Has anyone switched from Arimidex to Femara or vice versa - did it help?

BetsyJane
BetsyJane Member Posts: 127
in Breast Cancer #1
I have been taking Arimidex for two months now. The first month I had NO side effects. The 2nd month, however, was a totally different story. That's when the aches and pains began. Slowly at first, then more and more every day to the point where I am having a hard time even getting up and sometimes walking. All my bones are hurting .... bones I didn't even know I had hurt. Right now, I am taking 8,000 mg of Vitamin D3 and Caltrate along with other vitamins. I will be adding glucosamine and chrondriton with MSM to my list of vitamins to take in hopes that it may help. I know from reading the board that many of you have or are experiencing the same side effects from these aromatase inhibitors.

How many of you have switched from one aromatase inhibitor to another type (i.e. Femara to Arimidex or vice-versa) Did it help, hurt or did your side effects remain the same? "or"

Are you taking an aromatase inhibitor that has minimal side effects?

Thank you pink ladies for all your help. Your answers will not only help me but many others on this board with the same question.

Betsy
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Comments

  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #2
    No, switching did not help me.
    Dear Betsy,

    Some people do better on one drug than the other, meaning some do better on Arimidex and some do better on Femara. In my case, that was not true. I was on Arimidex for 7 months and it attacked both knees, my right heel, my hands (nerves), and out of control skin rash on front torso and back. Took 2 months off from Arimidex, then started generic...Anastrozole...which gave me side effects in 2nd and 3rd month which were knees hurting, right heel hurting, calf muscles hurting. Started Femara...after 2 weeks hands developed tingling again and knees...stayed on Femara for 28 days. I did not want to see what else would develop.

    I no longer take any of those drugs.

    Lots of Love,
    Janelle
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #3
    Different Ballgame said:

    No, switching did not help me.
    Dear Betsy,

    Some people do better on one drug than the other, meaning some do better on Arimidex and some do better on Femara. In my case, that was not true. I was on Arimidex for 7 months and it attacked both knees, my right heel, my hands (nerves), and out of control skin rash on front torso and back. Took 2 months off from Arimidex, then started generic...Anastrozole...which gave me side effects in 2nd and 3rd month which were knees hurting, right heel hurting, calf muscles hurting. Started Femara...after 2 weeks hands developed tingling again and knees...stayed on Femara for 28 days. I did not want to see what else would develop.

    I no longer take any of those drugs.

    Lots of Love,
    Janelle

    Hi Betsy, I started Femara,
    Hi Betsy,
    I started Femara, switched to Arimidex and then tried Aromisin. Sorry to say they all attacked by bones and muscles until I could barely walk without pain. I am no longer taking these drugs because, like Jannelle, they just didn't let me live with quality of life.
    I hope another one helps you. We are all so different.
    Best of luck,
    Hugs,
    Wanda
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #4
    Lighthouse_7 said:

    Hi Betsy, I started Femara,
    Hi Betsy,
    I started Femara, switched to Arimidex and then tried Aromisin. Sorry to say they all attacked by bones and muscles until I could barely walk without pain. I am no longer taking these drugs because, like Jannelle, they just didn't let me live with quality of life.
    I hope another one helps you. We are all so different.
    Best of luck,
    Hugs,
    Wanda

    I switched from arimidex to
    I switched from arimidex to femara. Arimidex and me did not agree. Femara has been much easier. I took myself off arimidex after 1 1/2 to 2 months on it. I've been on femara over a year and so far so good. I do have achy joints but nothing that is debilitating or difficult to handle. It amazes me how we all react so differently to meds. Best wishes with your choices. (((HUGS)))
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #5
    Tamoxifen
    Dear Betsy Jane,

    How about asking your oncologist for Tamoxifen? It is an older drug and use very successfully by women with Er or Pr positive cancer for years. It does not have the same side effects as Aromatase Inhibitors which are noted for bone & joint pains.

    I did not have any bone & joint pain with Arimidex. I did have other problems. I did have bone & joint pains on Femara. I am back on this drug and dread the 3 week mark when the pain will come roaring back full force.

    Every drug you take has side effects even if your not aware of them. Some interplay with others you take.

    My suggestion is try Tamoxifen instead of an AI.

    Wishing you the best,

    Doris
  • BetsyJane
    BetsyJane Member Posts: 127
    #6
    SIROD said:

    Tamoxifen
    Dear Betsy Jane,

    How about asking your oncologist for Tamoxifen? It is an older drug and use very successfully by women with Er or Pr positive cancer for years. It does not have the same side effects as Aromatase Inhibitors which are noted for bone & joint pains.

