Arimidex therapy

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lola_j

Posts: 4
Joined: Jan 2010

January 24, 2010 - 9:50am

How are you feeling on Arimidex? This stuff is almost as bad as Neulasta. I hurt all over. Sometimes quite severely. Can't live on Motrin.

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

January 24, 2010 - 10:50am

How long have you been on

How long have you been on it? I just started it 3 days ago. How long before you got side affects? I haven't really noticed any so to speak yet. I have some numbness and stiffness, but I've had that for years. Maybe mild headaches, and that goes with one Aleve.

lola_j

Posts: 4
Joined: Jan 2010

January 31, 2010 - 11:18am

arimidex

I've been on it for a couple of years. I was hoping the side effects would minimize. Not sure how long it took for them to start, sorry. Started out on Tamoxifen then was switched. I don't get as many hot flashes but this achiness is really getting to be a pain(lol). I just get concerned that all this Motrin isn't good for kidneys.

DianeBC

Posts: 3035
Joined: Jun 2009

January 24, 2010 - 12:15pm

So sorry that you are having

So sorry that you are having trouble with the Arimidex. It seems most do. Have you talked to your onco about something to help you?

dyaneb123

Posts: 964
Joined: May 2009

January 24, 2010 - 4:09pm

I'm on it too and my joints

I'm on it too and my joints ache so bad I can barely walk sometimes after getting out of the car or sitting for awhile....I'm seeing the ONC. tomorrow. We may switch meds.

fauxma

Posts: 3292
Joined: Dec 2008

January 24, 2010 - 6:02pm

I'm very fortunate, no side

I'm very fortunate, no side effects that I can see. We are watching my blood pressure. It was high a while back and I told meds and it regulated, but it is climbing again. But if I need to I will go back on the blood pressure medicine. Other than that nothing that I can feel. I always feel for the gals that are having side effects. I wish that everyone could take it without hurting, sweating, or flashing. But I think that anyone who is advised to take it, should try it and see how they respond. If side effects are too severe there is the choice of stopping. It is a tool in preventing recurrence. I was very concerned when I started because I have had arthritis for almost thirty years, but it is no better or worse on arimidex.
Stef

roseann4

Posts: 886
Joined: Sep 2009

January 24, 2010 - 6:26pm

I've been on since Aug.

I've been on it since Aug. without many issues. I have been moodier than normal but not much unusual joint and/or muscle pain. Sometimes I wonder if it is working. I know they check to see how Tamoxifen is being motabolized but my onc said they don't check the arimidex. I have gained weight. 7 lbs. in the first 6 weeks but it has leveled off thank goodness. There's nothing pretty about breast cancer.

Roseann

cabbott

Posts: 1007
Joined: Aug 2006

January 24, 2010 - 8:41pm

Vitamin D

I mentioned to my nurse practioner that I was having foot pain (inflamation of the synovial joint of the toes if you want the fancy diagnosis)while I was on Arimidex. She lit right up and asked me about my Vitamin D level. Apparently her university had found that the majority of those women with BC also have low Vit. D. levels. D fights inflamation and a low level of it can cause inflamation. I did not believe at the time that my D level could possibly be low. I took calcium with D, drank 3 to 4 glasses of milk with D, and took a multi every day with D in it. So how could I be low? The blood test said I was very low, low enough for the prescription Vitamin D. After the first pill, I was convinced. The foot pain I had had for over a year disappeared. After 6 weeks of one prescription level D pill a week, I was in the average range and told to go to my health food store and buy the vitamin D in gel caps, preferably found in natural fish oil. The stuff works on my aches like motrin but without the side effects. If I forget my pills for a week or two in the winter, my feet start acting up again. If I take 2000 units every other day, no pain at all. It worked for me. I've also talked to several other survivors that have found relief by upping their D level. It is possible to overdose, so see your oncologist before you self-medicate. But definately look at the research and talk to them about it. (My primary physician didn't have a clue about the link between cancer, vitamin D, or joint inflamation and vitamin D. The research is there if you look for it. Good luck!)

Mama G

Posts: 772
Joined: Nov 2009

January 24, 2010 - 9:09pm

Thanks for the advice cabbott

I'm keeping up with this thread as I will be on arimidex in a few months. Vitamin D is in the news quite a bit lately.

