my misery with more joint pain. | F | 69 | 0 days | 8/26/2009 | 1 | Early Breast Cancer -no nodes | severe joint pain, aching all over, general loss of interest in life carpal tunnel leading to surgery | I would rather take my chance without any drugs. Have been clear for two and a half years and now have a good quality of life. | F | 58 | 3 months | 8/24/2009 | 1 | BC IIa | I am in my 4th yr. on Arimidex. I have joint pain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness,no discharge but awful burning. I wear long skirts and leave off panties unless I have to go out.I also have neuropathy in my feet which makes walking almost unbearable. My Oncologist said o.k. to take a two week rest but it really didn't cause any difference. I am 70, discovered my cancer when I was 62. I took Tammoxifin for 4 yrs but developed uterine polyps the last two years so i was switched to Arimidex. My joints are so stiff I feel like I am 85 when I try to get up from a sitting of lying down position. I am now tole this medication can be taken indefinitely. I have a lung problem too and when all the pr0oblems are taken together my life is pretty miserable. I had 4 treatments with cytoxin and adrimycin, I had a reocurrence above my ollarbone after 4 yrs and following surgery took 33 radiation treatments. I don't want to face breast cancer again but I'm not sure I can tolerate this much lon | F | 70 | 4 years | 8/24/2009 | 1 | Breast cancer | Serious joint pain, swollen liver, bone loss, fingers, hips, feet, elbows,..pain everywhere !!!took for 1 yr. weight gain from size 5 to 9, 18 lbs memory not good, carpul tunnel pain, this is no way of life...oncologist said he wasn't exactly what it does to the body....I DO ....taking pills leads to other problems...not going to anymore. Seek natural remedies..Would not recommend this drug to anyone. So sorry I took it. Quit in April and still living with severe pain. | Should not be on the market as far as I am concerned....I believe all these drugs are pushed because the dr's get a kick back from all companies who make them ....so sad. | F | 50 | 1 years | 8/21/2009 | 2 | Breast Cancer Stage II/No Nodes | Tailbone pain. Muscle Sorness and some joint pain. Weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats. | I'm not sure if the weight gain is due to the Arimidex or the removal of my ovaries. I was on Effexor for hot flashes etc, but had a loss of sex drive, fuzzy brain and still had the hot flashes. So went off the Effexor and have much more energy etc. I see an accupunturist once a week which has helped much more than the Effexor. But my tailbone hurts like heck. Both onocologists don't seem to think it's caused by arimidex. However I stopped taking it 4 days ago and already feel better. So I'm scheduling an appointment with a pain doctor to discuss managment of it and hope to be able to go back on it. I also plan on having my accupunturist work on it as well. I am really not interested in having the cancer return. | F | 45 | 8 months | 8/17/2009 | 3 | Breast cancer ,stage 2 with 2 nodes | Extreme hot flashes,stiff,swollen, and painful hands,stiff and achy in the morning, weight gain(probably of my own making),short-term memory problems,elevated cholesterol,numbness and tingling of arms while asleep,some fatigue although I work as a nurse in a busy pediatric clinic 2-3 days a week. I gave up yard work for the most part. | I also have lower back pain from 2 degenerative discs, and now have developed plantar fasciitis of one foot. I take Effexor ER for the hot flashes, Zocor for cholesterol, and have been doing an exercise for the fasciitis which seems to help. | F | 66 | 18 months | 8/12/2009 | 1 | breast cancer stage 1 no nodes | Severe joint and bone pain,hot flashes, fatigue,hypertension,elevated cholesteral,weight gain,dry mouth, hair and skin,trigger finger and carpul tunnel,many more | I was surprised to see that so many women have developed trigger finger, and carpul tunnel. I talked to my oncologist, and he said it's not a side effect, and sent me to a hand surgeon. he also said it wasn't a side effect,and said the only treatment would be surgerysince the thumbs were completely locked. I stopped taking arimidex 2 months ago, and can now bend my thumbs for the first time in a year.I'm 