    I did not have any bone & joint pain with Arimidex. I did have other problems. I did have bone & joint pains on Femara. I am back on this drug and dread the 3 week mark when the pain will come roaring back full force.

    Every drug you take has side effects even if your not aware of them. Some interplay with others you take.

    My suggestion is try Tamoxifen instead of an AI.

    Wishing you the best,

    Doris

    Tamoxifen
    Thank you for suggesting Tamoxifen. I had previously suggested this to my onc. He does not want me taking Tamoxifen. He said, in my case, it isn't nearly as good as the aromatase inhibitor. In fact, he got very indifferent with me when I even suggested Tamoxifen. I read that tamoxifen can cause heart problems. Heart problems run in my family. In fact, I've just been taken off Herceptin for the time being because my recent muga scan result showed herceptin has lowered my heart infraction rate to a dangerous level. Hopefully my heart will repair itself and I can finish off my herceptin treatments. I have over 1/2 year to go with them.

    I will call my onc office and ask about switching to Femara and see if that has less side affects for me. My sister took this drug years ago and she said she didn't have any problems at all from it. Since we are sisters, our body chemistry is similar and I'm hoping to have less side affects from it.

    Please keep the answers coming and sincere thanks to those of you who have already responded to my question.

    Happy New Year.

    Betsy
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #7
    BetsyJane said:

    Tamoxifen
    Thank you for suggesting Tamoxifen. I had previously suggested this to my onc. He does not want me taking Tamoxifen. He said, in my case, it isn't nearly as good as the aromatase inhibitor. In fact, he got very indifferent with me when I even suggested Tamoxifen. I read that tamoxifen can cause heart problems. Heart problems run in my family. In fact, I've just been taken off Herceptin for the time being because my recent muga scan result showed herceptin has lowered my heart infraction rate to a dangerous level. Hopefully my heart will repair itself and I can finish off my herceptin treatments. I have over 1/2 year to go with them.

    I will call my onc office and ask about switching to Femara and see if that has less side affects for me. My sister took this drug years ago and she said she didn't have any problems at all from it. Since we are sisters, our body chemistry is similar and I'm hoping to have less side affects from it.

    Please keep the answers coming and sincere thanks to those of you who have already responded to my question.

    Happy New Year.

    Betsy

    Did you get switched to
    Did you get switched to Femara Betsy? Are you feeling better if you did?


    Hugs, Jan
  • GrandmaJ
    GrandmaJ Member Posts: 209
    #8
    femara
    Been on Femara for 19 months. Worst side effect I have is a 15 pound weight gain and some hair thinning. So far, no bone pain o problems walking.
  • Linda8
    Linda8 Member Posts: 1
    #9
    Arimadex vs Femara

    I have been on Arimadex for 2.5 years. I switched to Femara 3 weeks ago. I was tolerating many side effects and my husband said That I was too accepting of the side effects. Femara has made a massive difference to me. I feel so much better. Tingling has gone in my feet and my joints are much better. As women we often tolerate so much. I encourage change.

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    edited March 2017 #10
    5 yr old,Thread

    This is an older Thread that has not been,posted on til you for 5 yrs.

    I've been on Femaral/letrozole for 7+ yrs with no issues and will be 'forever'.   When I started Femara, it was not yet available in the generic form letrozole as it is now.  Was never on any other AI's.

    Wi,yan - The Power Within

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #11
    these old threads

    I like that these old threads are on here.  It helps me to see the progression and the struggle was there and is real.  It also shows me what to discuss with my doc for med changes can be available.  Between the herceptin and the amridex (spell)  my bone pain is off the charts.  I am hoping when they stop the herceptin, it will ease up some as I have to take that pill for at least 5 rs.  So I am trying to be patient and hang on and maybe by August, I will have a better idea.  I take gabbepentin, and I take lexpro, and a zertec, anti inflammatories.   hot baths with epson salts.  massage, cold pacs, I try everything.  I walk a litte but it is very painful in the hips and knees.  I cant go far and I feel like I am 90.  I am not giving up, I am not giving up.  I will just keep searching and being thankful for all you ladies on here.  I dont feel alone.  HUG

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    #12
    Apaugh said:

    these old threads

    I like that these old threads are on here.  It helps me to see the progression and the struggle was there and is real.  It also shows me what to discuss with my doc for med changes can be available.  Between the herceptin and the amridex (spell)  my bone pain is off the charts.  I am hoping when they stop the herceptin, it will ease up some as I have to take that pill for at least 5 rs.  So I am trying to be patient and hang on and maybe by August, I will have a better idea.  I take gabbepentin, and I take lexpro, and a zertec, anti inflammatories.   hot baths with epson salts.  massage, cold pacs, I try everything.  I walk a litte but it is very painful in the hips and knees.  I cant go far and I feel like I am 90.  I am not giving up, I am not giving up.  I will just keep searching and being thankful for all you ladies on here.  I dont feel alone.  HUG

    YES KEEP FIGHTING Apaugh!

