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

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

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

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

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

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.