Arimidex and Joint and Body Pain

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momat927
momat927 Member Posts: 173
edited August 2016 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello.  I finished chemotherapy and radiation April 2014, and a few months later, started Arimidex. I have taken it daily since then.  I am sorry if this has been brought up numerous times, but it has only surfaced for me recently.  Suddenly, I feel as though every part of my body hurts and at times, there are hot burning at spots in my upper back/lower neck.  I am increasing my vitamin D and finally realized I better restart my calcium.  I don't want more medicine if I can help it; I stopped Ambien a year ago in June and just use Melatonin now.  Has anyone experienced the pain and burning and how have you dealt with it?  Thanks so very much for any responses.  momat927

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited August 2016

    Hi there. So sorry you are experiencing this. I had a thought I wanted to share with you. The symptoms you describe could be neuropathy, from either the chemo and/or the Arimidex. There are meds for it. Good luck and keep us posted...

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  • LauraSD
    LauraSD Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2016

    Hi Moma:

    I have had joint pain in my knees since starting Arimidex in January, 2016. I think it odd that you are suddenly having pain after being on the medication for 2 years. You should see your doctor about this new pain. Infections, immune mediated diseases and other conditions could be causing these symptoms so you want to rule out those before assuming it's the Arimidex.

    My knee pain occurred within the first few weeks of treatment. I get it only when I sit and stand (bearing weight with my knees bent), but have no pain at other times. My only concern is that it can cause arthritis in 17% percent of patients. I am ok with intermittent pain, but I don't want permanent damage to my joints. Has anyone else had this problem?

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited August 2016

    LauraSD, Thank you for responding. I did have fibromyalgia before BC. I am seeing my oncologist at the end of this month for blood work and yearly scans. In the meantime, I saw a chiropractor today but not sure she understands bc meds. I am sorry about your knees but pleased not constant. Yes, I am worried about arthritis and bone loss. I too would love to hear from others

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2016

    Pain and joint pain in particular is a common side effect from many anti-hormonals. I took a claritin 24 daily tab to counteract the side effects from arimidex but ultimately was so sick of the pain and lack of movement I told my MO I was going to quit the med, and she switched me to aromasin which has been so much easier than arimidex. Others have the opp effect and can't tolerate aromasin but do great on arimidex. It depends on our diff physiologies,etc. If you can't have a good quality of life in spite of the joint and overall pain, ask your mo to put you on another drug. It might help. And finally, I didn't have these side effects until I'd been on the meds a while, which is also common.

    Hugs

    Claire

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  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 173
    edited August 2016

    Claire, thanks so much! I will definitely talk to my oncologist. So I am not alone in this sudden onset after two years. Once again, this site and my bc sisters are so helpful! With gratitude xo

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2016

    momof2, right? I love these boards!


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