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 |
| 2 | DCIS II, er/pr+, her2-, node+ | At first it was difficult to separate the arimidex effects from the aftereffects of chemo and radiation, but after about 9 mo. it became clearer. Early: fierce joint pain, esp hands and feet, gonzo hot flashes, fatigue, difficulty sleeping. Later: depression, fatigue, leg cramps, nightmares, early morning insomnia, hair loss, changes in bowel and bladder function. | It has now been one year since I quit taking arimidex. My cancer was simple and expertly treated. I took arimidex faithfully for almost two years, experiencing nearly all of the side effects reported on this page. After about 18 months, I began to worry about the long-term risks vs. benefits. My risk of recurrence is low, so the risk reduction offered by arimidex doesn’t amount to much. Also, since I am small and we all take the same 1 mg dose, I was concerned that I was being overdosed. I studied the scientific literature, decided to quit, waited for a normal mammogram, and then discussed it with the oncologist before stopping. The doctor made a case for staying on the drug but didn’t push. The one thing that was clear in the conversation was that it had to be my decision, and I’m sure that the doctor noted it as such in the record. Today I feel great, both physically and emotionally. It was the right decision for me. Thank you Sheryl Crow for inspiring m | F | 64 | 22 months | 12/26/2008 | 1 | BC--lumpectomy & 13 lymphnodes remo | on it for 3 1/2 years---severe bone pain,fatigue,headaches, increased blood pressure, borderline diabetic. Now I have an inflamed bladder. taking a magnesium/calcium supplement helps with leg cramps. But I am considering going off the drug before it "picks off" all my organs. Will have an ultrasound on kidneys this week. | I can put up with the bone pain from Arimidex, but the fatigue and other problems make me question my quality of life. | F | 62 | 3 years | 12/20/2008 | 2 | stage 1 bc, radiation/no chemo | took for 4 months - had to stop because the pains in my joints and muscles (especially back and legs)were unbearable - reached a point where I could not go up or down stairs, turn over in bed, walk... Been off for six weeks now, improving slowly (physical therapy three times a week). Weight gain, insomnia, hot flashes... going to start aromasin and hopefully will have less side effects | F | 58 | 4 months | 12/16/2008 | 1 | | 12/14/2008 | 4 | breast cancer | joint pain, back pain, hot flashes, memory fuzziness, lack of concentration, lack of sex drive, vaginal dryness | After 4yr 4 months, I give up. I can't live like this anymore. I'm glad I found this site and realize that I'm not crazy or alone. Would love to hear from others if side effects are permanent or not. | F | 50 | 4 years | 12/11/2008 | 2 | Stage 2 Breast Cancer/Masectomy | Headaches, terrible joint pain. Hands hurt, knees and feet. | After 10 days took myself off the drug. Then I decided to look online and I am so glad I did. I will change my diet and take alternative medicines before I would think of taking this for 5 years.I serve food for a living and by the end of day could hardly walk. | F | 54 | 10 days | 12/11/2008 | 4 | Stage 1 breast cancer | I too had joint pain in my hands & wrists and almost switched to something else, but then I got braces for my wrists to wear at night, they are for carpal tunnel but they keep my hands & wrists in neutral position at night and I now have very little pain. Over the counter at Walgreens,one for each hand,they are flesh colored with velcro straps to hold them on and a hole for thumb to stick out,they are rigid plastic. If your only pain is in hands try it, this worked for me and it was my only side effect. | I want to stay on this medication if possible, I am glad I found a solution (so far) | F | 59 | 15 months | 11/29/2008 | 3 | breast cancer | 1st 10 days: unbearable pain, entire body including head, couldn't sleep. Next 30 days, moderate pain, helped by maximum ibuprofen daily plus 2 very hot soaks in tub. next 12 months, minimum side effects. Then started having severe hip pain for 9 months. Then started having severe low back pain 6 weeks ago, headaches started 3 weeks ago. Have been on Arimidex 2 years. | Until the last 6 weeks, I thought it was worth it, to gain 20% survival rate. Now my quality of life is marginal, can barely get out of chair or bed, have trouble going to sleep, pain