Arimidex.

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ppurdin
ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone.The new people don,t know me,but some of you do from awhile back.I finished treatments in Jan.I have been taking Arimidex since then.I have had a lot of pain and numbness in my hands and ankles.The Dr. wants me to stop taking it for two weeks.She said if it is the Arimidex it would stop by then.The pain is unbearable and wakes me up through the night.Have any of you had this problem.Also does any of the other Cancer pills come in generic.Someone told me that Femera was going to be.Thanks for any info i appriatte it. I also have my first mamo since Breast Cancer,I am scared out of my mind.Please Pray I get good results. God bless you. Pat.

Comments

  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #2
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    ♥ Hi Pat ♥
    I can't help you with hormone therapy drugs information Pat, as I am not taking any. I am very sorry that you are going thru this pain. I truly hope your oncologist can help you with that somehow. And, sending you big hugs and prayers for a clean mammo! I want to see you posting that YOU are dancing with NED! OK? </♥</font>

    Love, Jeanne ♥</♥</font>
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #3
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    Jeanne D said:

    ♥ Hi Pat ♥
    I can't help you with hormone therapy drugs information Pat, as I am not taking any. I am very sorry that you are going thru this pain. I truly hope your oncologist can help you with that somehow. And, sending you big hugs and prayers for a clean mammo! I want to see you posting that YOU are dancing with NED! OK? </♥</font>

    Love, Jeanne ♥</♥</font>

    Hi Pat
    I am very sorry for your pain and tough time with Arimidex. I as far I know Tamoxifen is generic. I heard that Arimidex will become generic in July. I have to start Arimidex in July, currently on Tamoxifen and do not have back and joints pain problems. Ask your doctor maybe Tamoxifen will be easy for you.
    hugs,
    New Flower
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #4
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    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear
    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear from you as it has been a while. I'm sorry you are experiencing joint pain from the Arimidex. I have been taking it since 1/23 and I think that is around the same time you started. I am only noticing a hot flash or two throughout the day. I do recall my onc saying that IF I got any of the side effects that they would usually subside within 6 months. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. I, too, have my first mammo next month and am getting a little apprehensive but I can't wait to hear you are NED. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and me. Take care.
  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #5
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    MyTurnNow said:

    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear
    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear from you as it has been a while. I'm sorry you are experiencing joint pain from the Arimidex. I have been taking it since 1/23 and I think that is around the same time you started. I am only noticing a hot flash or two throughout the day. I do recall my onc saying that IF I got any of the side effects that they would usually subside within 6 months. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. I, too, have my first mammo next month and am getting a little apprehensive but I can't wait to hear you are NED. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and me. Take care.

    uh-oh
    I'm starting Arimidex the end of this month. Scary to hear about these side effects. I hope you get relief and I will keep your upcoming mammo in my thoughts. I want to see your next post be "dancing with NED."

    Good luck,
    Victoria
  • starr50
    starr50 Member Posts: 2
    #6
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    Arimidex
    I was put on Arimidex in Sept of 09, was on it for six months and was switched to Femara because I could hardly walk on my feet it affected the joints in my toes which caused me to tear a ligament which I am still healing from. My Onc said to stop taking for 6 weeks and see if my feet were better. I go back next week to see her but still having trouble with my feet but not as bad. I'm not sure what she'll put me on next. Good luck!
  • Miss Murphy
    Miss Murphy Member Posts: 302
    #7
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    starr50 said:

    Arimidex
    I was put on Arimidex in Sept of 09, was on it for six months and was switched to Femara because I could hardly walk on my feet it affected the joints in my toes which caused me to tear a ligament which I am still healing from. My Onc said to stop taking for 6 weeks and see if my feet were better. I go back next week to see her but still having trouble with my feet but not as bad. I'm not sure what she'll put me on next. Good luck!

