Aromatase Inhibitors without SEs?

Wren, ChrissyB is right. You need to try and see how it works. also the time of day you take it may make a difference. I take mine after the evening meal. I have only been on for alittle over three weeks but so far so good.

Calling the oncologist tomorrow. 

Just threw mine down the john.

Just as bad -- if not worse -- than Tamox. 

Done, done and done.  With the damn drugs and the damn statistics too.

I have been taking letrozole (generic Femara) for one month. No side effects. I take it at bedtime.

Interestingly, hot flashes are supposedly the number one side effect but my hot flashes have subsided for the most part. I have had one hot flash in the last week.

I started getting them during chemo (chemopause-last chemo 10/06/11) and they continued after my Oophorectomy (11/03/11). No better, no worse. Now, they are pretty much gone.

I. Don't think the letrozole has anything to do with it but who knows.

Just like chemo and everything else...everyone is different.

I've been on Arimidex for a year.  Initially I had mild hot flashes but I haven't had them in a few months. I take mine at bedtime. I do feel stiff in the morning but after I move around a bit, the stiffness goes away. I sometimes have joint pain but it's pretty mild and I rarely have to take anything for pain. So, I have some SE's but none severe enough that I considered stopping the Arimidex. You can always change drugs or stop altogether if you have severe SE's but you may be lucky!

Almost two years into anastrazole, I am just fine.  I may be a BIT achier, but hard to tell as I always push myself exercising.  For example, I cycled 60 miles this past weekend, getting soaked on Sunday.

I look and feel great. True, I could stand to lose 10 lb, but I have not gained weight.  (Gluttony is more the reason I don't lose.)

I sleep well, and eat more or less what I please.  That said, I eat an overall healthy diet.  My brain is in top condition.  I believe I am on top of my game.

So the answer is that you just don't know.  Some women are deathly ill.  I am just fine.

On the other hand, I can't take cold medications without feeling like I am crawling out of my skin.  So I go the "tea and aspirin" route whenever I get whatever's going around.

You need to find out for yourself.  I don't think any one of us can tell you.  Good luck. - Claire

Wren, as well as the personal experiences here, there is information about Aromatase Inhibitors at the main Breastcancer.org site.

The info on the site ends with "If you're experiencing side effects from taking one aromatase inhibitor medicine, tell your doctor. You may be able to take a different medicine. Arimidex and Femara have similar chemical structures, while Aromasin has a different structure."

Judith and the Mods

Hi! I've been on generic Arimidex for 18 months and have little or no side effects.

My oncologist started me on Femara. Lasted 6 months before I couldn't take the joint pain any more. She switched me to Aromasin and I just completed the additional 4-1/2 years. Everyone's different, but my side effects on Aromasin were minimal in comparison and manageable (minor joint pain but extreme vaginal dryness). Anxious to see what, if any changes I'll see now that I've completed the regimen.

Almost 3 months of generic Arimidex. Some morning stiffness and achiness if I sit around too much but not even close to horrific. I do exercise almost daily and I am on my feet at work all day. I drink lots of water and maintain a pretty healthy diet. Everyone is so different!

Caryn

PS: some of the AM stiffness could be aging!

I agree with Ruth. You are far more likely to find those who are having bad se's talking and posting about it.

Caryn

Hi  like Vickie I was on letrozole for years - no SEs apart from ongoing chemopause.  It was fine! good luck

Dear LoveLau,

We are so very sorry that you are still struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Our thoughts are with you. We hear that you are not interested in the ECT and wondering what other options your psychiatrist has offered. Please talk to your doctors and your family so that they can support you through all of this. This particular thread is very old with no recent activity. You have previously posted on your struggles in the thread that you started on Depression . You received a good deal of support there from others. Please pm us also so we can support you. The MOds

Hi Wren44,

I am 53 years old- I run on the treadmill about 30 miles a week and ride my bike to work everyday (about 100 miles a week). I have 2 teenagers who keep me going to functions all the time. I say all of this because I think your activity level is key to lessening the SE of AIs. I am on Arimidex and have had no problems. I have only been taking it for 5 weeks so SEs could set in at anytime but I am hopeful I can make the 5 year mark.

I was pretty petrified to start taking the Arimidex because all of the negitive I had head but you don't know until you try it. There is a thread for those of us doing well in AIs. Check it out.