Forum Discussion

Zan's avatar
Zan
Member
4 years ago

Back pains from Arimidex

Hi my friends,
After 4 and half years of taking Arimidex recently I am having bad side effects of back pains and because of pain can't cope having sleepless nights.
Even Panadol is not helping. Please advice me if by switching to another brand of Aromatase inhibitors Femara or exemestane will not cause severe pains?
  • Zan's avatar
    Zan
    Member
    4 years ago
    @Julez1958 You are absolutely right it is worth trying another Al.
    I will be starting to see an exercise physiologist in two weeks time and for now doing some weight bearing exercises following on youtube. Exercise give me much relief from my pains and it seems exercise is the best solution. As I have also lost some bone density.
    With best wishes & love
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    4 years ago
    @Zan I have been on  Letrazole ( Femara )  for 10 months and after a bit of joint pain and hot flushes initially things have settled down.
    I am seeing an exercise physiologist and am pretty religious about doing my daily exercise and everything I have read and been told suggests that helps.
    I have read on here many ladies who have found changing to another AI has helped them , and even different brands of the same one so it seems worth contemplating.
  • Zan's avatar
    Zan
    Member
    4 years ago
    @ arpie Yes I had discussed switching meds with my oncologist but she also said that all Aromatase inhibitors have side effects of aches and pains. Although she gave me prescription for Femara on my request but I am not willing to switch. I am not willing to take Tamoxifen either as it has slight chance of recurrence than Al.
    Today I did some exercise and got much relief and it was because of your kind wishes.
    with best wishes& love

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 years ago
    Sorry to hear that @Zan .... When do you see your Onc next?  Can you make an appointment as soon as you can & discuss switching meds - tho Exemestane and Letrozole are known to cause aches & pains too.  :(  Tamoxifen is the only one that I haven't tried yet ..... 

     .... Also ask for a bone scan to make sure you're not losing bone density too & just overall 'checking' on your bone status ... I got checked last year when I had continual hip pain & got the all clear.

    Take care & I hope you can get some relief xx

  • Zan's avatar
    Zan
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi Afraser
    You are exactly right side effects vary from individual to individual and is best to discuss with my oncologist.
    Regards
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @Zan

    Unfortunately you can probably only tell if another type of AI is better for you by trying it. Side effects vary from individual to individual. I have been on Femara for nearly nine years and have no aches and pains whatsoever but lots of other people have had severe joint problems. I do have a couple of other side effects but no pain. Best to discuss with your oncologist and see if a switch improves things. Best wishes.