Changing meds..... have taken Arimidex for 2 yrs. and now going to try Femura

joyyee1
joyyee1 Member Posts: 31
in Breast Cancer #1

Has anyone switched breast cancer meds? I"m going from Arimidex to Femura... hoping that my joint pain is reduced. I have one finger that can not bend at the knuckle, and now my other hand is really bothering me- very stiff in the AM and at night.  My DR said that some women have good results with Femura - so I thought I'd ask!

 

Thanks- Linda

 

Comments

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #2
    3 yrs on Femara/letrozole

    I've been on Femara/letrozole for 3 yrs and have had NO problems with it.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • joyyee1
    joyyee1 Member Posts: 31
    #3
    Rague said:

    3 yrs on Femara/letrozole

    I've been on Femara/letrozole for 3 yrs and have had NO problems with it.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

    Changing to Femura....

    Well~ that's some positive news!! Thanks!!!

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #4
    Try Voltaren Gel

    Linda,

    I don't remember if your stage IV or not.  Arimidex didn't cause me any pain at all.  After fixing my 2 ribs, I was NED for 8 years on that drug.  At one point, I even stupidly wanted to believe I was cured.  However it came back after an initial bout with Faslodex I went on Femara when I progressed.  Femara was so very painful, every joint and bone in my body hurt.  I went on a patch for pain.  Walking or starting to move would literally bring tears to my eyes.  Anyone who saw me, didn't doubt the pain I had.

    I am against changing without a better cause.  Aromatase Inhibitors Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin are known for their joint and bone pain.

    I would suggest Voltaren gel if your doctor would write a prescription for you.  It works so very nicely and is good for athritis.  

    Give it a try before changing.  There is no guarantee that Femara for you might be kinder.  

    Keep me posted,

    Doris

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #5
    joyyee1 said:

    Changing to Femura....

    Well~ that's some positive news!! Thanks!!!

    Hoping the new meds help you

    Hoping the new meds help you Linda!

  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #6
    YES

    I switched from Arimidex to Tamoxifen.  The side effects of Arimidex were driving me insane  I was on the drug for 6 months and quit without letting the onco know until I saw her for my next check up.   I was off the stuff for 6 weeks and I felt so much better by time I saw her again.  She said that it was very important that I stay on hormone therapy but that didn't mean I had to be miserable.  So she switched it and I've been taking Tamoxifen for 8 weeks now and I feel great.  People have been telling me I look so much better too.

     

    Definitely give something else a try.  You shouldn't have to feel miserable ALL THE TIME>

     

    good luck

    Mary

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #7
    SIROD said:

    Try Voltaren Gel

    Linda,

    I don't remember if your stage IV or not.  Arimidex didn't cause me any pain at all.  After fixing my 2 ribs, I was NED for 8 years on that drug.  At one point, I even stupidly wanted to believe I was cured.  However it came back after an initial bout with Faslodex I went on Femara when I progressed.  Femara was so very painful, every joint and bone in my body hurt.  I went on a patch for pain.  Walking or starting to move would literally bring tears to my eyes.  Anyone who saw me, didn't doubt the pain I had.

    I am against changing without a better cause.  Aromatase Inhibitors Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin are known for their joint and bone pain.

    I would suggest Voltaren gel if your doctor would write a prescription for you.  It works so very nicely and is good for athritis.  

    Give it a try before changing.  There is no guarantee that Femara for you might be kinder.  

    Keep me posted,

    Doris

    Did you change meds Linda and

    Did you change meds Linda and is your joint pain better now?

    Hugs, Megan

  • Mindee
    Mindee Member Posts: 1
    #8
    Med Change

    I am also, on Arimidex and having terrible joint pain.  Mornings are very hard with my hands and feet.  I cannot squat and stairs are a real challlenge.  If I sit too long, I can't get up.  Looking for different options to suggest to the oncologist.

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #9
    Mindee said:

    Med Change

    I am also, on Arimidex and having terrible joint pain.  Mornings are very hard with my hands and feet.  I cannot squat and stairs are a real challlenge.  If I sit too long, I can't get up.  Looking for different options to suggest to the oncologist.

    How are you Linda? 
    Hugs,

    How are you Linda? 

    Hugs, Angie

Discussion Boards