walking. Not sure if it is worth it now. Also gained 15 pounds, blood pressure increased from 110/70 to 142/90, cholestrol increased 20 pts, liver function panel getting worse. | F | 58 | 2 years | 11/28/2008 | 3 | breast cancer | adding a new comment....For thos who havnt tried Aromasin as an alternate to Arimidex, give it a shot if at all possibe. | i took arimidex for 6 months.... i hurt and was in so much joint pain, my oncologist put me on Aromasin. If you took Tamoxafin (sp) you will like Aromasin... My joint pain is so much better. My tingling in my fingers is going away. For those out there with ER+ taking hormone creams should double check.. thats why some of us are taking this stuff (takes away the estrogen so our cancer wont feed off it.... research girls... | F | 43 | 6 days | 11/25/2008 | 1 | Stage 1 breast cancer | In 2006-2007 I developed Stage 1 breast cancer in each breast at different times. I had two lumpectomies and lymph nodes were good. I started Arimidex in Dec 2007. In August 2008 I began to have pain in my right hip followed by pain in my right shoulder. By Oct of 2008 my knees were so stiff and hurt so bad I could hardly climb a small flight of stairs. I was sleeping about 4 hours a night (and this was with a sleep aid)and had horrible sweats, both day and night. My carpel tunnel increased in pain and tenderness and I was always tired. I stopped Arimidex 12 days ago and I can't believe the difference. My knees do not hurt any more I have slept through the night, although still with a sleeping pill. My right hip still aches but not as bad. I'm hoping no permanent damage was done to it. Had I realized all the above symtoms were caused by Armidex I would have stopped sooner. I see my oncologist next week and at that time I will tell her that I stopped Armidex and will not go ba | In my case, Stage 1 breast cancer and no invasion into lymph nodes I will feel that stopping Armidex is right for me. The pain the medication caused will outweigh any benefits. | F | 59 | 348 days | 11/25/2008 | 1 | Brest cancer ER+ | debilitating joint pain, fatigue, dryness | Had to stop. | F | 50 | 6 months | 11/24/2008 | 1 | recurrent breast cancer | 2006-Recurrent br ca-bilat, s/p bilat mastectomies & bungled attempts at reconstruction,on Arimidex x 1yr-side effects started approx 2-3 mos p starting drug: fatigue, nausea, joint pain-neck, low back, feet, hands, burning tongue, thinning hair, mood swings, sleep disturb, constipation, nail changes, inability to tolerate any ETOH. Am continuing because it is last resort. Am going to look into the initial clinical research trial results of this med (before it was approved). I think much is not known, or being told. The only side effect that company acknowledges is the hot flashing. DR | F | 53 | 1 years | 11/21/2008 | 2 | breast cancer, stage 2 | Breast Cancer 2003, started out on Tomaxifn, switched to arimidex after 2 years. Will stop on Dec 31st this year and NEVER take it again! Joint pain in shoulders, feet, hands, legs, you name it, the pain moves around. I had carpal tunnel surgery in both hands in 2006, Trigger thumb surgeries on both thumbs in 2007. Vaginal dryness and lack of sex drive, HOT flashes often. Weight is a concern, issues with cholesterol and pre-diabetic, when not a concern before taking this drug. I think this drug has numerous side effects and all are terrible. | F | 52 | 3 years | 11/18/2008 | 1 | Breast cancer in April 2007 | Almost debilitating pain in hands. Doc says it's tendonitis, and he warned me it was possible side effect. | I only took it for about 4 months, after Tamoxifen side effects were so unpleasant. I have been off it for about 5 months, but the pain in my hands has not decreased at all. My med. oncologist said that, given the nature of my cancer, I probably didn't need to be on any preventative med, so I stopped all. Now I am angry about my hand pain. I can't seem to find anything to relieve it. Ibuprofen in large doses seemed to help, but caused stomach upset. After reading all of these comments, I don't recommend any woman to take this drug. | F | 59 | 4 months | 11/18/2008 | 1 | Early Stage Breast Cancer ER+ | Fatigue, lower back pain, joint pain, pain in ribs, extreme vaginal dryness (painfully so), slight depression, terrible hot flashes and night sweats. I am going off this medication; quality of life is too diminished. I will do my best to compensate with naturally occuring anti-cancer