For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing

BrooksideVT

I've been having ringing and rushing sounds in my ears.  I thought it was due to my Meniere's disease, an inner ear problem that I've had for many years with no issues other than vertigo.  I realize the tinnitus started shortly after I switched to another AI (exemestane) a month ago. As it happens, I'll be seeing both my ENT and my onc in a month or so, so maybe one of them will have some insight to offer.

PinkCarn

Most helpful. 

PinkCarn

I have some joint pain as well after 3 weeks on Arimidex. I have added Omega/EPA/DHA/D and think that has helped some. I have only been on that supplement for 4 days so we will see. I wonder if anyone has any experience with Omegas, etc. 

OvercomingOne

Ohioan

I started on generic Arimidex from Zydus and have little side effects.  But did switch to brand name Arimidex. From Arimidex direct from AstraZeneca.  So I will see.  They keep up with my prescription and I like that. I agree with Ruth  and do not want to miss not one day.  They contact my doc for new prescription and everything.  I might forget then might have to wait blah blah blah .   Anyways I am happy I switched.  Take calcium and vit D 3 as  well.  I guess this stuff sucks your bones dry of calcium so have to replace it.  Extended release citrical  1200 mg works well.  The other stuff made me sick. Heart racing. Nausea. Now all better:-)

More later

O2

sweetandspecial

I get my anastrazole through Express Scripts mail service.  90 day supply at a time for $25.  When the annual script is coming up on expiration they contact me with a form for my MO to complete and return for the next year.  Works out very well for me.

OvercomingOne

sweet--- sounds easy!  Keep it simple!

ohiofan

Sweet,  I also have Express Scripts and will take my first dose tomorrow from them. Glad to hear that you are having no problems.

Thanks!

jeaniebeanie1200

I was trying to check manufacturer of my anastrozal , it doesn't say,,,, mine is small whit with AHI on one side and nothing on the other,,,,, I just got a refill and looked all over the bottle and pharmacy paper,,, no luck,,,,, can anyone help?

GG27

Accord is the manufacturer according to drugs.com.  HTH, Dee

AHI

jeaniebeanie1200

thanks Dee, I haven't heard anybody talking about them,, hmmmmm,,,, have really bad knee and ankle pains, tingling in my right hand after 3 months starting it doc said carpel tunnel but I don't buy it,,,,,,

Allagashmaggie

Greetings,

I have not posted in a long while and have read the last few pages here to get caught up.  I may be going off topic a bit but I wonder if any of you feel your skin has taken a beating from lack of estrogen.  It just seems my skin has gotten older looking.  But I am now 2 1/2 years older than when I started this med too.  I have been reading so much about parabens in cosmetics that I gave up slathering myself with the usual moisturizers and have just ordered some organic cream on line.  I have never been big on makeup but have used moisturizers for many years.  So just wondering.

I am doing okay with side effects for the most part except I am hot and sweaty most of the time.  My joints don't seem to bother much except every now and then my thumbs will hurt.  Last week was my 6 month followup (did not include mammo - that is in another 6 months) and all appeared well.  Blood work was excellent and I had a good discussion with my onco about bone building meds.  My recent bone density scan had not changed a bit in the 2+ years I have been taking arimidex.  In fact she told me the area in my neck had improved slightly.  She did not think I needed any treatment yet, which sounded good to me.  I didn't inquire about the skin and what she recommended for that.  I know better to go into an appointment without a list of questions but that is just what I did last week.   Though I am relieved to get another good 6 month report, I take nothing for granted and try to enjoy each day.  I do agree with Ruth that one of the keys to keeping these side effects at bay is to stay on the move, at least for me that makes a difference.  

Keep up the fight all, 

Maggie

Bren58

Maggie, my skin has taken a real hit because of all of the BC stuff. It is much drier, less firm, more saggy and wrinkly. It's been almost 2 years since DX, but I feel like I have aged much more than that. I have no doubt it is because of the lack of estrogen.

IamNancy

Maggie -glad to see someone address the skin changes.. my skin is SO wrinkly -almost crinkly.. and dry...looks so much older than my age.. I always have used moisturizers and lotions.. but you'd never know it now... 

estrogen loss really effects every part of us..

lago

Allagashmaggie my skin has taken some what of a hit but still looks good. Also I went into chemo-pause so that is part of it too. BUT the BEST thing you can do for your skin is drink plenty of WATER. The days I don't drink enough I don't look as good. Also as we get older the faster these physical changes happen.

And remember aging means you are alive!

