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Judi_Ann's avatar
Judi_Ann
Member
14 years ago

Femara/Arimidex

After taking Arimidex for 6 yrs, I suffered quite severe joint pain.  I stopped taking it on a trial basis for about 14 weeks and found my joints did improve.  My GP referred me to an onologist for a second opinion and he put me on Femara, which I have been taking for four weeks.  In that time, I have endured side effects such as sweating, day and night, but of more concern to me, has been difficulty breathing, swelling of feet and ankles, bloated abdomen, etc.  I am now beginning to think Arimidex might have been better for me - if the joint pain could be controlled.  I see the oncologist again tomorrow.  I had also been taking Actonel-Combi D for bones, but the oncologist mentioned that also causes something else (will check this with him tomorrow).  He has suggested annual infusions of Aclasta. I am wondering what side-effects others have endured with Femara and also whether anyone has had the infusions for improving joints.

Look forward to hearing other viewpoints.

4 Replies

  • Judi_Ann's avatar
    Judi_Ann
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hellio Cherry.

      I am now back on Arimidex after trying Femara and Aromasin - neither of which were suitable.I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.

    I hope you will have a nice Christmas and a healthier New Year - that goes for everyone.

     

  • Judi_Ann's avatar
    Judi_Ann
    Member
    14 years ago

    I noticed when reading older blogs about Zometa that one person was having the infusions monthly.  It is my understanding that the infusions for me are yearly.  Can anyone tell me if you're still on Zometa infusions and how often you have the infusions, plus any side-effects.  I'm due to start my first 'annual' (I think) infusion in two weeks time.  Meantime, the oncologist has changed me from Femara which I'd taken for 4wks with side-effects, to Aromasin, which I've had for 2 days.  Look forward to hearing.

  • Judi_Ann's avatar
    Judi_Ann
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hello Kym.  Thanks very much for your response.  Saw the oncologist today and after hearing about the Femara side effects I've been having, he's decided to try me on Aromasin, which I understand is similar to Arimidex and Femara.  I'll give it a go anyway.  Sitting here with hot flushes now - can't say I like this, when I thought I'd finished with all of the menopausal symptoms!  In two weeks time I go back and will have the infusion for my bones instead of the Actonel-Combi D which I take now, as that's supposed to cause something else too!  The infusion takes about 40 minutes and is Zometa, though the brochure the onc gave me was Aclasta.  I believe it's a once a year infusion, then I have to take Vit D tablets as well.  I've now been given pages of things to fill out as it's classed as a day procedure!  Side effects mentioned in the information are flu-like symptoms, raised temperature, sweats or chills, though they say these problems should resolve after a day or so and can be treated with paracetamol etc.  A more serious side effect could be osteonecrosis of the jaw of all things and can show up as a non-healing wound!  Oh dear.  Decided to see my GP later this week just to talk to her about it all.  I also had to have a blood test today, though not sure what for!  Do let me know how you progress with Femara, hot flushes, etc.  Good luck to you too and thanks for your wishes.  Judi

  • KymB's avatar
    KymB
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Judi Ann - I have recently changed from Tamoxifen to Femara and found that the hot flushes have returned for regular visits. (Just when I thought they were subsiding!)  No suggestion as yet about infusions of Aclasta, but that may come down the track.  I think it's great that you are going to talk with your Oncologist tomorrow and let him know what's going on for you.  Each time I see the Oncologist I have a list of questions written down.  Good luck with your appointment and ongoing treatment.  Cheers, Kym