Femara versus Arimidex
Been on Arimidex for 6 years had a month break and couldn’t deal with it again so oncologist said let’s try Femara just want to know how other people found this medication. My biggest issue with Arim...
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Hi @NatF
I have been on femara for over seven years - two side effects, vaginal atrophy and bone thinning. I have, after a looooong time, taken oestrogen cream for the former. It seems of course a contradiction, but the amount is minute (I take a maintenance dose, extremely small) and I am of an age when my natural oestrogen is declining even without hormonal blockers (and no, I had no problems before starting with femara). So on that front, seek advice on treatment sooner rather than later. Bone thinning is an acknowledged side effect, variable and it’s worth getting your bone density checked before you start, so you can tell if there is an impact. Mine was excellent before I started and is still above average for my age, but there has been some impact, even if I am not aware of it day to day. The most common side effects are joint pains and arthritis like symptoms, but I have had none of those. As with so much in cancer treatment, you really have to start and stick with it for a few months to know how it will affect you. As for sleeping, I am not the best sleeper in the world (predates bc by decades) but femara has certainly not made it any worse. For reasons I can’t comprehend, I am sleeping during a pandemic better than I have in years! Best wishes for another try!
I have been on femara for over seven years - two side effects, vaginal atrophy and bone thinning. I have, after a looooong time, taken oestrogen cream for the former. It seems of course a contradiction, but the amount is minute (I take a maintenance dose, extremely small) and I am of an age when my natural oestrogen is declining even without hormonal blockers (and no, I had no problems before starting with femara). So on that front, seek advice on treatment sooner rather than later. Bone thinning is an acknowledged side effect, variable and it’s worth getting your bone density checked before you start, so you can tell if there is an impact. Mine was excellent before I started and is still above average for my age, but there has been some impact, even if I am not aware of it day to day. The most common side effects are joint pains and arthritis like symptoms, but I have had none of those. As with so much in cancer treatment, you really have to start and stick with it for a few months to know how it will affect you. As for sleeping, I am not the best sleeper in the world (predates bc by decades) but femara has certainly not made it any worse. For reasons I can’t comprehend, I am sleeping during a pandemic better than I have in years! Best wishes for another try!