Anastrozole

Lighthouse_7 said:

I hesitate to answer since
I hesitate to answer since most women (and rightly so) are on these meds. I feel my honesty shouldn't get me in trouble though.
I have chosen not to take these meds because of side effects.
God bless you with your decision. It is very personal.
Hugs,
Wanda

I am so sorry you are having these issues
I have been on Arimidex (the generic, actually) since July '10. Up to now, I do have joint pain mostly in my feet and legs. I usually notice it after I've been sitting or sleeping for a while. After I get up and move around, it gets better.

I also have trouble sleeping--but I don't know if it's because of this drug or not. Another thing I'm experiencing is weight gain--but, once again--is it the drug or just my new metabolism?

Since I am only a little over a year into this, I'm willing to keep on this drug, but I am ever watchful of any new side effects. Right now, I want it's protection and will stay on it.

As we've all said, everyone is different. I'm glad you've reported your experiences. We all need to be as informed as possible and sometimes this forum tells me much more than the doctors!

Hang in there,
Hugs, Renee

Thankfully
I've not experienced the side effects---at least not yet and it's been just over a year.
Sometimes my fingers hurt and not badly, but I attribute that to perhaps early arthritis.
I've been unemployed since December and I know that attributes to the few pounds I put on ;(
not to mention I feel like my whole life has been one big diet.While I don't like taking pharmaceuticals,there's nothing out there done on a head to head basis that can take it's place. I know that I've been eating bushels of green beans,shitake mushrooms and walnuts because of their high anti-cancer fighters.Muscadine grapes too, if you can find them--although I can get them more readily fermented.

mcp21 said:

Anastrozole
Thanks to all of you. All comments help. I must admit, I am just as afraid of the side effects as the cancer returning. The swelling really scares me, making me think it is affecting my heart. Cindy, are you swelling too? Didn't know it can cause weight gain. Thats explained now. Thanks Again!

The swelling is different
The swelling is different than the weight gain. I am planning on hiking more to help with both I hope. I am just waiting for school to start as my 7 year old grand daughter slows me down at the trails. (having to carry her on the up hill parts!) I don't see my oncologist till sept 20th then we can go over everything. I am hoping my system levels out once it gets used to it. We shall see.

I was on it
I was on Arimidex (7 months), Anastrozole (3 months), and Femara (28 days).

My side effects to Anastrozole were: (1) pain in right heel and lower portion of ankle was "sore" where I needed physical therapy again. (2) both knee caps had pain (3) woke up numerous times during the night because of the pain in knees (4) i waddled when I walked...did not have normal gait. I was beginning to think that I was a penguin. (5) started skin rash on torso again but immediately applied topical cream and rash disappeared

Lots of Hugs,
Janelle

mcp
I have been on Anastrozole (generic Arimidex) since Jan 11. I have a bit more arthritis pain and my hot flashes are definitely not fun, I worry about my bones but you won't hear me telling my onc that I don't want to take it anymore. It's a personal thing - I don't want a recurrence.
{{hugs}} Char

I have taken anastrozole for seven months with unfortunately multiple side effects. Some I can take in stride, but others are severe. The two that bother me most led me to seek consultation with other doctors. I have not seen these side effects mentioned except as rare ones in multiple studies in JAMA, NIH, etc.

One is multiple severe overheating with dizziness, fainting and rapid heart rates, regardless of the activity. My cardiologist did an extensive study, with various tests ruling out everything, but the fact that I was dehydrated which was possibly contributing to rapid heart rates. Unfortunately, no amount of electrolytes or water mitigated the rapid heart rates.

Before the breast cancer diagnosis, I exercised regularly and lifted weights. About 2 months into taking the anastrozole, I lost range of motion in my right arm with sharp pain running down my shoulder to my wrist and sometimes up to my neck. The doctor seemed to lean towards carpal tunnel syndrome. An in depth study is pending.

I temporarily stopped taking the anastrozole to see if it was contributing to these two very quality of life limiting symptoms. Two weeks later, no more rapid heart rates (still having minor hot flashes) and range of motion along with pain in shoulder and arm have diminished substantially. I managed the gym this week with light workout.

I have an appointment scheduled to consult again with oncologist for a way forward. Just curious, if anyone else has had this experience.

I can handle some aches and pains, losing hair, and being hot a few times each day. Not being able to even stand up due to overheating and rapid heart rates ruled out going for a walk, driving, or going to the gym. Losing my right arm function meant not being able to bake or cook meals, giving up gardening and art. I am sorry for the length of my post. I am struggling to figure out how to cope. Terrible to decide what path to take. (BTW, I am also a 20 year survivor of a leiomyosarcoma as well the new IDC breast cancer diagnosis.)

Hi, I joined this forum on my wife’s behalf. She started on Letrozole a year and a half ago. She switched to Anastrozole 6 months ago due to the side effects including hair loss, painful trigger finger, fatigue, severe joint pain and heart palpitations. Her white blood cell count was a little low before her double mastectomy, but it continues to drop on these aromatase inhibitors. She has made the decision to stop these medications based on her quality of life. 5 year’s minimum with the possibility of 10 on these meds was too much. We’ve decided to try the natural, healthy way. No sugar, alcohol, and lots of cruciferous veggies. Curcumin, lycopene are good too. Just google natural aromtase inhibitors and you’ll get a long list of healthy options. Good luck and God bless everyone in this situation.

The side effects of the drug are very scary and debilitating at times. I have found Veozah to be a game changer with the night sweats. You do have to monitor kidney function while you are on it. I couldn't function with the horrific night sweats so it was a choice I made. I am using some natural supplements that have worked very well for me in managing pain. My bone density is good but I am bone on bone in my left hip. I have been this way for around a year now and just recently the pain has increased. I can't say if it is the anastrozole, chemo or just aging that is causing this. I am only 59. I will continue with my supplements and increase the one I use for pain and see if that makes a difference.

Back to say that I got an infection, but not 1 year out. Actually, it was 1 day after rad treatments. I got MRSA. It put me in the hospital. I also have been getting sharp pains in my cancer breast, but on the other side of the lump. I have had the pains for at least a week now.