Side effects of Arimidex?

melm
melm Member Posts: 104
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My onco switched my meds from Tamoxifen(after 8 months) to Arimidex 2 months ago. Experienced terrible hip pain and now it has improved since changing to Arimidex. I am estrogen +. Seems that my hot flashes have increased dramatically. We tried Megace, but caused alot of weight gain. Tried Clonidine, but my blood pressure is already low and it made me feel terrible.

Can anyone tell me what side effects (if any) they have experienced from this drug?

God bless you all...we're going to get through this!

Mel in Arkansas

Comments

  • vjc5199
    vjc5199 Member Posts: 101
    #2
    i have been on it for a week or so and the only thing that i've had is a headache for a couple of days but it went away. now i'm dealing with loss of appitite. i have to force myself to go into the kitchen and make myself something to eat. i've started drinking Slim Fast so i'll at least get some nutrients. i guess i've not been on it long enough for the hotflashes that is always mentioned with this drug. hope it works for you. God bless. Vicki
  • vjc5199
    vjc5199 Member Posts: 101
    #3
    P.S. where r u ?
    i have an uncle that lives in Crossett. how far from that are you? Vicki :)
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #4
    vjc5199 said:

    i have been on it for a week or so and the only thing that i've had is a headache for a couple of days but it went away. now i'm dealing with loss of appitite. i have to force myself to go into the kitchen and make myself something to eat. i've started drinking Slim Fast so i'll at least get some nutrients. i guess i've not been on it long enough for the hotflashes that is always mentioned with this drug. hope it works for you. God bless. Vicki

    Hi Vicki! Sorry you've had a headache. It's important to force yourself to eat! Keep hydrated. Instead of Slim Fast, try to drink Ensure or Ensure plus. It's made as an alternative/ supplement for eating. We use it alot at the nursing home I work in. It has proper nutrients. You can also make your own milkshakes with ypgurts and fruits and veggies.. There are also protein powders you can add to milkshakes to gain your protein. Take care. Keep in touch! HUGS!! Cathy
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398 Member
    #5
    cruf said:

    Hi Vicki! Sorry you've had a headache. It's important to force yourself to eat! Keep hydrated. Instead of Slim Fast, try to drink Ensure or Ensure plus. It's made as an alternative/ supplement for eating. We use it alot at the nursing home I work in. It has proper nutrients. You can also make your own milkshakes with ypgurts and fruits and veggies.. There are also protein powders you can add to milkshakes to gain your protein. Take care. Keep in touch! HUGS!! Cathy

  • cathdavis
    cathdavis Member Posts: 42
    #6
    Hi Mel, I have been on arimidex for almost 3 mos. The hot flashes were horrible at first, but my dr put me on paxil and that seems to have helped. I still get them, but not quite as often and not as severe. I have not had the eating problem you described, but I'd give it some time for your body to get used to the drug. Good luck!
    Cathy in Florida
  • melm
    melm Member Posts: 104
    #7
    cathdavis said:

    Hi Mel, I have been on arimidex for almost 3 mos. The hot flashes were horrible at first, but my dr put me on paxil and that seems to have helped. I still get them, but not quite as often and not as severe. I have not had the eating problem you described, but I'd give it some time for your body to get used to the drug. Good luck!
    Cathy in Florida

    Thanks for your reply, Cathy. I'm glad the Paxil is working for you. I have been on Prozac since before my diagnosis. Probably a good thing...the flashes may be even worse without it! I just have to be patient (isn't that somethiing we have all had to learn during this trip?)
    Good luck with your treatment!

    Mel in AR

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