    Oh the joys of AI drugs
    I took Femara and then Arimidex for about 16 months total - had severve muscle and joint pain at night. Seemed like the symptoms got worse over time rather than better. Last Fall my onc put me on Tamoxifen and while it's not perfect either, at least I'm sleeping better at night. Tamoxifen is generic. The other two drugs aren't but I think Femara will be by summer and maybe the Arimidex as well. There are lots on this board who do just fine on the AI drugs.

    I understand your fears about a mamogram but think positive thoughts. My last one was digital and I was in and out of the center in like 10 minutes. Hang in there. Hugs.
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #8
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    MyTurnNow said:

    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear
    Hi, Pat, it's good to hear from you as it has been a while. I'm sorry you are experiencing joint pain from the Arimidex. I have been taking it since 1/23 and I think that is around the same time you started. I am only noticing a hot flash or two throughout the day. I do recall my onc saying that IF I got any of the side effects that they would usually subside within 6 months. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. I, too, have my first mammo next month and am getting a little apprehensive but I can't wait to hear you are NED. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and me. Take care.

    Sorry Pat that you are
    Sorry Pat that you are having these problems. It sounds terrible. Good luck to you on it and praying for a clean mammo for you!


    Sue :)
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #9
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    Dear PPurdin
    I will be starting Armidex in June. I just started radiation tx. My medical onc warned me of the possible joint and muscle pain. I am so sorry you have to deal with such misery. I am keeping you in my thoughts for good results on your Mammo. Hope your doc has another medication that does not cause you such pain. Keep us posted.
    Hugs, Kay
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #10
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    What the Nurse Practioner Knew Might Help
    My nurse practioner at Johns Hopkins told me I just may be Vitamin D3 deficient when I had joint pain with one of the aromatase inhibitors. I told her "No Way!". After all, I was already taking calcium supplements with D3, three glasses of milk each day fortified with vitamin D, and a Daily multi with D. I also am an active person that got outside a fair amount.

    But the pain in my feet was bad enough that I went in for the blood test anyhow. Sure enough, I was low enough to qualify for prescription strength Vitamin D3. And in 2 days the pain disappeared. It turns out that many of us cancer survivors are D deficient and vitamin D controls inflamation. Even being moderately low may be a problem. They(my cancer docs) want me to be on the high end of normal just to prevent reoccurances. My primary care physician still thinks the multi alone is sufficient. According to the bottle it is. According to my feet and the cancer research, it isn't.

    If you haven't checked your level but want to stay on the arimidex, it is worth a look-see.
    Good luck!
  • jphilpo
    jphilpo Member Posts: 177
    #11
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    cabbott said:

    What the Nurse Practioner Knew Might Help
    My nurse practioner at Johns Hopkins told me I just may be Vitamin D3 deficient when I had joint pain with one of the aromatase inhibitors. I told her "No Way!". After all, I was already taking calcium supplements with D3, three glasses of milk each day fortified with vitamin D, and a Daily multi with D. I also am an active person that got outside a fair amount.

    But the pain in my feet was bad enough that I went in for the blood test anyhow. Sure enough, I was low enough to qualify for prescription strength Vitamin D3. And in 2 days the pain disappeared. It turns out that many of us cancer survivors are D deficient and vitamin D controls inflamation. Even being moderately low may be a problem. They(my cancer docs) want me to be on the high end of normal just to prevent reoccurances. My primary care physician still thinks the multi alone is sufficient. According to the bottle it is. According to my feet and the cancer research, it isn't.

    If you haven't checked your level but want to stay on the arimidex, it is worth a look-see.
    Good luck!

    pain
    This is really interesting to me!! I have been on Femara for 3 months and have had feet and joint pain, especially in the morning when I get out of bed or have been sitting for a while. I see my onc. next week and will ask about the vitamin D prescription.

    Thanks
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #12
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    cabbott said:

    What the Nurse Practioner Knew Might Help
    My nurse practioner at Johns Hopkins told me I just may be Vitamin D3 deficient when I had joint pain with one of the aromatase inhibitors. I told her "No Way!". After all, I was already taking calcium supplements with D3, three glasses of milk each day fortified with vitamin D, and a Daily multi with D. I also am an active person that got outside a fair amount.