WaveWhisperer

At this time 6 months ago, I also was worried about lines, droopy skin and considering Botox, fillers. Then I got lip cancer and had extensive surgery and reconstruction. I can't smile, my mouth is smaller, I drool, I have scars down my cheek, across my chin and scar tissue inside my mouth so thick it feels like I have a tampon embedded in my lower lip. I am disfigured--and this is after the reconstruction!! Ladies, be thankful you have the beautiful face you were born with and can grow old with. I cry when I look in the mirror. Even with BC, my scars are covered with clothing. This is the first thing you see when you look at me.

OvercomingOne

wave..........hugs and much love to you.  

sweetandspecial

Oh Wave - so sorry for the double whammy you got!  What a reminder to all of us that no matter how bad we think our day or life is going, we really need to appreciate the fact that it could be worse.  I've never heard of lip cancer before but I suppose the devil disease can show up just about anywhere.  You've been through the wringer, but please know that you are loved sight unseen and there are many virtual  (((((hugs))))) and prayers going your way 

lago

WaveWhisperer that sucks. So mad this happened to you. 

doxie

Wavewhisperer,

How dreadful.  You are right.  The face is something you that everyone sees.  And what you see multiple times a day.  I hope you have a good PS who is providing what you need for the scar tissue to heal quickly.

birdlady222

WaveWhisperer, I have never heard of lip cancer either.  My heart breaks for you. Sweetandspecial said it the best "please know that you are loved sight unseen and there are many virtual  (((((hugs))))) and prayers going your way".  I hope that as time goes by your scars will become less noticeable, and your muscles will remember how to smile. 

lisa2012

my oncotype was 38. I was also BRCA1 positive. So that led me to chemo. 

I have been on all 3 AIs  and just finished a year on Tamoxifen. Pain and stiffness from all of the. Grrrr! Now going to try Aromasin again. Made it through 2 yrs so far of antihormone pills. Interestingly, my sister did 3 yrs of Tamoxifen and 3 of Aromasin and they were both "non-issues for her.  Lucky girl. 

lisa2012

I have heard of lip cancer-maybe because I live in a beach town.  Sounds like you really got a tough one. Sending you hugs. 

Rosiesride

sweetandspecial...we have had lots of laughs over the past year as well...if you can't laugh, then you might cry...so laugh away...crying gives me a headache! Rosie

Redheaded1

Hi Ladies, haven't posted for a while, but wanted to let you all know that I called around and found the TEVA brand of anastrazole at CVS, so I am 2 pills in and wake up in the morning and feel really good.  Still have some insomnia issues and did have some strange dreams last night, but so far, so good. 

Still eating my gin soaked raisins too---who would have thought that after swearing off gin after my very first legal drink of it, I would be having a little every day 36 years later....

 

IamNancy

WaveWhisperer - I am so sorry you have to go through this... My dermatologist said I have Actinic Cheilitis on my lip and I have some cream to apply for 3 weeks that will exfoliate the spot .she was going to do some cold spray thingy but decided I could apply this cream.. I haven't started doing it yet because I know its gonna look like a big cold sore once I start but reading what you are going through I realize I am fortunate this is all I have to go though..

Savannahbabe12

I have been on Anastrozole for three years, and the only side effect I have is my toes cramp sometimes.

Savannahbabe12

I have a concern I want to share.  I had bilateral breast cancer which is very rare and had bilateral mastectomies three years ago.  I also had reconstructive surgery.  Now I'm experiencing discomfort near my sternum that feels like a pulled muscle.  It's my understanding that such a sensation in a person who has had cancer can be bone mets.  Has anyone else experienced this?  What did it turn out to be?  I have sent my oncologist a message about this.  Thank you for responses.

Bren58

Savannah, definitely get it checked out, but it could indeed be a pulled muscle. Do you have implants under the muscle? I have had pains a couple times in the center of my chest between the implants. It always went away with giving the muscles a rest. As you can see from my bio I have had implants alms 14 years. I hope it is nothing serious.

Moderators

Welcome to BCO Savanahbabe12.

Pain can easily be just a pulled muscle as Bren58 said, but if not starting to feel better in a couple of days, please make an appointment with your Doctor to just have them check it over.

If you want to add your Dx details, which help with informned responses, you do that under "My Profile" accessed by link at top of each page in grey area.

Hope you soreness goes away.

The Mods

lago

Savannahbabe12 It is common for any of us to think there might be an issue when we have bone pain or muscle pain that we think is bone pain. Like others have said you are doing the correct thing. If you have it for more than 2 weeks contact your doctor. It may not be mets but what ever it is it needs to be addressed.