Arimidex and bone density loss

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jpteacher1
jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
edited May 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have been on Arimidex for 3 1/2 years. I just completed a DEXA two days ago. Since my last DEXA three years ago, I have suffered significant bone density loss and am considered having severe osteopenia.

In addition, I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, pseudo gout and osteoarthritis in major joints. I never had any symptoms before Arimidex.

I now have read this same senecio has happened to many others.

Please be sure you know the side effects. My oncologist has taken me off Arimidex

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2017

    An annual bone density scan, a routine non-invasive procedure, should have been performed every year while you were taking the aromatase inhibitor. Any particular reason the prescriber neglected to order that simple test for you? I presume you are consuming sufficient calcium/vitamin D and doing weight bearing exercise. Your next step might be to take a bisphosphonate in order to prevent any further deterioration...

    Many folks will develop osteoarthritis due to age, wear & tear on the joints adding up over the decades. The AI may seem to accelerate that process but it was probably well underway prior to starting the medication. This why knee and hip replacements have become so common!

    RA is another story, most likely a case of your own immune system working against you. The biologic agents now on the market have been miracle drugs for lots of people so there is hope for keeping that type of inflammation under control. I trust you have specialists to consult regarding these issues and will continue to educate yourself.

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  • jpteacher1
    jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
    edited May 2017

    Thank you for all this information. I now know that since I was already on thyroid medication and had osteoarthritis before starting Arimidex, I should have been closely monitored or never put on AI. Apparently they are discovering this with research on people that used AI and already had arthritis and or thyroid disorders. I went from walking to now using a walker. I was more concerned about cancer reoccurrence than mobility. I am grateful to be cancer free, but my quality of life took a real hit. I know I am an exception, but everyone needs to make sure they talk to their doctor and then make an educated choice

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