    But the pain in my feet was bad enough that I went in for the blood test anyhow. Sure enough, I was low enough to qualify for prescription strength Vitamin D3. And in 2 days the pain disappeared. It turns out that many of us cancer survivors are D deficient and vitamin D controls inflamation. Even being moderately low may be a problem. They(my cancer docs) want me to be on the high end of normal just to prevent reoccurances. My primary care physician still thinks the multi alone is sufficient. According to the bottle it is. According to my feet and the cancer research, it isn't.

    If you haven't checked your level but want to stay on the arimidex, it is worth a look-see.
    Good luck!

    I have heard that arimedex
    I have heard that arimedex does this. My mom said she got every side effect and then it got better after a few months. doctors at Dana Farber give glutamine for chemo induced joint and muscle pain. maybe that could help
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181 Member
    #13
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    Arimidex
    Thanks everyone for your replys.The post about the vitamin D is really interesting.When I went to the dr. they did blood work.They did not check me for vitamin D.They over looked it.So I am wondering if that may be causing pain.When i ask the cancer dr. nurse about it,she told me to go ahead and take vitamin d to make sure.But I thought I wanted to make sure I needed it before I took it.I don,t go back for blood work until Aug.I may have her order the blood work again.I will let you know how it goes.Now the pain in my hands is almost unbearable.My Ankles hurt but not as bad as my hands.Thanks again. Love and Prayers. Pat.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #14
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    ppurdin said:

    Arimidex
    Thanks everyone for your replys.The post about the vitamin D is really interesting.When I went to the dr. they did blood work.They did not check me for vitamin D.They over looked it.So I am wondering if that may be causing pain.When i ask the cancer dr. nurse about it,she told me to go ahead and take vitamin d to make sure.But I thought I wanted to make sure I needed it before I took it.I don,t go back for blood work until Aug.I may have her order the blood work again.I will let you know how it goes.Now the pain in my hands is almost unbearable.My Ankles hurt but not as bad as my hands.Thanks again. Love and Prayers. Pat.

    Wishing you good luck with
    Wishing you good luck with your mammo Pat.
  • vanashell
    vanashell Member Posts: 2
    #15
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    Hi,
    I have been taking
    Hi,

    I have been taking Arimidex since November 2009. I talked to my oncologist two weeks ago and she said the pain that I was experiencing was from the Arimidex. She gave 800 motrin because I do not want to take pain killers such as loratab. I have hurt so bad the last three days, I have considered stopping the treatment. I can't imagine 5 years of this pain. My hands are tingling and my ankles, feet, toes, wrist and thighs are in severe pain. My thighs hurt so bad to raise my legs last night. I could not sleep either. I will be seeing my oncologist for my herceptin on the 27th. I will be asking her to help me find another treatment. If you hear of some new information, I would like to hear it.

    Vanashell
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181 Member
    #16
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    vanashell said:

    Hi,
    I have been taking
    Hi,

    I have been taking Arimidex since November 2009. I talked to my oncologist two weeks ago and she said the pain that I was experiencing was from the Arimidex. She gave 800 motrin because I do not want to take pain killers such as loratab. I have hurt so bad the last three days, I have considered stopping the treatment. I can't imagine 5 years of this pain. My hands are tingling and my ankles, feet, toes, wrist and thighs are in severe pain. My thighs hurt so bad to raise my legs last night. I could not sleep either. I will be seeing my oncologist for my herceptin on the 27th. I will be asking her to help me find another treatment. If you hear of some new information, I would like to hear it.