52 and I feel like I'm 80. It's just not worth it to me. | F | 52 | 18 months | 8/4/2009 | 4 | Stage 2 in the lymph nodes | I have been taking this for one year. There were times that my bones ached, but it seems to come and go. I have had insomina and some anxiety. | Since I have hope that this will keep the cancer from reoccuring, I plan to continue to take the Arimidex. Ladies, ask your doctors for help. I take medicine to help me sleep and for my anxiety. Actually, I feel almost normal. | F | 62 | 1 years | 8/2/2009 | 3 | Breast CA II-III 4 lymph nodes | painful bones especially hands and feet, thinning hair, battling weight gain, insomnia, depression, dry skin, headaches, sore muscles and very cranky | I still go to the gym 3 times a week and work hard to build up my stamina and strength, take Vit D and Calcium Daily and MSM for the pain. I have so many mixed feelings about taking Arimidex. I don't like that I think I'm taking it out of fear rather than conviction. I'm not working (hard to find a job I want to do) and I'm craving soy (which I don't eat). I know having all the estrogen sucked out of my body has been very very hard for all of me. I question the need for it each day. Am I satisfied with it? I don't know because my fingers really hurt as I type this. | F | 61 | 21 months | 7/30/2009 | 2 | stage 2 breast cancer | Took it for 9 months. Joint and bone pain--trigger finger--very painful hips and feet--can barely walk in the morning--painful hot flashes with any exertion--memory issues--feel like I'm 90--sex is impossible because of hip pain and atrophied vagina | I've been off 4 months and I still have the symptoms--can't do anything I used to w/out pain. No walking, hiking, writing, handiworks, gardening,bicycling, trying on clothing is a joke, can't prepare meals. Have had PT twice and even that became impossible! Will this go away--no one said that it could be this bad. I should have quit sooner but everyone said that the effects would go away. I have a horrible fear they won't. | F | 57 | | 7/28/2009 | 3 | breast cancer 2B IDC, mastectomy | Feet stiff and sore in the morning, initially hard to walk. During the day, must walk often to not feel the same in my feet. Minor memory issues, just not as "sharp" as I am used to. Occasional nausea. My hair returned after chemo, but its much thinner than my original. | Last check up good, maybe its helping? | F | 55 | 14 months | 7/26/2009 | 2 | BC - lumpectomy and clear nodes | General aches and pains in beginning, and itching hands and feet for 6 weeks. My oncologist said that too much sun can cause the itching. So I wear big hats and long sleeves if I know I'll be in the sun. I supplement with extra Vit. D. My hands and knees give me the most trouble. My fingers hurt and I cannot close my hands completely against my palms. I've gone to an orthopedic doctor for my knees. He took x-rays and says it's the beginning of arthritis. My knees ache/hurt the worst while I'm trying to sleep. A bone density test (before I started taking Arimidex) showed I have beginning osteopenia. In the morning I am stiff all over. The more I move, the easier it is. I go to our City rec center every other day and exercise on the recumbent bike for 20-30 minutes and two other machines that exercise the front and back of my legs. It helps my knees. What I HATE the most is the fatigue and no energy. Some days I have to take a nap and other days I muddle my way through. I hav | I have had chemo, 33 radiation treatments and now the Arimidex. I complained to my oncologist after two months about my side effects. He was sympatheic, but reiterated that this is the price to pay. From reading other comments, it seems that my side effects are not as severe as others, but severe enough that it effects my daily life. I will continue with it and pray that my body does not have to endure another side effect. I am going to persevere. I am lucky to have my husband, sons, d-in-law and grandchildren, mother and sisters to keep me from dwelling on this. I know there are people having worse experiences. I won't know if this medicine helped until I have been given a clean bill of health......in 5 years. | F | 68 | 6 months | 7/22/2009 | 3 | Stage 1 BC Positive nodes | I have been taking Arimides for about 