Forum Discussion

jayjen's avatar
jayjen
Member
11 years ago

Arimidex

I have been on Arimidex for 31 days now and am feeling the effects already. Is this normal?

My knees ache, ankles, hands, shoulders and sometimes my legs feel so weak. I get very breathless too. In bed at night is the worst time. I am depressed enough already.

I am going to see my medical oncologist in a couple of weeks and will certainly speak to him about it. But I think the answer will be along the lines of 'just persevere with it as it may get better'.

Well ladies out there, does it get any better. I didn't expect these side effects to kick in so soon. The only time I am pain free is when I am in the pool which is summer heated to a delicious 30 degrees. I am lucky to have it and very thankful indeed.

Would be interested to hear from anyone who is taking this drug as my dear oncologist suggested I may be taking it for the rest of my life.

 

 

side-effects

5 Replies

  • Atmese's avatar
    Atmese
    Member
    11 years ago
    I have similar side effects from arimidex. I have been taking this drug for 3 months and cannot see me lasting on it for five years. The fish oil does help, I will try increasing the dose and see if that helps a bit more. I also have a sore tail bone and cannot sit for long periods. The oncologist suggested it was improving my chances by 10%. Seems very small for so much ongoing discomfort. Every day I struggle to take the pill.
  • Atmese's avatar
    Atmese
    Member
    11 years ago
    I have similar side effects from arimidex. I have been taking this drug for 3 months and cannot see me lasting on it for five years. The fish oil does help, I will try increasing the dose and see if that helps a bit more. I also have a sore tail bone and cannot sit for long periods. The oncologist suggested it was improving my chances by 10%. Seems very small for so much ongoing discomfort. Every day I struggle to take the pill.
  • Blossom59's avatar
    Blossom59
    Member
    11 years ago

    Yes I also have the body sweats.

    Also on Zoloft for the hot flushes.

    I have the cheaper brand of Fish oil 1500, take 4 in the morning and 4 at night. These work just a well as the krill oil and are less expensive.

    Candice

  • jayjen's avatar
    jayjen
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks Candygirl. Interesting to read your supplement intake. I shall immediately increase my fish oil and look into the glucosamine/chondroit. I forgot to put in my post about the extreme sweats too. I have never even perspired before but now have to say I sweat. YUK!!

    Will wait and see what my medical oncologist says but in the meantime it was good to hear from you. Best wishes to you in your trip down the cancer highway!!

  • Blossom59's avatar
    Blossom59
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jayjen, 

    I was put onto Arimidex 4 weeks after having ovaries removed. For 5months I put up with the achy joints, stiffness and bone pain.  I literally felt like a 70 year old, I am 49.

    I was not menopausal so I think the eostrogen shut down was all too much.

    Oncologist swapped me over to Femara, I had some relief compared to the Arimidex.  I then developed a rash that flared up all over my body, so off Femara and back onto Arimidex.  Once again the side effects were extreme.

    I then decided to totally assess what I was doing.  I now take 8 high potency fish oil, 2  glucosamine/chondroit and 4 vitamin D per day.  I had a big improvement with these supplements.  The only problem is that I have my own business where I am on my feet 5 days a week, 9am to 5pm.  By the end of the day I am exhausted, I am currently taking a two week break from Femara.

    I did find the Femara taken with large doses of supplements better than Arimidex.  Same drug different side effects.

    All the best

    Candice