For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing

I had a few night sweats and hot flashes when I was first on it but they have pretty much gone away now. I’ve been on it for about 16 months with just minor joint aches and pains. Oh yeah - and this adorable Buddha belly! Ugh

I'm taking 1000mg vt D3 a day, and 600mg a day, per my oncologist. I've read that adding magnesium is important so the calcium can be absorbed. At first I was taking 600mg calcium twice a day but had stomach problems so she said I can take only one pill a day.

My doctor mentioned Prolia to me but wants me to have any dental work done before I start the injections. I haven't made up my mind if I'm going to take the latter, though I understand Anastrozole contributes to bone loss.

However, my friend who is a top notch nurse and also a cancer survivor said Prolia will help with calcium absorption.

I'm going to go over all these things when I meet with the oncologist in three weeks. I sometimes get overwhelmed with all this "stuff" as I try to understand it myself.

Hi everyone,

I started Arimidex six weeks ago and I've developed a host of side effects. Insomnia, mood swings, trigger finger in three fingers, aching joints, headaches and really dry eyes. I see my MO Monday, and spoke the office Friday and they said to stop the meds for the weekend.

Do these side effecfs go away after a few months on the meds, or do they just continue to amp up?

Thanks!

Josie

When I started Anastrozole, I almost always woke with a headache that went away rather quickly. Had some joint pain but not severe. I'm 72 and had arthritic issues bc. I was generally "bitchy" and easily frustrated with little things. At about month 7 the headaches got worse and lasted all day. Switched to letrozole and got immediate relief. Mood stabilized. My hair is thinning and I took 3 weeks off when the headaches started again. Been back on for about 3 weeks. MO gave me vealafaxine, hoping to help the hot flashes. She said we would have to experiment with the dosage. I feel as if I am having fewer but I'm not a very good record keeper. Have been able to hold my weight on both drugs with increased activity. At this point, changing my diet is a quality of life issue but I respect those who do make significant dietary changes. I wish someone could figure out why one AI is easier for one and not another. For now, I'll stick with the letrozole and hope the vealafaxine helps.

question about Anastrozole and cold weather— I have been taking Anastrozole since January. This weekend the joint pains in my hands has been awful. Coincidentally, weather has gotten much cooler. With my arthritis, my joints feel better in dry heat. Is it possible SE from Anastrozole seem worse with cold weather? Anyone else experience more joint pain when it’s cold outside?

Reckless— thank you for replying. My hands hurt so much yesterday. Feel better this morning after keeping them tucked in and warmed while sleeping. If this is what winter is going to be like, I can’t wait for spring

Taco1946–. I take Omega3, glucosamine and chondrotin, calcium, and collagen for arthritis and Anastrozole pain. I had been taking Relief Factor for arthritis pain (curcumin & Omega3) but MO said not to take Turmeric since I am ER+.

Joint pain in my hands was so bad yesterday, I couldn’t hold my cell phone

DodgersGirl - funny - my MO said yes to turmeric but no to soy. This really is trial and error!

It's funny that many sources say turmeric has anti- breast cancer properties. Same with phytoestrogens like soy. I don't know how reliable this is, but found this just now.

https://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/turmeric

Breast surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk has this smoothie with turmeric:

https://pinklotus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DrFunksAntioxidantSmoothie.pdf

I’ve been on Anastrozole since Feb 2018. I’ve had problems with looser stools for awhile, but didn’t attribute it to this drug. Now they are very loose, more frequent, and not getting better. If it continues, I’ll see my PCP, but wondering if anyone else has this SE? It’s like during chemo or antibiotics where the good flora was wiped out. My pre and probiotics aren’t helping. I’ve stopped all other supplements to see if they are the culprit, but no change.

could you please tell us more how you are able to get Arimidex brand name for just $30 ? any one able to get Teva brand from other than Walgreen ?

my insurance doesn't deal with walgreen any more >

I hate to try another brand and suffer side effets

thanks in advance

you can go to the manufacture site astra Zeneca, download the info, take it to doc who writes a script then send it in with payment. No insurance or pharmacy involved.

Suzikutt, I get my Teva anastrozole from CVS pharmacy

I took TEVA Tamoxifen for 5 years. I went to my local Walmart armed with the exact name as well as the numbers on the pill. That way I could get EXACTLY what I want. And I'd ask for my 90 day refill about 10 days before I needed it because every once in a while, they'd order the wrong one. But they happily swapped it out.

It’s the manufacture that can make a difference for some. Try what you have, see how it goes for you. If the se are bothering you, ask your pharmacist to get Teva for you.