16 months now. I have had minor side effects, such as achy joints until the past week. I began having numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. I certainly do not want to experience the neuropathy that I experienced with taking Taxol. I've also began having some serious dental problems. I brush 2-3 times a day, and floss daily. I have never had dental problems before. Therefore I am seriously thinking about stopping the medication. | I have remained cancer free, but I can't say that it is because of the Arimidex because honestly, I forget to take it sometimes. I really do not take it everyday. I believe that God is the one who heals us of Cancer. I really do appreciate having the Arimidex as source of comfort, believing that it helps, seems to work. | F | 54 | 1.5 years | 7/19/2009 | 4 | Stage 1 Grade 1 BC | I have been on Arimidex for a bit over 9 months now and must say that I feel pretty good. Some minor joint stiffness but I take Glucosamine and Soft Tissue Repair supplements, exercise regularly in addition to strength training 2x a week. I have changed my diet 100% - have not gained one ounce. I also drink wheat grass daily in addtion to pomegranate juice. I see a certified nutritionist weekly and again have to say that the side effects I have experienced such as hot flashes and night sweats, while a bit uncomfortable are not terrible. I wear cotton only, in layers, and keep my enviornment on the cool side. I did experience depression but in all honesty, I don't think it was from the Arimidex, rather it was from the diagnosis. I did start on Lexapro around the same time and feel 100% better. I do feel that I have tolerated the drug very well and do hope that it continues along this path. I share this with you to offer possible suggestions that may ease the side effects for some | While I would prefer to not have to be on Arimidex, this is the hand that has been dealt to me and I will do whatever I can to have some control over my destiny - hopefully and to never have to experience BC or any other cancer again, God willing. I will stick with it for as long as deemed necessary. In truth, I am more concerned about what will happen when I complete my five year treatment. Good luck to all. | F | 50 | 9 months | 7/18/2009 | 2 | Stage I Breast Cancer | Joint pain, loss of muscle strength, hot flashes, arthritis-type pain in knees, fingers, hips and shoulders to name just a few! | I quit taking Arimidex as of July 17th. My doctor suggested that I take a "drug holiday" for two weeks in June. I felt so much better during my "holiday". When I went back on the Armidex a month ago all my symptoms came back right away. I discussed all this with my doctor and she agreed that my quality of life was affected by the drug and that I would feel better without it. So I'm done with that "nasty white pill"! | F | 73 | 15 months | 7/18/2009 | 2 | breast cancer invasive stage 1 | knee pain, hip pain, severe fatigue,weight gain, knee pain is so bad I can barely get up from a chair at times. Hot flashes to the point of misery because I can't hardly stand to wear clothes. I am just miserable | I have been taking this for over a year and I just don't think I can continue. I have a Dr appt the 31st. I will post again after that | F | 54 | 16 months | 7/16/2009 | 3 | Breast Cancer | Loss of sexual drive completely, severe ringing in the ears, aches and pains in joints, mood swings, hot flashes | I am stopping the Arimidex for one week to see if the ringing stops. I have been on it for about 6 months and the symptoms have gradually gotten worse. I don't think I can stay on it for 5 years. I feel like I am 90 years old most of the time. | F | 53 | 6 months | 7/14/2009 | 2 | breast cancer | Weight gain, severe hand pain, fatigue, not sleeping good, swelling of legs, hot flashes | After reading all the comments, I may stop the Arimidex for a while to see if the side effects go away, especially the horrible hand pain. Can't live with the pain. | F | 60 | 1 years | 7/14/2009 | 2 | Breast Cancer | Severe joint pain; hot flashes | I've been on this drug for 7 months and feel horrible. My hip joints, in particular, ache all the time and can barely walk when I get out of a car or after sitting for long periods of time. On occasion, it