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

January 24, 2010 - 10:15pm

I am on Arimidex now. I only

I am on Arimidex now. I only have taken 4 of them. I have to take Vitamin D3.(Calcitril)I don't absorb nutrients all that well, I have Celiac Disease.

cabbott

Posts: 1007
Joined: Aug 2006

January 25, 2010 - 10:21am

D3 is right

Yes, my nurse practioner also said D3 is the right type. She also insisted that I try to find the gel tabs with fish oil with D3. Apparently the pills you get at Wal-Mart, just don't absorb as well.

MyTurnNow

Posts: 2642
Joined: Aug 2009

January 25, 2010 - 11:32am

I, too, have just recently

I, too, have just recently started Arimidex. Actually, I've only taken 3 tablets so far. My onco recommended D3 and calcium, too. I'm actually using Viactiv which is a caramel flavored chewable vitamin. It has both the calcium and D3 and tastes good. They recommend that you take it with meals to help in the absorption. I had the bone pain with Nuelasta and am hoping that I don't have it with Arimidex. It's too soon to tell. I am also being scheduled for a bone scan. My onco said I would get a scan every year, in lieu of every 2, as long as I was taking Arimidex. So, I guess, time will tell.

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

January 25, 2010 - 4:23pm

My Calcitriol is a

My Calcitriol is a prescription.I also take Magnesium 2x a day, 400mgs.

lola_j

Posts: 4
Joined: Jan 2010

January 31, 2010 - 11:23am

vit D

Thanks for the post! I'll give it a try anything is better than feeling like I'm 100 years old every time I move. Really puts a cramp in my activity level. Vicious cycle.

Christmas Girl

Posts: 3338
Joined: Apr 2009

January 25, 2010 - 11:40am

Arimidex...

Have been taking it for nearly four years now (two years of Tamoxifen prior to) - and may continue for yet another four...

Yes, the achiness can be awful. But, sometimes the SEs subside with time. I'll wish they will for you.

I hope you're being openly honest with your med onc about the way you're feeling. For some patients (depending on many particulars), there may be other options.

Kind regards, Susan

contrail

Posts: 129
Joined: Sep 2009

January 25, 2010 - 12:49pm

Arimidex Side Effects

WOW!! Reading all these replies makes me feel alot better about taking Arimidex. I've had some of the problems some of you have described, but all in all, I've been okay while taking it. I still have problems with neuropathy in my feet, but that's a side effect of Taxol. Who knows how long that will last? The one thing I've noticed is that my hair is not growing as fast as it was before I started the Arimidex. I had been on Tamoxefin, but found out through a blood test that I wasn't getting much good out of it, so they switched me to Arimidex. Have any of you noticed that your hair growth has slowed down?

Also, I was tested for the Vitamin D shortage and found out I was very low on it. So my doctor put me on 50,000 units twice a week for a month and I'm supposed to go in for a blood test tomorrow to see where it is now. I also take Viactiv twice a day for Calcium. I take so many pills now, I feel like a walking pharmacy.

I guess the thing that gets me the most about this whole cancer thing is that until I was diagnosed a little over a year ago, I had never had a sick day in my life. Except for an occasional cold and my yearly checkup, I never saw a doctor. Now that's all I do! I think I honestly have more appointments now than I did when I was going through chemo. I just wonder if it will ever slow down. Connie

New Flower

Posts: 2686
Joined: Aug 2009

January 25, 2010 - 3:59pm

Connie

It is same for me. I did not even have primary care physician!!! Now my schedule is full. I have seen doctors at least twice a week. Like a full-time job.I still hope to go back to a normal life.
Hugs
New Flower

contrail

Posts: 129
Joined: Sep 2009

January 25, 2010 - 10:28pm

Life with Cancer

New Flower - This is why I love this Websight. I can always find someone who has experienced what I have and it helps to be able to "talk" to someone who understands. Thanks for your reply, and yes, maybe someday we'll get back to normalcy. Connie

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

January 31, 2010 - 12:14pm

I could of had a D3 shortage

I could of had a D3 shortage before I found out I had Celiec Disease, but 2009 was the yr from hell for me. From the breast cancer in July to the car accident in July(same times as my breast cancer) to hernia surgery in October, to the discovery of the Celiac disease. I spend a total of 13 days in the Hosp between T-Giving and Christmas.

