Arimidex

Hello, I am new to this forum.  I was wondering if any of you have had your ER PR cancer return while taking arimidex?  Also have you heard of any complications with taking it and having implants?

I was just put on Arimidex and told to take Effexor prior to starting for one month. UGH! Effexor was awful and everything I read about withdrawal is even worse. Had to quit after two doses. Now to start the Arimidex and I am terrified! Everything I read about that is horrible! Does ANYONE have a positive comment about it? Almost feel like I'd rather die than live so horribly.

Gaye,

I was on Arimidex (later the generic version, Anastrozole) for five years. I had very few side effects, if any. As Jennie said, different people have different side effects. Some have no side effects.

I've been off Anastrozole for over a year (they only keep you on it for five years) and I really don't see a difference between when I was on it and now.

Good luck!

Carol

I've been on Arimidex now for nearly two months and so far, no big deal side effects. I have a bit of nausea off and on, but nothing that slows me down. I'm back to work and running, so far everything seems to be working just as it always has. I was totally freaked out about this drug before I started, but there were people here who told me many people have no problems at all. I feel pretty lucky and if it stays this way not worried about taking it. Also the ladies here told me to get the Teva brand (which I did) as that supposedly causes less SEs

Dent,

my test showed I had moderate osteopenia, I'm very active and run. I had taken fosamax after chemo 25 or so years ago, then they took me off of it cause I didn't need it anymore. I just got a prolia shot the other day to keep the bones in good shape. I did a bunch of reading on it and it seemed like a good idea as the some of the latest thinking now is that the bisphosphenates may play a role in preventing any cancer getting to the bone. There was study that came out a couple of weeks ago. I'd read it, and then talked to my MO who'd also read it so it seemed like a good idea to me. The prolia injection was like getting a flu shot. I'm intested to see what it does for bone health as I'd like to skip the big O if I can.

When I tell people I am 98% estrogen, they say that is good. I just finished treatment and know I will be going on something. Why is 98% good? And, any thoughts on what is best to take? I have not discussed this with my MO yet, but I need to say she does not offer much information about anything.

I have been on Anastrozole for the past 3 years with only hot flashes as my side effect. I did have a trigger finger but attributed that to climbing on and off the radiation table. Had an injection in the joint and it's fine now.

However, one of the inactive ingredients in my latest refill has Povodine in it and I'm highly allergic to this. It's in Aromasin/Exemestane as well. I tried Femara and it made my joints swell in my legs and dizziness was very bad.

So, now I am out of luck and fearing the worst. As long as I was on something I felt I could be protected !

Jo

I just started on Arimidex this past Monday.  I know starting off that I have osteopenia (based on my recent bone density test).  My MO wants me to continue taking my calcium twice per day (1200 mg total) but I'm concerned if that will be enough to prevent further bone loss.  She had earlier mentioned the possibility of other meds such as bisphosphenates or injection of Prolia but once I got ready to start on meds, she only recommended the calcium.  Has anyone experienced additional bone loss after starting Arimidex with diagnosed osteopenia and if so, how was that determined?  Annual bone density test?  I have a strong family history for osteoporosis so that's the foundation of my concern about worsening problems over time.