becomes more of a "pain" than an ache. I take Alleve or Tylenol all the time and sleep on a heating pad at night trying to get some relief. I too have gain about 10-12 lbs and not happy about that. I had no idea that taking this pill would be so debilitating. I'm to the point of want to get off completely. See my oncologist in 2 weeks and will seriously discuss my discontent with him. | F | 62 | 7 months | 7/13/2009 | 1 | ILC, Stage 1, ER+ | Severe joint pain and swelling, especially in my hands. Woke up at night with pain, numbness, and tingling in my arms. Hurt to turn over, couldn't walk without pain in the mornings, etc., etc. | Like the person who posted on 7/7, I finally decided that quality of life was more important than quantity. I am 55 and felt like 85. The final straw came when I had to start pulling myself up steps because I didn't have the strength in my knees and hips (I am only 120 pounds!!). After 7 1/2 months on Arimidex, I quit. My oncologist agreed but suggested that I try Aromasin. After 6 weeks on Aromasin and experiencing an increase in the joint swelling and pain in my hands (including a diagnosis of carpal tunnel and trigger thumb to the point I couldn't use it anymore), I quit taking Aromasin. I have now been off any aromatase inhibitor for 6 weeks. Although my thumb is better, I still can't wear my wedding ring because of the joint swelling. The good news is that I no longer wake at night in pain and can now climb stairs easily (no pain in my knees and hips). I encourage others who are experiencing severe side effects to talk to their oncologists about the trade offs (what is the risk of your cancer returning versus the decrease in quality of life due to the aromatase inhibitors). | F | 55 | 7 months | 7/13/2009 | 2 | BC lumpectomey no lymphs | Foggy memory, hot flashes, itchy skin rash, dry eyes, sensitive swelling in ankles and now hip joint pain | I have been on this drug for 1 year. Will see my surgeon on Wed. Am going to tell her that I am going to discontinue using Arimidex. Don't want any other drug prescribed. It's not worth the side effects. I had an MRI and mammogram this week. All is clear. Thank you God. | F | 67 | 1 days | 7/11/2009 | 1 | Breast Cancer stage 3B | My main complaint has been Carpral Tunnel Symptoms the pain is severe and is in both wrists and hands, not sleeping, hot flashes weight gain head aches, exhausted and sleepy all the time. | I hate this medicine been on 3 months now, was not expecting a new health problem! I expected joint pain but have more than that. I am going to Oncologist today I am wanting off of this poison I know she thinks it is my life but I want to live not just survive! I am too tired to enjoy anything. | F | 59 | 3 months | 7/9/2009 | 1 | DCIS | SEVERE Bone Pain! Joint pain, fatigue, increased headache, increased hot flashes, Stomach weight gain and bloating, loss of elasticity in skin, increased depression. | PURE POISON! After going through DCIS, an auto accident and a brain anuerysm, I have been a trooper and tolerated all of my meds over the last 7 years. That is, until Arimidex! After I completed my Tamoxifin without side effects, I began the Arimidex nightmare. After only 2 weeks I began feeling fatigued and noticed that all my bones were sore. As weeks went on, I could barely get out of bed without crying from the pain in all my bones. I tolerated the increase in headaches, hot flashes, joint pain and skin changes, but the bone pain and fatigue increasingly worsened. My life seem to stop as I was bed ridden for 6 months. My doctor finally told me that I was experiencing the worse of the side effects and we agreed I should discontinue use. By the time I stopped taking it, I had gained 20 pounds and all in my stomach. I now resort to putting my health in God's hands and enjoying every bit of an active life with my kids! | F | 42 | 6 months | 7/8/2009 | 1 | Breast Cancer ER+ | Fuzzy Thinking, Joint and Muscle Pain, Weight Gain, Brittle nails and hair, Felt like I was living outside of my body. | I quit taking Arimidex. Quality of life outweighed quantity by a landslide. I felt so bad while taking the medicine that I did not much care if I lived another day. I have been off for 8 weeks and feel like my old self. The weight is coming off, I have