I'm taking Arimidex, and so far I'm only noticing some mild headaches.

bleedpink

Posts: 11
Joined: Jan 2010

February 1, 2010 - 10:58pm

arimidex

I'm a little concern I have not started yet but will be taking arimidex after RADS is finished. I'm 39 yrs. old I recently had a complete hysterectomy prior to starting RADS and after finishing chemo. I wanted my ovaries out! No more estrogen from them puppies. But other parts of the body still produce small amounts of estrogen so I have to take arimidex.
I had alot of bone and joint pain with nuelasta. Taxol also caused some neuropathy and joint pain. I was hoping I would get all this behide me. I already went through the hot flashes and moodiness with chemo induced menopause and now that I've had the total hysterectomy do you think the SE from the arimidex be as bad?

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

February 2, 2010 - 7:20pm

I am on Arimidex for about 2

I am on Arimidex for about 2 weeks. I have only noticed mild headaches and neck pain where I had my surgery on my neck in 2000. No hot flashes as of yet, but I never got them going through menepause.

NAN033

Posts: 11
Joined: Feb 2010

February 4, 2010 - 10:00am

Arimidex

Monday I have to decide whether to take Arimidex or not. This site is really helpful. I am already taking VitD3. After reading comments I worry because I stopped taking birth control in my 30's because of migraine headaches. How bad are the headaches. any info would be appreciated. I did savi pump radiation already.

MyTurnNow

Posts: 2642
Joined: Aug 2009

February 4, 2010 - 10:18am

Nan, welcome to this site.

Nan, welcome to this site. I am pleased to report that I do not have headaches with Arimidex. I'm only a little less than 2 weeks into taking it and I, knock on wood, haven't noticed any side effects. I'm hoping it continues this way for the rest of the 5 year period. Good luck.

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

February 4, 2010 - 6:46pm

Well, I am noticing I have

Well, I am noticing I have Edema in my ankles. BUT it's kinda hard to tell since I have thicker ankles anyway naturally. Also, edema is a side effect of having Celiac, but the Cancer center nurse called me today to see how I was doing and I told her fine except for some mild edema in my ankles. she said it is possible it could be the Arimidex. She told me to go buy those medical stockings. I priced them at Wal-Mart, they are 20.00 a pair!
they are also a pain in the neck to put on!

scout5000

Posts: 94
Joined: Apr 2009

February 12, 2010 - 2:14pm

migraines

I have had many side effect from Arimidex but no migraines since I started 5 months ago, which is less than I normally get.

NAN033

Posts: 11
Joined: Feb 2010

February 4, 2010 - 10:01am

Arimidex

New Flower

Posts: 2686
Joined: Aug 2009

February 5, 2010 - 10:28pm

Why Monday

Nano33,
Why do you put a deadline for taking Arimidex. If you miss one week to make yourself comfortable with your decision you still will be ok.
Good luck
New Flower

CypressCynthia

Posts: 2316
Joined: Oct 2009

February 4, 2010 - 12:12pm

vitamin d

Have your health care professional check your vitamin D level. See study re vitamin D, pain and aromatase inhibitors (arimidex): http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/new_research/20091215.jsp
The group with the least pain recieved very high doses of vitamin d. I believe that they received vit d by injection. I see my endocrinologist next week, so stay posted. I will let you know what she says. I currently take 2000 IU Vit D3 and still have some pain AND my vit D level is still low!

Go Saints and Happy Mardi Gras!

NAN033

Posts: 11
Joined: Feb 2010

February 4, 2010 - 5:31pm

vitamin D

Thanks for the site info I currently take 4000 IU I take it twice a day. I was taking 2000 but my last blood work said it was still low. So much to learn. Brain explosion. I will check the site out.

Angie2U

Posts: 2156
Joined: Sep 2009

February 5, 2010 - 10:31pm

I hope all bc survivors have

I hope all bc survivors have their Vitamin D level checked. So many of us are low in it and need to take oc supplements or prescription Vitamin D.

Hope you start to feel better Lola.

