ARIMIDEX Reviews (ANASTROZOLE)Average Rating: 2.5 (1431 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare ARIMIDEX with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by Gender males first. Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 |
More on ARIMIDEX: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ARIMIDEX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 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 day | 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 day | 4/9/2010 | 5 | breast cancer | Not too much joint pain-but head aches, some stomach problems, weight gain. Occasional extreme fatigue, fuzzyness, dizziness, anxiety, vaginal dryness, loss of desire. | I do feel that the arimidix is helping to save my life, however, it does effect the quality of life. About once every month of six weeks, I have a one day to three day bout of extreme fatigue, headache, fuzziness that makes me exhausted and anxious. Reading the side effects of the arimidex I was releived to see that these symptoms can all be attributed to the drug. I've been having these symptoms to one degree or another since I started it 7 years ago (more severe at first), so I know it is not an acute problem but a chronic one I feel must be caused by the arimidex. Doc says that it's working so I will stay on it, but wish I felt physically better. | F | 57 | 7 years 30 mg 1X day | 11/1/2010 | 5 | Prevent Recurrence of Breast Cancer | I have tolerated the medication well overall. I experience some minor bone pain. However, my cholesterol and triglycerides which started at a low level have been gradually increasing and have now entered into the "high" zone despite exercise and a low cholesterol diet. | I will continue taking arimidex for the next 1.5 years in spite of the cholesterol and triglyceride elevation because of its success in preventing breast cancer recurrences. | F | 57 | 3.5 years 1X day | 10/25/2010 | 5 | Early stage IDCC no nodes | joint pain, bone pain | I started taking Arimidex in 2003 and took it for the whole 5 yrs until 2008. I am amazed that some of the comments about this drug are so negative, especially from the people who have only been taking it for a few weeks, or even days. Of course I had days when I felt that I had every side effect listed for the drug, but I knew most of what I felt was anger or depression because of the cancer. I know drugs affect people in many different ways, but alot of the side effects people feel the first few weeks, months and even years are because of the disease, not the treatment. After going off the drug in 2008, I feel every bit as good as I did before getting breast cancer, and I am still cancer free. If your Dr recommends this drug for you, give it a chance, it may save your life. It did mine :) | F | 58 | 5 years 1X day | 8/26/2010 | 5 | BC Stage 1 no nodes | Hair loss, bone loss | I was fine on the drugs the first 3 years.Now I am experiencing minor joint pain and major hair loss. My five years are up in Aug. and I hope my hair grows back. Has anyone had this experience with hair loss? Does it grow back when the drug is stopped? | F | 56 | 4 years 1X day | 7/18/2010 | 5 | following breast cancer surgery | I don't think I experienced any side effects, though my memory is challenged -- don't know whether that's due to the drug or to stress or age or.... I do have osteopenia, which may be a result. I'll find out soon whether taking Fosamax kicked that problem. | I don't discount others' reports of side effects, but I've been essentially unaffected. I'm actually nervous about going off it after 5 years. | F | 56 | 5 years 1 mg 1X day | 8/4/2010 | 5 | Stage IV breast cancer | So far I have not experienced many side effects from this medication. I do have some fatigue and depression but minimal joint or muscle pain . I attribute the fatigue and depression to the fact that I am only one year post surgery / chemo / radiation. I expect my energy and mood to improve. | Take it in the morning first thing . Any info on if it is better to take at night or morning? | F | 56 | 9 months 1mg 1X day | 8/7/2010 | 5 | stage 2 breast cancer | I am about six weeks off of Arimidex after taking for 5years. I am still not feeling any better. Lots of nights sweats and joint pain. Cannot seem to lose weight. Hopefully will feel better soon. | F | 63 | 1 mg 1X day | 8/15/2010 | 5 | Stage 3C Her2+ Breast Cancer | Dec. 2012 I started with pain in my feet and then in my hands. | I feel very strongly that arimidex has helped to keep me in remission. I had mild side effects in the beginning, but nothing I couldn't handle.I have been on arimidex for 6 years 7 months. I am going for acupuncture and it's helping. Thankful for this drug and blessed I am still here!!! My oncologist would take me off in a heartbeat if it was necessary. | F | 61 | 6 years 1 mg 1X day | 1/31/2013 | 5 | Grade 1, stage IIa,ER+PR+HER2-,4cm | night sweats and hot flashes not as bad or frequent as menopause. headaches, no bone pain yet, they keep asking me if I have any. slight weight gain, totally no libido. | I have totally changed the way I eat. Only whole foods, no processed foods, only whole grains, fruits veggies nuts and seeds. switched to e-cigs(weight gain attributed to this) Had a second MRI in Jan. my tumor has shrunk to 2cm. I have refused chemo because of my results from the Oncotype DX Assay tests. My number came in at 12 which means chemo would be unlikely to help shrink my tumor. I