ENERGY, the joint and muscle pain is gone, and my thinking is wonderful. I tried to get the oncologist to reduce the dosage but he would not do it. | F | 57 | 2 years | 7/7/2009 | 3 | To prevent recurrence of breast can | Bone/muscle/joint pain, hair thinning, headaches, foggy brain, hot flashes, never wanting to get up in the morning--never feeling like I've had enough sleep. | Since I have only been on Arimidex for a short time, I don't know if these symptoms will lessen or worsen. It is so good to have a place where we can share and compare. I did 2 years of Tamoxifen before starting the Arimidex. Will do 3 years on it. During Tamoxifen days, I had some of the same symptoms, but they did not seem as pronounced. During that time, when discussing with my oncologist, I mentioned that there is such a fine line betweeen aging and the drug side effects...he said, "Blame everything on the Tamoxifen!" He has quite a good sense of humor--love him! So, I am now blaming everything on the Arimidex, and somehow, that does make it easier to accept. I will force my self to get through this, no matter how bad it may get, but I pray the side effects will either level off, or stay about as they are now. | F | 60 | 2 months | 7/3/2009 | 3 | Breast Cancer survivor | I posted on 4/19/09 with the thinning hair (Curly to flat), joint pain, slow to get up in the morning (stiff body/hands), etc...I've been off Arimidex for 72 days. I don't have as much joint pain; I think I need to let my hair re-grow before I can tell if it will come back as it was before. I still have to lose the weight (I think I'm overeating out of anxiety because I'm not under any treatment anymore-just routine check-ups now). | Although I'm happy to be off Arimidex, I did my 5 years, I am a little insecure about being "on my own" and forever to wonder if the cancer will return. My doctor did not suggest any other drug or prolonged treatment (I would have said NO). I'll post again in about 5 more months. | F | 47 | 5 years | 7/2/2009 | 3 | ductal carcinoma | Increase cholesterol levels, weight gain, insomnia, hot flashes, osteoperosis. | When I first started taking this medication my doctors said I would be on it for five years. It has now been 7 years and they want to keep me on this indefinitely. I have some serious question about whether or not the benefit is out weighting the risk. It seems the longer I take this medidcaation the more side effects I experience and their intensity increases. | F | 55 | 7 years | 7/2/2009 | 3 | Breast cancer-stage 2 | HOT flashes, joint and muscle pain, hands are swollen and "lock up" at night, depression, elevated liver enzymes. | In the 9 months I have taken this drug, some side effects have lessened and some have gotten worse. I will suggest to those experiencing side effects to consider natural supplements: Glucosamine & Chondroiton (sp?!) & MSM have helped my joints, Sam-e has helped my mood, as well as being a good liver support for those of you with elevated enzymes like I have. I have also stopped drinking any alcohol as it intensifies any side effects. I know, when are we to have fun again?! I changed my rating from 2 to 3, because I am trying very hard to make this drug an ally, not an enemy. But yes, it is a challenge. And, it is a personal choice - right now I choose to take the drug. | F | 57 | 9 months | 7/1/2009 | 3 | breast cancer | hot flashes, fatigue, fuzzy thinking, tremors, feeling of sickness if my stomach, inability to lose weight, waking up a lot at night, pain in right hip and arm, and the latest, dizziness | I would like to know if anyone is experiencing dizziness while taking this drug. This is something new to me; I have been on the drug for more than 6 years. It comes and goes and lasts only a few seconds. | F | 55 | 6 years | 6/29/2009 | 2 | Breast cancer, Stage 1b | Gradual increase in joint pain and stiffness especially in feet and hands. Seems I am retaining fluid. Can't wear my rings on fingers, have bursitis in left hip and right shouldar. Difficult to stand for long periods of time due to feeling of fullness in legs and begin to ache; dry everywhere, difficult to sleep but want to dose off easily as sit on couch in evening, less motivation and endurance, easy to loose balance, weight gain, no