Angie

Dot53

Posts: 215
Joined: Nov 2009

February 5, 2010 - 12:18pm

Arimidex

I began taking Arimidex about three weeks ago... the first side effect I had was pain in my legs.. it was pretty bad.. so bad that I stopped taking it. I asked a couple of my specialists what they thought as I have rheumatoid arthritis and they both said that I am probably better off without it. I still have to tell my onco but quality of life is very important to me ... I do not want to end up in a wheelchair... when my onco prescribed Arimidex he said that my chance of reoccurance was 10% and that this drug would drop the odds to 6%. I had to wonder if those odds made it worth living in constant pain....

Dot

aztec45

Posts: 759
Joined: Jul 2009

February 6, 2010 - 10:05am

Thanks

Thanks for the post. I have not started this yet but I am sure I will be given this drug. There is another one that starts with an R and it is like Arimidex but it has the same side effects.

On the vitamin D thing...can I get that over the counter?

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

February 6, 2010 - 12:54pm

You can get vitamin D and

You can get vitamin D and Calcium in Viactive. You take it twice a day. It's a chocolate chew. BUT, Vitamin D3 for me is a prescription. It is called Calcitriol. I have to take it for 2 reasons, having had beast cancer and I now have Celiac disease. I have been having trouble with low levels of Vitamin D.

aztec45

Posts: 759
Joined: Jul 2009

February 6, 2010 - 7:34pm

Thanks

Thanks for the tip. I am sorry you have Celiac. Was this something brought on by the cancer meds?

lanie940

Posts: 492
Joined: Jul 2009

February 7, 2010 - 2:55pm

Nope, I had this probably

Nope, I had this probably for a year and didn't know it. It is an autioimmune disease. Many people think they just have IBS, but it's really Celiac. Why it showed up at age 60 is beyond me, and the Dr.s said the same. So, I probably had it for awhile. They say that surgery and excess/extreme stress can bring it to a head in an older person, well, I had 2 surgeries and STRESS! From the breast cancer and the hernia surgery, so who knows. I'm dealing ok with it. I lost a lot of weight, which was good! I'm 2 sizes smaller.

ppurdin

Posts: 836
Joined: Jul 2009

February 7, 2010 - 5:02pm

Lack of vitamin D.

I just started this medicine.I keep reading about making you lack vitamin D.What does that make you feel like?Just wondering because I am so very tired all the time.But I just finished Rads.3 weeks ago.Thanks everyone. Pat.

Sunrae

Posts: 772
Joined: Oct 2009

February 12, 2010 - 2:04pm

I bumped this subject up

I bumped this subject up again since so many of us are on hormone therapy. I've been on Femara for 5 months and have very little side effects, some night sweats. I went to my onc today and asked her why she chose Femara for me instead of Arimidex, which so many take. She said Arimidex is cheaper and soon there will be a generic available. But she said so many of her patients have so many more side effects from Arimidex than Femara she has switched over to Femara as drug of choice. It is more expensive, about $300 a month, which I told her I didn't know how much longer I could pay. Since I have so many other expensive prescriptions every month I get into the "donut hole" quickly. (For you younger ones, when you get on medicare and part D prescription coverage, after you and the insurance spend a certain amount, near $3000, you lose prescription coverage and have to pay full price for prescriptions.) So about June every year I start paying full price and it runs over $600 per month. She offered to switch me over to Arimidex for a month to see how the side effects are but I'm doing well on Femara so for the time being I'm opting for that. She is helping me out by giving my samples but I know she can't always do that. Wish there was a good solution for all of us but just wanted to let you all know that there is a generic coming soon for Arimidex.

MyTurnNow

Posts: 2642
Joined: Aug 2009

February 12, 2010 - 2:49pm

Sunrae, I just filled my

Sunrae, I just filled my prescription yesterday for a 90 day supply of Arimidex and the cost was $1,100. I paid my co-pay of $30 and was on my way, but until the generic is out, I'd say this is just as expensive as Femera. My onc did tell me that the generic is due out very, very soon and once it comes out the price will go down substantially.

filimu

Posts: 74
Joined: Aug 2010

August 24, 2010 - 12:36am

femara

I am on that also...I just looked up my last prescription paperwork, and the plan payment amount for a 3 month supply shows #1,074.49. That works out to $358.16 a month from my plan. Thank God I don't go on Medicare for another 2+ years...the way my birthday falls and everything, I may only have to worry about the total impact of it for one full year, and partial impact for another year.

