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 Date 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 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 |
| 3 | Inv BC stage 2/3; nodes - yes; | Serious muscle/bone pain to the point that I could hardly walk let alone get out of a chair or climb steps. Shooting leg pains. Pains in hips, knees and ankles. Tingling in hands and feet that stopped on my 2 week hiatus from it. Had to get Handicap Card. Ache all over, all the time. Weight gain. Hot flashes that finally subsided. (Not sure if all these SE got worse after I was switched to the generic as I was dealing with side effect from chemo and rads.) Need to rate this as a 3,,, in the hopes that it is doing its 'job' ... scans in Feb will help me make an updated rating. | Afraid to stop,,need protection since possible metastasis. Also tried Aromasin during my 2 wk hiatus, but it raised blood sugar levels. Back to Arimidex 1/2 dosage for now. Appt w/onc in 2 weeks to discuss further. ACT Chemo (8 dose dense), surgery for lumpectomy (large tumor shrunk enough from chemo), then 35 radiation. I must say I do feel more alive than a year ago at this time when it all started .. but I would really like some good days thrown in with the bad ones! Sure would help with the 5 years I am facing it. My Onc is GREAT and very understanding and helpful. Willing to try some other AI's and now this alternating dosage. But said there are no stats on success rate of the smaller dosing. So will try to gradually build back up to full dose. | F | 63 | 8 months 1 mg 1X day | 12/1/2010 | 1 | breast cancer | too many to list but new problem 3 yrs after TEETH TRANSPARENT enamel almost gone ???? anyone else having this??? | NEW PROBLEM, TEETH DETERIORATING, TRANSPARENT,.. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS? CHIPPING | F | 59 | 3.5 years 1mg 1X day | 11/28/2010 | 2 | stage 1 breast cancer | constipation, bloating, headaches,dry eyes, fatigue, elevated cholesterol, decreased vitamin D level, reflux | I was told there wasn't a lot of difference in outcome for me between tamoxifen and arimidex. My cancer was stage 1 and not aggressive. I was on tamoxifen for two years with no side effects. I'm discontinuing the arimidex and going back to tamoxifen. Fatigue is the worse problem and I don't want to put up with it. | F | 63 | 25 days 1X day | 11/20/2010 | 1 | BC 11 - grade 3, vascular invasion | I used Femara first. Hot flashes,nausea,loss libido, vaginal dryness. At 5 weeks pain developed hip and all down bones in leg. Worsened until could not walk without excruciating pain. No sleep because of pain, impossible to exercise. Stopped at 8.5 weeks. Began herbal complex for inflammation and pain. 'Herbs of Gold - Pain Ease'(Devil's Claw, Boswelia,Ginger,Tumeric, Black Pepper). Worked immediately, within 1 week walking regularly and doing weights. Agreed to try Arimidex - big mistake! Pain back immediately, stopped after 2 weeks and more than 2 months later still have pain. This time, hips, bones in legs plus toes. Now using 'Totally Natural Pain No More' as it also has MSM and Glucosomine to repair damage done by drugs - improving, walked today with minimal pain. Warning! Pain is our bodies way of saying something is seriously wrong. I couldn't get out of a chair! Make your own decision but do your homework. Femara/Arimidex was supposed to give me 6-12% better survival - not wort | I will not take any more Aromatase Inhibitors and will keep on with my research and experimentation. I just had my 12 month breast check - Ultra sound as I refused a mammogram and all is clear. I had a very poor prognosis originally and took responsibility to change what was out of balance.I researched and started some natural interventions before I had surgery (22cm + over 1/2 kilo and 22 nodes removed), reluctantly had radiation, refused chemo. My surgeon said I was 'extraordinarily fortunate' when he read the results after surgery (he expected the worst as my tumor had doubled in two weeks) - I agree but credit some of that result to the protocols I had already started. For me Femara and Arimidex are not worth it. See iodine supplementation & Vitamin D3 on 'Breast Cancer Choices.org'. Do whatever works for you but listen to your body if it is in pain - ask why? Read more at askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20726&name=FEMARA | F | 68 | 2 weeks 1X day | 11/20/2010 | 3 | bc stage 0, double mastectomy | Weakness, arthritis, joint pain, bone pain, back pain, urinary track infections, pelvic pain, deep muscle pain, feet stiff, triger finger, loss of bladder control, sleeplesness, memory cloudy, never feel rested, heal spurs, osteoprosis in lumbar region and both hip joints, general dread of the pain each day. Increase of colestrol numbers and weight gain. | I have the heart and spirit of a 20 year old and pray that my body will become my friend again. I can do the slightest physical work and suffer