agents (Vit D3, iodine supplementation, natural progesterone cream, etc.) So, far all of the natural products I have tried have really helped me feel so much better even when on Arimidex. | This is a fairly new drug and I don't think the long term effects are fully known. Everyone, look into iodine supplementation, natural progesterine cream, Vitamin D3 -- all have anti-cancer properties and can greatly improve your health. I have been amazed at what I have learned and feel these are viable options to prevent ER+ breast cancer. I'm working with a Compounding Pharmacist and he pointed me to good research materials. I know there is risk involved, but this medication has caused me too many issues. | F | 51 | 8 months | 11/16/2008 | 4 | Breast Cancer stage 1 | I had my cancer 6 yrs ago, at first took Tamoxifen. Then postop after a hip revision I had a mild stroke, the Internist had neglected to take me off of it. "T" is known for clotting problems. Then my Oncologist started me on Arimidex which I took for 4 years. No notable side effects until nearing the end of Arimidex except thinning hair. Then my nails started raising from my nail beds. No one willing to blame Arimidex except me. I researched on this site and saw a similar complaint, not many but enough to apply to be taken off. My nails, although poor quality quickly adhered. Between Tamoxifin and Arimidex I was on 5 yrs, max for suggested use in Canada. I have many aging signs that I don't think are necessarily from the drugs. I am satisfied, why not, so far I have not had a reoccurance of Cancer. I know that this site is Anecdotal reporting but I am thankful for it. I reported my case to the Provincial pharmaseutical provider in our Health Care System and of course my Oncol | F | 71 | 4 years | 11/14/2008 | 3 | Breast Cancer stage 1 | Developed severe joint and muscle pain over 41/2 years on this drug particularly in knees and hands. Became frustrated with pain and no medication appeared to relieve the pain. Also had mood swings and depression. | Have been off all Arimidex for 5 months now and my body has slowly been returning to managable pain although there is permanent damage to my bones and joints. I have been amazed at how little Drs acknowledge the side effects of Arimidex and have found that there are very few people to talk to in the Cancer Councils or support organisations. The only good thing is that I have not had a re-occurrence of breast Cancer and hope that will continue. | F | 60 | | 11/10/2008 | 1 | Breast Cancer | My mother has been taking Arimidex for almost 1 yr. I am a medical admin student & did a lot of research before she started taking the med. She has experienced several of the side effects listed but her worst one is the arthritic pain. It has become unbearable. She takes acetominiphine but says it's not helping anymore. Can anyone give any feedback on if their Dr. perscribed something to relieve the arthritic pain? Please email me. | My mom's Dr. has said she MUST stay on Armidiex as preventative therapy. I think he's terrified her into thinking if she's off this nasty drug she will get breast cancer again. | F | 58 | 10 months | 11/10/2008 | 5 | breast cancer | I guess I am one of the lucky ones. I have experienced no side effects. I am thankful for this drug and want to let others know that not everyone who takes Arimidex has the awful side effects that so many write about on this website. | F | 67 | 12 months | 11/8/2008 | 4 | Breast Cancer | Been on Arimidex for 9 months. Now along with the older symptoms of joint pain, extreme weight gain, sleep disorder, extreme mood swings, I can add swelling in lower legs,(pitting edema) and my hands go to sleep- all of the time to the point that I cant even make them function. I also have a little trouble with getting out what I'm trying to say: it just does not come out right (concentration?).The pain is awful....my mother also is being treated with this drug-we both feel 90 and are exhausted always. I cant wait to show this site to my family and coworkers ..I want them to see what I've been talking about all along. | Would love to see what some of you are doing on a nutritional standpoint to help with the weight gain, water retention and supplement wise. No one has really told either one of us what to do ...and we keep buying supplements and spending money on tons of stuff that I dont think is doing either of us any good. | F | 43 | 9 months | 11/8/2008 |