KayNYC

Posts: 499
Joined: Mar 2010

August 26, 2010 - 12:15pm

Arimidex is generic

Filmu, Are you referring to Arimidex? Arimidex went Generic in July.With my pharmacy plan I pay $20 for a three month supply.
Hugs, K

Dot53

Posts: 215
Joined: Nov 2009

February 12, 2010 - 2:15pm

Femera

Thanks Sunrae for bumping this up again.. Earlier in this thread I said that I stopped taking Arimidex and most likely would not take any of these type of drugs in the future. After speaking with my onco I was encouraged to try femera to see if the side effects are lessened and I agreed to try it. Planning to fill the script today so I will update you as to how it is working in the next couple of weeks...

Dot

scout5000

Posts: 94
Joined: Apr 2009

February 12, 2010 - 2:19pm

arimidex

I have had pretty severe pain in my feet, back, hands and shoulder since starting on Arimidex. The pain began about 3 weeks after I started it. I tried lots of anti-inflamatory meds, Vicodin, Soma... none of which helped with pain. I recently saw a rheumatologist who prescribed Mobic. It is usually prescribed for arthritis. It has dramatically reduced my pain. I didn't think any meds would help but Mobic did.

Shirleyzo

Posts: 7
Joined: Jan 2010

June 14, 2010 - 4:24pm

went off arimidex

After four months on Arimidex I had to go off. I have never had such bad back and leg pain. My Oncologist isn't to happy about it. I have been on Tamoxifen for 2 months with no problems.

Mama G

Posts: 772
Joined: Nov 2009

August 22, 2010 - 6:24pm

Shirley how long did it take for the effects to wear off?

I've been off Arimidex for 2 weeks now and not seeing any relief from my numbness yet....

natly15

Posts: 1860
Joined: Sep 2009

August 23, 2010 - 11:41pm

My emotions and moods are

My emotions and moods are out of control. I think I'm getting depressed. I've been on Arimidex since mid July, and had a complete melt down today. I'm usually pretty calm and reasonable with other people's issues, but I absolutely lost it today. Day started out on a not so good note and just got worse. I've been in tears since 7 this evening and must admit I'm feeling very sorry for myself right now. Is anyone experiencing mood swings and irritability on this drug? I'm ready to say no more arimidex. I dont like feeling this emotional.

Snowkitty

Posts: 252
Joined: Jun 2010

August 24, 2010 - 5:50am

Natly, I'm going on Arimidex

Natly, I'm going on Arimidex after rads, so this interesting. I'm not gonna tolerate mood swings very well because usually I'm on a pretty even keel. I know there's meds out there to help. A couple years ago I had a bunch of bad things happening that really threw my "neuro-receptors" off and I there was hardly a day I wouldn't break down crying. A trip to "Dr. Candy" and 2 months of pills got me right back on track.

Take care, Cindy

jacanny

Posts: 2
Joined: Aug 2010

August 25, 2010 - 3:18pm

Arimidex Moods

I joined this group today because my emotions are out of control. I seriously considered knocking myself out with a few percocets! Thankfully I opted to go for a walk. I've been on Arimidex for over a year and have mostly had joint pain and hot flashes. I haven't had a hot flash in a few weeks, but now I'm dealing with mood issues. Of course this change happened after my last Oncologist appointment. I don't want to give up on the Arimidex. I definitely feel better knowing that this is likely due to medication. I thought I was losing my mind!

jacanny

Posts: 2
Joined: Aug 2010

August 25, 2010 - 3:19pm

Arimidex Moods

KayNYC

Posts: 499
Joined: Mar 2010

August 25, 2010 - 3:06pm

on Arimidex since June 2010

Doing well. Also taking the D3, Calcium, B100s and Coenzyme 10. I have a little stiffness in my ankles upon rising in the morning but nothing that impairs my functioning. My Med Onc recently published an article on the promising effects of Acupuncture for addressing Arimidex related stiffness and joint pain. Her name is Dawn Hershman MD. If anyone would like the full citation, I'll get it for you.
Hugs, K

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