Arimidx---what kind of side effects

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Loral
Loral Member Posts: 932
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I went to MO yesterday and he said I should be on Arimidex and not Tamoxifen. I have been taking Tamoxifen since Dec 2012, will my side effects be similar, because I really don't have many. My last cycle was 10/2010, I don't know why I was on Tamoxifen to begin with. FSH was low at 41. Any comments or advice on switching drugs would be helpful. Also, Onco DX score is based on taking Tamoxifen, what happens with that score when you switch to Arimidex. Thanks

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited May 2013

    LorAll,

    Some MOs start post-meno patients on Tam then follow with AIs (Arimidex is one of these).  Some start us directly on AIs.  There are any number of reasons.  Nothing is unusual about what your MO is suggesting.  

    Come post the same question on the Hormonal Therapy Forum and you'll get more responses from those with the same protocal.  I went straight onto AIs, so can't help with Tam SEs.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2013

    Lorall...I am the exact opposite. I was started on Arimidex and then switched to Tamoxifen. My ONC said it depends on the kind of bc you have. My sister in law had bc insitu and was post menopausal but took Tamoxifen. I am PM too but had Stage 2 IDC bc so my ONC prescribed Arimidex. I was recently changed to Tamoxifen because I also have osteoporsis and Arimidex is known to attack the bones. I took supplements but they got really expensive. I really wish I was still on Arimidex. Had no real SEs but Tamoxifen is a pain in the neck. Hot flashes, lack of concentration, weight gain, forgetfulness....and on and on. Every woman is different so you might not have the problems I have had and in addition there are women who have far worse SEs. My BS said there are meds you can take that will help alleviate some of the discomfort. Thats all I need is another med but if something can help at least with sleep deprivation I am all for it. Good luck...diane

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