Tamoxifen or Arimidex?

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Kira28
Kira28 Member Posts: 4
edited November 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I have Sjogrens (for 17 years and coping without medication) and arthritis, and I am very concerned about anti-estrogen pills, as it seems oestrogen can ease symptoms of Sjogrens. Has anyone been in my situation? In any case, I would love to hear your experience of Tamoxifen and Arimidex. Which one has less drying effects? Any suggestions for supplements/diet/what helped you cope?

I will need to start treatment soon so any info would be very much appreciated! :-)

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  • Manu14
    Manu14 Member Posts: 153
    edited October 2014

    I have been taking tamoxifen for a little over a year. The worst side effects I've had from it have been from muscle cramps which are now largely under control by taking a magnesium supplement. Tamoxifen works much differently from the aromatase inhibitors such as Arimidex. In my very unscientific and brief explanation, tamoxifen blocks estrogen's harmful effects to breast cells, but can actually increase estrogen in other parts of the body such as the uterus. The aromatase inhibitors actually shut down the production of estrogen in the entire body by >96%. I would think from that difference alone that Arimidex would potentially be more drying to the body. Only a well-qualified oncologist can explain all this accurately to you; but that is my layman's perspective of it. 

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2014

    Hi Kira,

    If you go to the Search function on the menu and search on Sjogren's there are quite a few threads by members that have it.

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  • TessaW
    TessaW Member Posts: 231
    edited October 2014

    I've had both.   Arimidex made it nearly impossible to function.  My bones / joints hurt so badly I used a walker to get around.   I do have other issues, but feel the arimidex exascerbated them.   Tamoxifen has given me some muscle pain but not like the arimidex.  I am more irritable, but the tamox is still the better way to go. 

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  • Kira28
    Kira28 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Thank you, Manu14 for the info, I was under the impression that Arimidex blocks 70% of the oestrogen, so Im very interested to hear the figure is closer to 96%. I wonder how much oestrogen Tamoxifen blocks?  I asked the oncologist whether he knows whether Arimidex or Tamixofen would be more drying for me and was told they are both drying. So, I still dont know!

     Mellisa Dallas, thanks for telling me about the search thread! I just tried it but sadly did not find the info I am looking for i.e.,  sjogrens and tamixifen and/or Arimidex usage. 

    Thanks, TessaW.. what you mentioned confirms my thoughts on both Tamoxifen and Arimidex as regards usage by non-Sjogrens folk.   I guess what I really want to hear is that some woman out there who has Sjogrens has tried either Tamoxifen or Arimidex and has not had their symptoms worsen to an intolerable extent. I know that Arimidex affects women differently but I was concerned to hear that your quality of life was affected so much.

    Thanks so much, to all of you!

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  • Donna2012
    Donna2012 Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2014

    I have been on tamoxifen for 14 mos with manageable side effects - warm flushes & dryness.  Not the best, but I tolerate it.  Due to a hormone level test, I have just switched (took 1st pill last night) to arimidex.  Nothing different yet...  I am anxious to see if I feel better or worse.  

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  • Kira28
    Kira28 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Thank you Donna, I'd be very interested to hear how you get on with Arimidex. 

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  • Msqueen57
    Msqueen57 Member Posts: 65
    edited November 2014

    l have been on Arimidex for a month and a half.  I was lead to believe by my doctor and everything I have read, that you can only take Arimidex if you are in menopause.  If so it is supposed to have less harmful side effects.  It has been no picnic for me.with joint pain, and flu like symptoms. Along with problems sleeping.  I also have MS and arthritis, so that may make the SE worse.   Some ladies on this site report mild or no problems with the medication.  Other people say symptoms get better with time.  Your doctor after taking into consideration your medical history will suggest what he/she thinks is best for you.  Then you give it a shot.  Wishing you best of luck with your treatment.  

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  • Msqueen57
    Msqueen57 Member Posts: 65
    edited November 2014

    l have been on Arimidex for a month and a half.  I was lead to believe by my doctor and everything I have read, that you can only take Arimidex if you are in menopause.  If so it is supposed to have less harmful side effects.  It has been no picnic for me.with joint pain, and flu like symptoms. Along with problems sleeping.  I also have MS and arthritis, so that may make the SE worse.   Some ladies on this site report mild or no problems with the medication.  Other people say symptoms get better with time.  Your doctor after taking into consideration your medical history will suggest what he/she thinks is best for you.  Then you give it a shot.  Wishing you best of luck with your treatment.  

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