for several days. Asprin, Tylenol, Advil all are a daily must. I live with a heating pad on my back. Must work so I must have faith that I will be "Myself" again. If I can go for another 1.5 years I will do it just to not have the worry, but my heart goes out to all who suffer with the side effects. I feel like I have played 4 quarters as a defensive linebacker without padding. I have a positive attitude but am worried that I won't get back my previous state of well being. | F | 65 | 3.5 years 1 mg 1X day | 11/8/2010 | 2 | stage 1 breast cancer | just bones aching and hot flushes for first 6 months, then the urine infections started, it seemed to be one infection a month kept being given antibiotics, and thrush was unbearable, had scans of pelvis, kidneys all working fine, stopped Arimidex my self could not stand anymore, not having a sex life not wanting sex, hair thining, facial hair growing, wrinkles coming. life is for living and and really intend to especially now I have come off them, it has been nearly two weeks and the past few days I have felt like I have flu, the side-effects suggest this, also dizziness and headache, hopefully it will pass, it is the quality of life not the quantity | it is a very expensive drug and what the statistics dont mention is how many women die that dont take it? even if it is only a small amount of women who last alittle longer with the drug the dept of health will still use it, I would like to know the statistics to be able to make an informed choice, | F | 55 | 15 months 1mg 1X day | 11/8/2010 | 2 | Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma | With Arimidex: Pain from neck to feet...muscles, joints, and rib cage. Annual Pet/CT completed today to check for cancer recurrence. | New Problem: 45 days ago my insurance co required me to change to generic. Terrible stomach and gastro problems which I never had with Arimidex. Blood work came back with elevated levels of potassium and elevated liver enzymes. This did not show up in previous blood work while taking brand Arimidex. I am stopping the generic today to see if issues resolve. Eventually everyone will be forced by insurance cos to go generic. We should start tracking side effects of generic. | F | 67 | 12 months 1X day | 11/2/2010 | 5 | breast cancer | Not too much joint pain-but head aches, some stomach problems, weight gain. Occasional extreme fatigue, fuzzyness, dizziness, anxiety, vaginal dryness, loss of desire. | I do feel that the arimidix is helping to save my life, however, it does effect the quality of life. About once every month of six weeks, I have a one day to three day bout of extreme fatigue, headache, fuzziness that makes me exhausted and anxious. Reading the side effects of the arimidex I was releived to see that these symptoms can all be attributed to the drug. I've been having these symptoms to one degree or another since I started it 7 years ago (more severe at first), so I know it is not an acute problem but a chronic one I feel must be caused by the arimidex. Doc says that it's working so I will stay on it, but wish I felt physically better. | F | 57 | 7 years 30 mg 1X day | 11/1/2010 | 2 | prevent recurrence of breast cancer | joint pain in knee and thumbs. muscle pain in upper arms and shoulders. lower back pain. feel like I've become an "old woman"...have to stand for a minute to steady myself before walking. weight gain?? took me a few months before agreeing to go on drug...doctor recommended it but told me to come back if having bad side effects. not sure what to do...but am inclined to go off medication and deal with cancer again if it shows up. | F | 62 | 5 months 1X day | 10/31/2010 | 3 | breast cancer | depression, joint pain, itching, mental difficulties, weight gaim | F | 65 | 6 months 30mg 1X day | 10/29/2010 | 3 | Oncologist prescribed it for me | Extreme joint pain, dry eyes, skin and vagina, short term memory loss, hot flashes, and recently, numb hands and major hair loss | I believe the side effects were highly minimized by the drug's manufacturer. During the most recent two years of taking this med, the joint pain has increased, as has fatigue, hand numbness and an alarming amount of hair loss. Most of the time I feel ten years older than my real age. I hope to recover a more pain free and energetic self after I finish taking Arimidex. | F | 67 | 4.5 years 1 1X day | 10/28/2010 | 5 | Prevent Recurrence of Breast Cancer | I have tolerated the medication well overall. I experience some minor bone pain. However, my cholesterol and triglycerides which started at a low level have been gradually increasing and have now entered into the "high" zone despite exercise and a low cholesterol diet. | I will continue taking arimidex for the next 1.5 years in spite of the cholesterol and triglyceride elevation because of its success in preventing breast cancer recurrences. | F | 57 | 3.5 years 1X day | 10/25/2010 | 1 | post mastectomy medicaition | joint and