ARIMIDEX (ANOSTROZOLE) QUESTION

mopar
mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hi Everyone:

I've been on the Anostrozole (1mg daily) for about 2 months now.  Side affects for me have been massive weight gain, painful joints, occasional headaches, just to name a few.  Before I started taking it the doctor said the side effects are 'temporary' and subside after 6 months or so.  I am all for sticking things out, and I am not a cry-baby.  What bothers me most is the weight gain, as it is mostly around the mid-section.  So it seems bizzarre that a drug that is supposed to inhibit estrogen production would create fat around the midsection, which is a tell-tail sign of estrogen build-up in women.  Not to mention that despite my perfect eating/exercise habits, nothing is changing, and I don't find this particular healthy or comfortable.

I see her next week, and I'm seriously considering saying, 'I'm not going to take this anymore'.  Just wanted to get some feedback, and find out if any of you have declined this treatment (which is for my breast cancer which is in remission!).  I know there are other types of meds, but most have a blood-clot risk.  And quite frankly, I don't think the side effects would be any less prominent.  Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated!

(((HUGS))) to you All!

Monika

Comments

  • taiga
    taiga Member Posts: 75 Member
    #2
    Arimidex

    I've been on this drug for 2 years - also due to my breast cancer diagnosis in 2011.  I had bad joint pain in my knees and fingers, but it did go away.  I occasionally have hip pain for a day or two or random bone/muscle pain that doesn't last.  No weight gain though.  I have the depression side effect - or maybe it's from being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010 and breast canver in 2011 - LOL.  You might talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication.  Mine said if the symptoms got too bad, I'd go off the Arimidex for a couple week, then start one of the other estrogren suppressors.  

  • scatsm
    scatsm Member Posts: 296 Member
    #3
    I've been on Arimidex for a year and a half.

    Also for breast cancer diagnosed 6 months after ending chemo for ovarian. At first, I had hot flashes and some joint pain. It went away and I haven't noticed anything for about a year. I did gain a lot of weight and it's also around the middle, but I think that is common after debulking surgery. My breast cancer was triple positive, ergo Her-Neu positive, so I will take the Arimidex for the 5 years recommended.I hope things get easier for yu. From what I've read on the breast cancer boards, all the anti-hormonals cause side effects that vary wildly from person to person. Being in a recurrence right now from Ovarian and taking gemzar/carbo/Avastin, I'll take Arimidex any day!

  • seatown
    seatown Member Posts: 261 Member
    #4
    My Arimidex experience

    I took Arimidex for 3 months at the beginning of this year. I gained weight during that time, but I was not careful about my diet & thought that was the cause. I didn't notice any of the other symptoms you mention, but I've had rheumatoid arthritis for 45 years & therefore am well used to joint pain. I have primary peritoneal cancer, which is treated similarly to ovarian cancer; and the idea was to give me a "chemo holiday". The hope was that Arimidex would preclude a further rise in the benchmark CA125 tumor marker, but Arimidex did not have that effect & I am now back on traditional chemo with good results after just two infusions. 

    Hope you find something that works for you without undesirable side effects.

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #5
    Monika, sorry you're having side effects

    I haven't taken Arimidex. Quite the opposite, I have been taking daily estrogen (oral and vaginal Premarin) since my hysterectomy 1.5 years ago and 6 months ago I also added topical Testosteron.

    I found website with Arimidex user reviews http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/rxlist_view_comments.asp?drug=arimidex&questionid=fdb4511_pem and from the looks of it others are having similar issues and many quit taking it.

     

    Hugs and best wishes,

    Alexandra

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #6
    Alexandra said:

    Monika, sorry you're having side effects

    I haven't taken Arimidex. Quite the opposite, I have been taking daily estrogen (oral and vaginal Premarin) since my hysterectomy 1.5 years ago and 6 months ago I also added topical Testosteron.

    I found website with Arimidex user reviews http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/rxlist_view_comments.asp?drug=arimidex&questionid=fdb4511_pem and from the looks of it others are having similar issues and many quit taking it.

     

    Hugs and best wishes,

    Alexandra

    YOU'RE ALL SUCH SWEETHEARTS!

    Thank you for the info and the encouraging words.  Just wanted to get feedback from the experts!  I'll take a look at the website, Alexandra, and make a decision in the next couple of weeks.  Statistically, they told me that the odds of recurrance in those that don't take it are 10%.  The odds of recurrance in those that do is 2%.   

    Thank you all again!

    Monika

     

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