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Hopes_and_Dream's avatar
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago

Arimidex - how to lessen the side effects?

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



side-effects

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  • JulieP's avatar
    JulieP
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi All,  I've been taking Arimidex now for 3 weeks.  I thought I'd done some damage through exercise as I'm experiencing really bad joint pain in my elbow but after reading this I think perhaps it's the tablet.  I wake every night around 2am and 4am super hot and occasionally really sweaty.  It's getting really hard to get through a working day being really tired from a) not sleeping and b) just general fatigue.
  • Hopes_and_Dream's avatar
    Hopes_and_Dream
    Member
    9 years ago
    thanks so much for the feedback Cate.   So good to hear that you have not suffered many side effects. 
    It is a relief to know that some women aren't too badly effected by Arimidex.  Fingers crossed, like you and Brissiegal, that I am one of the lucky ones.  Sounds like exercise is key to reducing the joint pain.   Hope you are doing well.

  • Cate64's avatar
    Cate64
    Member
    9 years ago
    Im with you Brissiegal, I have not suffered anything much from Arimidex, nor did I with AC Chemo.

    Im a runner & find the joint pain is there but not so bad it really bothers me much nor does it stop me running. I will try taking it at night to see if that makes a difference. 

    Otherwise its business as usual for me, I feel very lucky..
  • Brissiegal's avatar
    Brissiegal
    Member
    9 years ago
    I'm feeling fine.  Occasionally I get a bit hot , so I have to remember to dress cooler.
    Also my weight has been better since exercising and eating healthier.
    At first I had sore joints but As you know taking Arimidex at night solved my problems.

    Actually I feel SPECTACULAR
  • Hopes_and_Dream's avatar
    Hopes_and_Dream
    Member
    9 years ago
    thanks for letting me know Jane.  I wasn't sure when it was best to take it.  How are you feeling after taking it for 7 months?
    Hope you are doing well.
    Jane x
  • Brissiegal's avatar
    Brissiegal
    Member
    9 years ago
    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

  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    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. :) 
  • Hopes_and_Dream's avatar
    Hopes_and_Dream
    Member
    9 years ago
    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



  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    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 
  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    9 years ago
    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