libido, lost my enthusiasm for life somewhere. | Want to try a fluid pill and see if helps decrease puffy feeling-- stiff and painful joints. Hurts to step on my feet in the mornings and have stiff ankles. Someone said it well, the Frankenstein walk. I rated this 2 because it is too soon to know if has prevented or halted cancer growth. | F | 57 | 6 months | 6/29/2009 | 5 | Breast Cancer, Stage 2 | Joint pain, some memory issues | Ladies, STAY ON YOUR Arimidex. The only thing worse than fighting breast cancer is fighting it twice. Be strong, put up with the side effects. It will get better. I would take and deal with ANYTHING to keep it from coming back. Mind over Matter | F | 50 | 4.5 years | 6/26/2009 | 3 | breast cancer, stage 1 lobular | nausea, lack of appetite, | I deal with nausea much of the day, though it changes day to day. I have no desire to eat and never am hungry. I force myself to eat something and make sure it is very healthy. I am losing weight because of it, 6 lbs in one week. I have some numbness in one foot, but exercising seem to help this. | F | 59 | 3 weeks | 6/24/2009 | 1 | I refused it | None because to me quality of life outweighed the very small percentage that this drug might or might not, give. | I'm a 4 yr survivor. Stage 1 BC, no lymph nodes involved. Had a lumpectomy and 6 wks radiation. Did much research on Arimidex and discussed it with oncologist. There is no guarantee that this drug will prevent recurrance. Side effects can be very debilitating and in some instances permanent. Everyone needs to research, talk with other survivors and your oncologist. Fortunately I have an oncologist who agrees that this med is not for everyone. I have drastically changed my diet, lost about 35 lbs. and go to the gym 4 days a week. He agreed (off the chart) that by keeping my immune system strong my chances were nearly as good if I took the med. Add to that quality of life and for me it was a no brainer. This was my decision for me - each person needs to make his/her own decision. | F | 66 | 0 days | 6/24/2009 | 2 | stage 3 breast cancer | hot flushes, loss of labido, lack of sensation during sex, sore throat, depression, mood swings, afternoon fatigue, just dont feel the same as i did without this drug i am not me. | i would like some honest answers from my oncologist as to the benefits of taking this drug as opposed to not taking it. i would prefer quality of life, i have a 2yr old to look afer and it makes it very hard when you feel fatigued all the time. When i stop taking the drug for 4days i feel better, recommence the drug for 7days and start to go down hill again, anyone else have similar problem, any answers welcome | F | 35 | 1 months | 6/20/2009 | 4 | Breast Cancer | F | 59 | 3 years | 6/19/2009 | 2 | breast cancer, stage 1, lobular | I've had most every side effect people mention, the most bothersome of which were hot flashes, joint pain, 30 lb. weight gain, general foggy brain and lack of mobility. | Quit arimidex after 4 years as quality of life sucked. Have been off for 12 weeks and I feel 150% better. THERE IS GOOD LIFE AFTER ARIMIDEX! Most symptoms left rather quickly tho I do feel like I'm recovering from a long illness. Continue to have hot flashes and can see that the weight will take time. Started working at the gym about 20 mos. ago - have had my trainer up the intensity/time expended since stopping arimidex as my energy has returned. The gym has/is helping 'rearrange' my body. Took me 3 years of arimidex to go from a sz. 12 to sz. 18. Am working my butt off to get that reversed. It's disgusting that a drug which is to prolong your life can screw your body/mind up so much. Hope this helps. | F | 66 | 4 years | 6/19/2009 | 4 | Breast cancer, radiation, no nodes | Too many side effects to list, felt like i had rheumatoid arthritis for 2-3 years. Hair's thin, hands go numb, I had many symptons you all have had or are having. but, I have to say, either i've learned to adjust to the discomfort, or the symptoms have lessened. My five years is up in September and am so looking forward to going off this drug, but I don't see the docs until January. At my last visit, they said they have FDA approval to continue it for seven years. An option I think I'll pass on | F | 63 | 4 years | 6/18/2009 |