    Hello Apaugh!!!  you are a fighter and keep the faith and keep fighting!!! Things will get better !   I always say there is always someone worst off than we are...God bless and continue to BEE Positive...I AM  Smile

    Happy Days Ahead!   Hugs   BEEPositive!!

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #13
    I feel like 90 too

    I am 67 years old and with Arimidex any movement is becoming extremely painful.  I say at my job and my church, and my friends joke about it, that I feel like 90.  Allergic to aspirin and derivatives, I am forced to tolerate as much pain as I can.  Luckily, I should say Thanks to the Lord's help, I use only Tylenol and only one gabapentin daily.  I also looked at the other AIs and didn't like what I saw.  Blood clots, thrombosis,  etc, are a big menace.  I will try to stay one year with Arimidex and then change to Aromasin and later to Femara and rotate them until I, either find something better or quit treatment.  We must bee positive....

     

  • HopeAlways49
    HopeAlways49 Member Posts: 1
    #14
    Switched meds

    Femara made my joints hurt terribly. Doc switched me to Arimidex and I have no problems.

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #15
    leaving AIs

    I have been on Femara for almost three months. Joint pain is unbearable. calcification of tendons and many other problems. Considering Tamoxifen but I am scared of uterine cancer.  Maybe I stop this cancer drug and live with quality of life rather than quantity of life.

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    edited August 2017 #16
    leaving AIs

    I have been on Femara for almost three months. Joint pain is unbearable. calcification of tendons and many other problems. Considering Tamoxifen but I am scared of uterine cancer.  Maybe I stop this cancer drug and live with quality of life rather than quantity of life.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #17
    Mariangel43 said:

    leaving AIs

    I have been on Femara for almost three months. Joint pain is unbearable. calcification of tendons and many other problems. Considering Tamoxifen but I am scared of uterine cancer.  Maybe I stop this cancer drug and live with quality of life rather than quantity of life.

    AI's

    This thread is helpful, but it looks like we just have to do trial and error to see what works for us. I will try what the MO recommends and see how it goes. Looks like there is not one AI that works better than the others for most people. This is tough stuff. It seems a lot. Of women discontinue the AI's before the 5 years. 

  • 626warrior
    626warrior Member Posts: 4
    #18
    Ive been taking Arimidex for

    Ive been taking Arimidex for 2.5 weeks and started feeling joint pain, fatigue and insomnia within 2 days of being on it. Ive taken 50mgs of Tramadol (pain meds left over from mastectomy) and have also tried CBD topical cream on hands, knees and toes and it has significantly helped curb the pain. Will be trying Tumeric tea next to see if it helps with joint pain too so I can stop taking pain pill. I use CBD oil (a few drops under my tongue) to combat insomnia and body aches. i talked to my oncologist about what I've done to manage side effects and she feels i should switch to 2.5mgs letrozole. Im reading good and bad things about Letrozole and I'm weary about switching up so soon especially since I feel I'm getting a handle on my side effects. I'm also not looking forward to hair loss (letrozole side effect) now that my hair is finally starting to grow back. Anyhoo- I wanted to share what's worked for me with all of my pink sisters in hopes you find this useful In managing similar side effects. Stay strong!!

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #19
    Arimedex?

    626Warrior, doesn't Arimedex cause hair loss. I share your concern about further hair loss and about to start Letrozole. I wonder how the MOs decide which AI to put us on.

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    #20
    Starting Evista

    Pain is unbearable.  My MO changed me to Evista.  I asked my family physician to give me a low anticoagulant drug to reduce the risk of embolisms and thrombosis.  I have to check the cancer antigens before making a new decision.  Have nice dreams.

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #21
    HapB said:

    Arimedex?

    626Warrior, doesn't Arimedex cause hair loss. I share your concern about further hair loss and about to start Letrozole. I wonder how the MOs decide which AI to put us on.

    I think so...

    My hair is thinner on top. 

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