I wish I had found this forum earlier - so much strength out there with all you wonderful women on the same journey. When I was diagnosed I knew nothing about breast cancer. What an unwelcome learning curve we have all gone through. But the positive is that we can share and help others.I had a left nipple sparing mastectomy 6 weeks ago with an immediate implant reconstruction. Fortunately the IDC was slow growing and not big - margins and lymph nodes clear. No chemo or radiation but I am E+ P+ and on Arimidex for the next 5 yrs at least.So far no side effects from Arimidex (only 10 days in) but I would really appreciate any hints and tips to help when they do kick in.When will that happen? Weeks, months??I no longer think I am bullet proof and expect to get my share of the problems that come with this drug.I'm taking a high dose compounding D3 capsule weekly (apparently a few of my bones are a lot older then me!) and B12 injection every couple of months. My GP believes these vitamins plus vit. C should balance out some of the side effects. Also looking at getting a compounding Calcium capsule to help with bone density. Have heard a bit about glucosamine too.So much is taken out of our control in beating this disease. I just feel I want to get a head start in doing what I can to reduce the side effects of Arimidex.Wishing you all the best, may every day be brighter than the last.Jane x

Hi Jane I have been on arimidex for about 10 months and suffer from terrible joint pain. I take panadol osteo, glucosamine, caltrate and vitamin d. I was on tomaxifan for a few months and was quite anxious,and short tempered ( my husband said this) I feel better in myself on the arimidex we are all differnent. I hope you don't get to many side effects

Hi Jane,I concur with Rowdy sorry, Ive been on Arimidex 9 months and I suffer shocking joint pain, it doesnt help I don't think as its coupled with Chemo side effects and my Oncologist doesnt know which is which hmmm....I also have taken Panadol Osteo since last year through Chemo and cannot go a day without it. I also take Vit D daily and Vit C. Unfortunately Chemo, early menopause and Arimidex weakened my bones, I now have Osteoporosis in my spine, so 2 prolia injections a year. Not sure why but I had a recurrence and have to have a mastectomy with Diep flap recon, so no nipple sparing and no implant, I guess they figure get rid of every part of that breast. I also had a small tumor, and clear lymph nodes ER+ only..so am guessing as its a recurrence in 4yrs. Im actually finding the feet/leg pain horrendous and am now at the point of having to stop working for a while 9 months on after chemo. It sucks!!!! Im cancer free but want my life back...Hugs Melinda

thanks so much Rowdy and Melinda. Yep, I figured the joint pain was going to be the killer. I also heard that Tamoxifen caused mood swings, so I guess that's one plus with Arimidex. I'll keep Panadol Osteo in mind.Melinda, I had an early natural menopause so a lot of the expected side effects from Arimidex will be business as usual for me! But it has left me with some osteopenia. My spine is good but I have a reduction in bone density in my left hip. My oncologist did suggest bi annual injections depending on my next bone density scan. It doesn't seem fair does it - to go through so much beating the cancer then having ongoing pain to stay healthy.Sending you both a hug and hope you have a good week. Jane x

Jane,I didnt have any side effects on Tamoxifen for 4yrs that Im aware of, I certainly didnt feel like I do on Arimidex. Joint pain is the only thing I notice though, as in no other side effects. Hot flushes I was getting through Chemo thanks to the early menopause and still do, but not to do with Arimidex. I plan on doing as Im told, BUT am doing heaps of research and if I can get off it in the next few years I will. Doesnt seem fair at all, and interesting how you look at it really, I was never sick or unwell but I had Breast Cancer twice?? and different treatments both times, yet am only unwell due to treatments. Certainly makes you wonder. What a journey!!! If you have to have the injections, theyre ok, I was muscle sore all weekend but been ok after that. They are expensive though if you are under 70uuuugh. Just see how you go. :)

Hi Jane I have been taking Arimidex since February. I have found it better to take it at night and have noticed fewer side effects during the day.regards Jane xx

Arimidex - how to lessen the side effects?

30 Replies

Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
thank you Melinda. Let's hope your Kinesiologist finds what you need to help your pain. Joint pain is so debilitating and really affects quality of life especially having already gone through other cancer treatment. I promised myself I would never say "why me" or "it's not fair", but pain from a drug which is helping us remain cancer free just isn't fair!!! Have a restful and happy weekend. x
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Jane, my kinesiologist said magnesium is cumulative so it takes like 3 months to get the levels right up in the body. I tried taking Arimidex at night but no difference. Joint pain is horrendous and Oncologist wasn't helpful. So will get back to my Kinesiologist as she's the only one that's helped symptoms
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Hazel, thank you for taking the time to post. I'm really sorry that you have been badly effected by Arimidex and hope you do find an alternative. It doesn't seem right that after having gone through breast cancer the drug helping keep us cancer free brings us so much distress. Do you remember how long after taking Arimidex your joint pain started? Sending you a hug Hazel. Jane x
Hazel_M
Member
9 years ago
Hi, I have been on Arimidex for a little over 2 years. I am waiting for my next appointment with Oncologist in January to see what alternatives there are. When prescribed Arimidex I was told I would feel like an old woman, I scoffed because at 54 at the time I thought I felt old anyway. Well, when I get up in the morning I feel like I would imagine an 85 yr old would feel! I take panadol osteo, Vit D, Calcium and have 2 prolia injections a year. I work part time and once I get moving I'm ok, but It's really getting me down. I know all drugs come with their own side effects, but I really shouldn't feel this sore.
Hope you are doing well, Jane, xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
thanks very much for the link to the booklet Lisa. I wasn't aware there was so much reading material available on the site :)
BCNA provides such wonderful support for all of us. Jane x
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Cate, glad to hear you have also been lucky with a lack of side effects from Arimidex. We certainly are lucky. I'm not game to change any of the vitamins I am taking or deviate from my morning pill popping routine in case I cause a change. I figure the more preventative measures we can take the better so I'm interested to see the effects of the magnesium. Hope you continue to do well on Arimidex Cate. Jane x
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Really appreciate all the info you have given on magnesium Melinda. I bought the powder form yesterday so will start taking it tonight. I struck a vitamin specialist in the pharmacy who suggested I take it 15 minutes before going to bed as it also aids sleeping. Bit of luck it will help me sleep through the nightly hot flush quilt toss! I truly hope you find the magic remedy that gives you some relief from your Arimidex pain. Wishing you a lovely weekend. Jane x (yes, lots of middle names are Jane. Not so common as a first name, though I see there are a couple of us in this forum - and another Jane Elizabeth too!!)
Lisa_BCNA
Member
9 years ago
Hi Jane,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. I just wanted to jump in and let you know about BCNA's free booklet Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer. The booklet contains suggestions and tips from women affected by breast cancer about what helped them manage some of the side effects (pages 8 to 15). If you'd like to have a look, you can download the booklet on our website (https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/order-bcna-information-booklets/) or order a hard copy by calling us on 1800 500 258.

Best wishes,
Lisa
Cate64
Member
9 years ago
@melclarity, thanks Melinda I will check it out, have briefly online & will make sure i get one without soy in its ingredient list, will spend some time reading them in the healthfood shop...

Cate
Lisa_BCNA
Member
9 years ago
Hi Jane,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. I just wanted to jump in and let you know about BCNA's free booklet Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer. The booklet contains suggestions and tips from women affected bywith breast cancer about what helped them manage some of the side effects (pages 8 to 15). If you'd like to have a look, you can download the booklet here or order a hard copy by calling us on 1800 500 258.

Best wishes,
Lisa