Need help: Anastrazole and I can't walk

NoWhyToIt

Ladies, I am really suffering from leg pain. My doctor says likely Anastrazole. Please share any tips. It's wrecking my life. I can't walk half a block and I'm in my mid 40's.

ChiSandy

Ask your pharmacist to try a different generic mfr—the inactive ingredients alone can cause side effects. Or have your doctor try a different AI or (if you are pre-menopausal and not at risk for blood clots) Tamoxifen. No rhyme or reason as to why one AI works fine for some women but not others—it’s like antidepressants, in that sometimes it takes experimenting to find what works.

But before you do anything like switching drugs, how is your doctor sure it’s “likely anastrazole?” Is it your primary care doc or your medical oncologist? What kind of pain is it? Is it both legs? Is it the same part of both legs? AIs cause joint, not muscle or bone, pain. Have you seen an orthopedist? Are you getting leg cramps (charley horses)? How’s your potassium? Drinking enough water? Are you prone to blood clots or DVT, with varicose veins? If it’s muscle pain, are you on a statin or have you started an exercise program or increased the load on your legs too abruptly? (e.g., higher resistance on a bike or elliptical or elevation on a treadmill)?

NoWhyToIt

ChiSandy, Both legs, fatigue and muscle weakness, joint pain and stiffness. My med onc. is who suggested it was anastrazole. I have tried different generics and Teva is the one with no allergic reactions but the leg pain started in past three months or so, getting worse, now rough. I have not changed exercise routine or anything. Hydrate regularly.

Brutersmom

Have you tried taking Claritin. (not Claritin D)

MinusTwo

NoWhy - when you get a minute, go to My Profile and post your diagnosis & treatments. Knowing your information helps us answer.

ChiSandy

Claritin is worth a shot (save some $$$ and get store-brand loratidine), but it’s usually for bone pain. Like chicken soup—might not help, but as the old comedy sketch goes, “it vouldn’t hoit.” Just remember not to take any other antihistamines with it. Has your MO suggested switching to letrozole or exemestane?

windingshores

Don't know if this helps but the first 20 minutes of a walk are agony and then there is a turnaround and at 45 minutes I actually feel better. My oncologist says she hears this a lot.  I also do Tai Chi a few times/week.   And Claritin.

Cowgirl13

I had a terrible time with generic arimidex until I cut out all sugar. Don't remember how long before the joint/muscle problems went away. I could barely sit down and get up from the toilet. Stairs were very difficult also. Everything's been fine since. Good luck.

Michelle_in_cornland

Can you take Tamoxifen? I am really not having big issues on it.