    Vanashell

    Arimidex
    Vanshell,hi I feel your pain.my hands are the worst pain.my ankles hurt but not as bad.Like you I don,t think i could take this pain very much longer.I stopped it 5days ago.My hands are feeling The last two nights I have slept all night.wow.I love it.Take care.I would call my Dr. and let them know how bad you are hurting.God Bless you.Pat.
  • Quiltngal
    Quiltngal Member Posts: 12
    #17
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    ppurdin said:

    Arimidex
    Vanshell,hi I feel your pain.my hands are the worst pain.my ankles hurt but not as bad.Like you I don,t think i could take this pain very much longer.I stopped it 5days ago.My hands are feeling The last two nights I have slept all night.wow.I love it.Take care.I would call my Dr. and let them know how bad you are hurting.God Bless you.Pat.

    arimidex/vit D
    THANK YOU THANK YOU for the information on Vitamin D3... I did not know that Vit D helps. I have Firbro issues and now on Arimidex...must get that Vit D test.

    I appreciate finding such helpful information and support on this site.
  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490 Member
    #18
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    cabbott said:

    What the Nurse Practioner Knew Might Help
    My nurse practioner at Johns Hopkins told me I just may be Vitamin D3 deficient when I had joint pain with one of the aromatase inhibitors. I told her "No Way!". After all, I was already taking calcium supplements with D3, three glasses of milk each day fortified with vitamin D, and a Daily multi with D. I also am an active person that got outside a fair amount.

    But the pain in my feet was bad enough that I went in for the blood test anyhow. Sure enough, I was low enough to qualify for prescription strength Vitamin D3. And in 2 days the pain disappeared. It turns out that many of us cancer survivors are D deficient and vitamin D controls inflamation. Even being moderately low may be a problem. They(my cancer docs) want me to be on the high end of normal just to prevent reoccurances. My primary care physician still thinks the multi alone is sufficient. According to the bottle it is. According to my feet and the cancer research, it isn't.

    If you haven't checked your level but want to stay on the arimidex, it is worth a look-see.
    Good luck!

    I have been on Arimidex
    I have been on Arimidex since January. The only side affect I have is some slight ankle swelling which goes down overnight. I have been taking Vitamin D3 since December, TWICE a day, plus I take Magnasium Oxide 400 mgs TWICE a day since December Plus I also take a Multi-vitamin Centrum. Also I chew two Viactive a day. I mostly need these suplements because I have Celiac Disease. Found that out in early December of last year after hernia surgery. I had a lumpectomy in July of 09. Was on RADS for 6 weeks starting 3rd week in October. Other than that, I'm doing well.
  • carmadi
    carmadi Member Posts: 2
    #19
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    I had terrible side effects
    I had terrible side effects in my feet/hands from arimidex........my onco put me back on tamoxofin which only cause minor hot flashes........100% better now....so Im sure its side effects your having from the meds..........good luck!!!!!
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #20
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    Hi Pat, I've been taking
    Hi Pat, I've been taking Arimidex for 18 months now. I don't have pain in my hands, just stiffness. I have pain in my shoulder joints that is worse at night. When I consider the alternative, I decide to stay on the AI. Hope the vitamin D works for you. xoxoxox Lynn
  • Gemini777
    Gemini777 Member Posts: 4
    #21
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    Arimidex
    Hi Pat--I'm new to this chat but wanted to share my story. I was diagnosed in the early stages of breast cancer in February, 2009, had surgery, April 28, followed by 7 weeks of radiation which began on June 2, 2009. I have been on Arimidex since October, 2009. It seems that not long after taking it--I began to feel stiffness in my hands--but I sort of expected this as it was listed as one of the side affects. I take Caltrate--it contains 600 vitamin D, a multivitamin with D, and try to really eat foods high in vitamin D and drink milk with my cereal and eat lots of yogurt. I also find that stretching and squeezing one of those rubber foam balls at night also makes a big difference in reducing stiffness in my hands in the morning and I try to do this throughout the day. I am hopeful this will be the most severe side effect that I experience, thus, I will try my best to get through the treatment for the 5 year period. I was told by a nurse at one of the Cancer hotlines that while uncomfortable, if you are experiencing hot flashes--this means the Arimidex is working because it blocks estrogen. I know it's hard but please try not to worry about the mammo. I will keep you in my prayers and know that you will be well.

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