back pain, extreme fatigue, sleeplessness, lethargy, menopause symptoms (hot flushes, emotional), impaired brain function | I had a mastectomy in May of 2009 and after the nightmare of 5 doses of cheomtherapy was put onto Tamoxifen which had severe side effects. I was then prescribed Arimidex, which, while the side effects weren't quite so severe they are enough to interfere with my life. However I honestly don't think I could cope with feeling this awful for another 4 years. I stopped taking Arimidex 1 week ago today and already I feel much better. I am sleeping soundly, not nearly as tired, and I'm sure I'm thinking much more clearly. I have an appointment on 1st Nov for my annual checkup and will discuss this with my specialist then. I would prefer not to have to take anything, and may yet make that decision. As far as I'm concerned I was cured the day of my mastectomy, and if the rotten thing comes back I'll handle it if I need to when the time comes | F | 70 | 12 months 1X day | 10/18/2010 | 1 | breast cancer | Holy cow! Doctor took me off Armidex over a month ago due to SEVERE bone/joint pain, general feeling of lethargy and zero energy. Extreme difficulty getting going in mornings or after sitting or laying for a while. Stiffness and pain have made my life so different. I honestly cannot care for myself entirely on my own now! Hands and fingers hurt so bad my husband has to help with bathroom responsibilities(wiping). I am 48 years old and had chemotherapy and had bone and joint pain with that. Nothing compares with what I am feeling now. Have done quite a lot of research-this pain doesn't go away for a lot of women after taking Arimidex even for a short while! Honestly I went this week and applied for disability at Social Security Commission I am so bad off. I am completely unable to work and see no improvement. My oncologist said he could easily see me being unable to work for a year or more-which is what is required by SS disability. I cannot afford to miss a year of work so | F | 49 | 45 days 30m 1X day | 10/18/2010 | 4 | breast cancer | Splitting nails. Hand and joint pain but MUCH less than with Femara | M | 66 | 70 days 1 mg 1X day | 10/12/2010 | 2 | Inv Lobular BC stage 2b ER+ HER2+ | This the only drug I am taking. I have experienced almost all of the side effects mentioned. Had to get cortisone shot for a trigger thumb. Now having wicked headaches. My hair is falling out at an alarming rate. Hope to make it to 5 years. Also tried Femara. Mostly the same side effects. | Has anyone taken the generic anastrozole? I'm trying that for 2 months now. It's a lot less expensive. It seems the rest of the world has had access to the generic for quite awhile! Best Wishes to all of you. | F | 67 | 16 months 1 mg 1X day | 10/12/2010 | 1 | Yes | Cholesterol raised through the roof, loss bone density now have severe back problems, hair loss, short term memory loss, easily agitated, | Doctors need to be very upfront with patients on how this drug ruins your quality of life! You should balance the side effects against the claimed benefits!! | F | 74 | 15 months 1 mg 1X day | 10/12/2010 | 1 | Stage II Breast Cancer | Severe pain in feet; overall achiness; significant hot flashes; general fatigue | My oncologist suggested I switch back to Tamoxifen to complete my required five years of treatment using an anti-estrogen drug. | F | 56 | 3 months 1 mg 1X day | 10/12/2010 | 2 | follow-up stage 2 breast cancer | Joint pain - especially in knees; pain and stiffness in feet and hands; "fuzzy brain"; short-term memory problems; weakness; fatigue; sleep disruption; extreme & frequent hot-flashes | After 2 years on Tamoxifen, my docs switched me to Arimidex to try to decrease the hot-flashes. After 5 months on Arimidex, I was so miserable I sought out my oncologist. He confirmed most of the problems are likely to be caused by the Armimdex. Two weeks ago, he took me off Arim. for a couple of months to clear it out of my body. Then we'll try Aromasin. He noted that there are no studies that compare effectiveness of 3 years of Tamox./Arim./Arom./etc. versus 5 years. He is has left the door open to stopping all treatment if I don't respond well to the Aromasin. NOTE: All my treatment has been in Switzerland. | F | 55 | 5 months 1 mg 1X day | 10/11/2010 | 2 | Breast Cancer | Bone and joint pain top the list. It seems to be building and getting worse but afraid to quit the drug. | bone & joint pain - shoulder, back hip, feet and hand pain stiffness in hands with moderate to severe pain all the time issues with 4 trigger fingers already My hands hurt so bad that I cannot hardly use them. I cannot even open them in the mornings. Legs and feet hurt so much I hobble rather than walk some of the time. mental fuzziness low libido & painful intercourse weight gain can't sleep - when I do fall out my body wants to sleep 10 hours. I have to force myself to get up fatigued | F | 56 | 6 months 1X day | 10/9/2010 |