Arimidex ( what's your experience)

Hi LMK74, I've been on Anastrazole,(arimidex),  the FBM brand. Profits go to breast cancer research and network. I take mine in the morning like Jane. Almost 12 months. Yes my joints hurt, not constantly, I'm very very stiff in the morning or after sitting for more than 20 mins. I'm seeing a physio about that. I have put on weight but I can't blame it entirely on the drugs. More on 'rewarding' myself with naughty foods far too often! Plus I have struggled to be as active as I was so the weight has stayed. My bone density has gone from osteopenia to osteoporosis. So that's not good but I was destined for this to happen due to genetics. I was post menopausal when diagnosed, hot flushes have stopped (yay), I just keep myself as cool as possible. I work full time and am on my feet running around all day, on concrete. As Jane said everyone is different. They all have draw backs just find the one that's best for you and remember the good reasons you are on it if that helps . Janine xo

Hello @LMK74, I’ve been taking Arimidex for 16 months and have been lucky not to experience many side effects though I was so anxious at first!  I take mine in the morning along with my pile of vitamins and minerals. I am carrying an extra 4kg which I put on post op in August 16 and haven’t really dropped them but know I could with effort!  I was already post menopausal when diagnosed.  I stopped HRT at that time so my hot flushes have returned.  They are not a problem and have lessened over the past 16 months. I get a couple a night where I kick the quilt on and off, and maybe one a day but definitely manageable.
So many ladies say exercise is the key and I couldn’t agree more.  I notice it’s harder for me to squat down and I’m also a bit stiff in the ankles first think in the morning but it soon passes once I get moving.
My big concern is bone density with is crap as my GP put it.  All my exercise and calcium/vitamin D taking is not helping. I am off to the oncologist next week to see what type of drug he has in mind for me.
Remember we all react differently to drugs so I am hoping you will cope well.  All the best.
Jane xx

Dear LMK74, Have a look at Joannie's post from Oct 16th headed 'Arimidex - morning or evening'. There are lots of replies which you will find helpful.
 I have been taking Arianna 1, which, like Arimidex, is a form of Anastrozole 1mg for six days now. For me so far so good, with one episode of stiff ankle joints which lasted about 1 hour. I was hobbling around.
I was diagnosed in May, and had surgery in June, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Really hoping I settle in to the hormone treatment OK , and am hoping to return to work part time in the New Year.
Best wishes from JennySS