will keep taking this pill until my tumor is gone, and I will not have surgery. My surgeon says that new studies have found that it will be more effective to take this med for 10 yrs intstead of 5. I will continue taking it. | F | 54 | 6 months 1mg 1X day | 2/19/2013 | 5 | Stage II lob BC, Er+Pr-, nodes+ | Stiffness in back and neck, especially in the mornings, general fatigue. Wake up 4-6 times during the night to go to the bathroom, but that seems to have started during the chemo. | Reading these comments has greatly relieved my mind, as I was afraid the fatigue indicated BC recurrence. I continue an active exercise program (fast walking, gym, yoga) despite the fatigue and find it helps with the stiffness, especially the yoga. Obviously, we canīt know at an individual level how effective this drug is, but given the high probability of recurrence in my case, I feel the side effects are tolerable for the possible benefits. Of note: there is preliminary evidence that aromatase inhibitors are especially effective (more than tamoxifen) in BCs that are ER positive and PR negative. | F | 59 | 5 months | 11/7/2005 | 5 | Metastase breast cancer | Joint pain, hypocalcemia | F | 49 | 4 years 1mg | 11/3/2012 | 5 | Breats cancer stage 3 | Sore legs, ankles, feet, a lot of stiffness in the morning, fatigue, fuzzy brain! | It's a small price to pay - I hope it's doing what it's supposed to be doing..I was on tamoxifan for 2 1/2 years - I had a terrible time with hot flashes. Arimidex isn't as bad with those. | F | 51 | 6 months | 3/12/2006 | 5 | Stage One Breast Cancer (Lumpectomy | Mild stiffness in knees and ankles, and slight weight gain, but both could be due to lack of regular exercise while recuperating from surgery and a broken toe. | I have only been taking Arimidex for a month now, and so far it doesn't seem bad. I am a very fit person, and my daily exercise program involves everything from running (just getting back to that now) to aerobics, yoga and tai chi, kick boxing and weight training. I have been taking Glucosamine Chondroitin since my joints seemed stiff at menopause. I am extremely limber and flexible and strong, and what I am wondering from someone else who is a fitness buff and who has been on Arimidex longer than I have: is there any benefit from being very fit and continuing a serious exercise program? Is this something that seems to help the joint problems so many are reporting? I'd really like to hear from people who DON'T have joint problems and try to figure out why, in case it would be helpful. I would hate to have to give up my active life because of aching joints if there is anyway I can avoid or lessen it. Of course it's better than cancer, but it is a real life style issue. Thanks fo | F | 57 | 4 weeks | 9/16/2005 | 5 | stage2 Breast Cancer | Aches and pain. bones hurt thining of the hair. hot flashes head aces sometimes. arthtis in the wrist lower back. | this drug so far has kept the cancer away. and i have 6months to go. | F | 61 | 4.5 years 1X day | 8/30/2012 | 5 | b.c | Bad pains in my bones, tiredness, depression. | Found taking calcium and Vit. D every day made a big difference to the pain. Took nearly a year after stopping Arimidex to feel normal- but hey, I'm still here enjoying life.Take heart, I was sure my life was over when they told me, now I realise it had just started. cancer (always with a small 'c') taught me what matters in life, it was a tough journey, but not one I regret. Good luck to those of you just starting your journey, be strong, it is not the length or your life, but how much you get out of it. Live, love and laugh. | F | 68 | 5 years 30 1X day | 6/23/2012 | 5 | stage 3 breast cancer 11/28 nodes | Stiff when sitting too long, High cholesterol, carpel tunnel,tire out easly.hot flashes | I really cannot complain too much, my side effects are really nt that bad, I just live with it and make the best of it. | F | 65 | 3 years 1 mg 1X day | 7/30/2012 | 5 | Breast Cancer Stage 2, Double | I had very mild side effects, very blessed for great onc's Dr. Some joint pain, Ulastis used during Chemo was much worse bone pain then Aremidex. Chemo saturation after 5 months caused numbness is both feet so bad I was falling almost constantly for months. Then numbness in both feet subsided except my toes 8 years later still get numbness if my feet when cold only(wear socks). I have been off Aremidex for over three years and Thank God Cancer FREE. So please be careful with just dropping medication it could be your life. | Every person is diifferent and my prayers and heart goes out to you patients may God Be With You. I hope you can blog eight years later on this site that you are CANCER FREE!! | F | 65 | 5 years 30 mg 1X day | 6/12/2012 | 5 | BC 3/4 stage, after chemo & radiati | low-grade headache for only one month. Fuzzy , foggy brain at times, hair grew back thinner after chemo, slight confusion at times, wonder if it is age or the pill. | I lost 15 pounds with lack of appetite, hooray, back to normal early weight, size 6. Full of energy, more than before cancer. Insomnia bad, can only sleep with medication for four hours at a time, take meds for sleep about half the time, have occasional impaired cognitive ability, have trouble remembering numbers, which is unusual for me, some dizziness. I wonder if this is age-related or medication-related. I have no qualms about taking Arimidex, and just hope it is working............. | F | 74 | 11 months 1 mg 1X day | 1/1/2012 |