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 |
| 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 |