Arimedex side effects

All of the aromatase inhibitors can cause joint pain, but each works a little differently.  My older sister seemed to have no problems with aromasin and my younger sister has had mild joint pain on femara.  I have had pretty bad joint pain off and on since right after tamoxifen in approximately 1994.  All the rheumatologist could tell me (after numerous tests) is that I had arthritis of unknown origin, possibly related to my thyroid disease.  I was about 40 then.  Anyway, you might give aromasin a try?

When my cancer recurred, I did arimidex, followed by faslodex for cancer mets.  My arthritis is worse now: I wear mainly running shoes or the like for severe arthritis in my right foot, my knees and feet burn (that is probably neuropathy) and my hands and shoulders often ache.  BTW, my onc did tell me that the aromatase inhibitors, such as arimidex, can have nasty side effects - especially joint pain.  Some of this could also be from the cancer.

One other thought, have your onc check your vitamin d level as increased joint pain while on arimidex may occur with low vitamin d levels: http://www.painmedicinenews.com/ViewArticle.aspx?d=Clinical%2BPain%2BMedicine&d_id=82&i=October+2012&i_id=897&a_id=21847

My vitamin d levels were very low so I was referred to an endocrinologist who gradually got them up to normal.  I think that did improve my pain.

I have suffered depression, but I think that is more cancer/stress related as that started before arimidex and reared its head again off of arimidex.

I have learned to manage over the years, as best I can, by taking low doses of pain meds, 1/2 dose lexapro and mild exercise.  Exercise (any movement such as walking) distributes joint fluid around your joints and acts as a sort of oiling can.  The less you move, the stiffer and more pain.  Moving is easier said than done when you hurt.  I aim for a slow walk of 1-2 miles a day and that helps a lot.

For constipation, fluids and prune juice help me the most.  Fiber tends to make me worse, I think because I am already eating a lot of fiber.  My problem is getting things moving, so to speak, and prune juice is a laxative (speeds up the gut and lubricates).  TMI...lol, but, forgive me, it is the NP in me.

I am battling with weight myself - especially getting IV steroids every 3 weeks indefinitely.  I try and eat less and move more, but haven't been entirely successful lately...lol.  That's always a battle, isn't it?!

Good luck and I hope you get some answers and help and that you are feeling better soon!!!  And I hope some of my rambling on helps.  Please keep us posted!!!

MrsBob said:

Hi! 
I also take Arimidex and

Hi! 

I also take Arimidex and I have joint and mucle aches and pains. I also feel like I have arthritis that is getting worse. However...I was feeling GREAT on Monday. I hadnt felt so good in a long time. It lasted til Thursday when I got my Xgeva shot for bone cancer. I started REALLY aching that evenimg and have felt horrible ever since. If i get feeling better by the time my next shot is due, i may decide to not get it anymore. 

Back to Arimidex: I have weight gain (@15 pds in one year ) i did have depression jan-march but better now, joint stiffness, and constipation. Walking does help all of those symptoms.

CypressCynthia: you are such a help and a blessing. I always apprecite your words :-)

 

Any of the bisphosphonates, such as Xgeva, can cause a flu-like syndrome.  Although I get many side effects, I never suffered that one.  My younger sister did though.  The good news is that it usually gets milder with time.  Not sure when you started Xgeva, but, hopefully, that will get better.

My approach has always been to figure out how to manage these side effects and keep going on therapy.  Not always easy though.  Hope you feel better soon!