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

I am having fewer SE's on femora than on arimidex. Hair is thinning. New medication to try to ease the hot flashes so I can wear a wig. I take non-D claritin in the morning and benadryl at night. Joint pain is better than pre BC.

Didn't spot this anywhere on this thread but do apologize if it's already been shared. It seems exciting to me!

My doctor was at this conference last week. We'd planned on me being on the extended therapy for 7.5 years and then see what the research showed. Now we know. Stay on therapy at least 10 years as long as my bones hold out. Dexa last month showed a little improvement from last year so am good to go.

does your MOs have you on daily calcium and D for bone health

I was on Tamoxifen for 2.5 years before switching to anastrozole. I take 2,000 IU of Vitamin D but no supplemental calcium as my intake from dairy is 1,000+ mg a day. I do have osteopenia so we do Dexa scans once a year (most recent one showed a little continued improvement) and I receive Prolia shots every six months. Insurance does pay the full amount as I have osteopenia and take anastrozole (MD had to document multiple factors for it to be approved). My Breast Cancer Index test at 5 years showed I am a low responder to the AI and at low risk for recurrence. My MO feels that "low" does not mean "no" so that as long as my bones are all right, I'll stay on the AI. Except when I can't get the Teva generic, I don't really have any side effects so I concur with my MO.

Breast Cancer Index is a genomic test done at about the five year mark after diagnosis.It is done on the tissue that was removed during your original biopsy or surgery. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/type...

For me, my cancer hasn't come back so my anastrazole is working. Taking that pill every morning makes me feel like I am doing something to keep it away.

Yes. Totally different test. Oncotype assesses likelihood of chemotherapy benefiting you so is used in determining initial treatment. Breast Cancer Index is used to assess risk of reoccurrence down the road (done at 5 years or so). This link has a good summary at the bottom of the page on the different genomic tests - https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/breast-cancer-index-test

Golden. I am having a problem getting Teva anastrozole too. My Walgreen's said it would be available by the end of December. I, of course, will run out before then, so I accepted anastrozole made by Apotex (in Sweden I think). I'll let you know if I have a problem with it. I haven't investigated brand name Arimidex so wouldn't know anything. Fingers crossed!

HUGS!

Gokden01- I had problems getting TEVA brand from CVS in Albany, NY. They said it was back ordered thru January. I called other local CVS and found it on their shelves.

As a snowbird I'm in Florida now. Before I run out I'll check local CVS and try to get it lined up. Otherwise I have Accord brand to take - it makes my hands and wrists hurt bad.

We're at their mercy. Best of luck to you.

Picked up my new generic anastrozole tonight. A 30-day supply and is made by a company called Zydus. My fingers are crossed that I won't get joint pain like I do when I take the Accord generic. Has anyone used this brand? I really appreciate the fellow at CVS that went above and beyond to find me an alternative when the Teva brand wasn't available.

Golden - I have Zydus for about 6 weeks and noticed some increased aches and pain - but it was also getting colder and I wasn't exercising as much. . Because I had some anastrazole Teva left, I switched back to see if there was a difference. I haven't really noticed much of a change, but will be going back to Zydus in January and will monitor if I notice any increase in symptoms.I did reduce my work hours and am exercising more as well. Point is it's been tolerable and exercise really helps!

Hi Everyone-

Trying to sift through all of the last few months of posts. I stopped Tamoxifen 2 days ago, and took my first Anastrozole (by Accord) this morning. I had hot flashes, and barely any joint pain on Tamoxifen and was comfortable on it. Now I feel foggy, nauseated, and was just crying for no reason?! It's only been 1/2 a day lol, but wanted to know if I should switch to night time for taking the pill, just power through it and my body will adjust? Those that are taking claritin, are you taking generic for a reason or can you take regular claritin?

Thanks everyone....

When I started Anastrozole, I did have several weird side effects, although not in half a day, so maybe nerves, like PontiacPeggy says? In any case, every side effect got a LOT better in a few weeks. My doctor said "hang in there and give it time," and my body adjusted.

Hello,  it has been a very long while since I've logged on. I  have found the posts to still be interesting to me.   I took Anastrozole for 8 years and overall the side effects very tolerable or I just dealt with them (i.e. night sweats, achy joints upon rising and recently noticed  that the longer my hair grew the thinner I noticed it to be.)  I also developed a syncope type syndrome (sudden drop in BP which lasts about 5-10 minutes with extreme lightheadedness( but not losing consciousness) and then back to normal just as fast.  All cardio tests have consistently come back normal. This started happening about 4 years ago.  It would happen most often when preparing to board a flight or onboard a flight.  On two occasions I was not traveling.  It is very spontaneous and the only warning is at onsight with heat rising from my waist traveling upward at the same time I'm becoming more and more lightheadedness and slumping in a seat.   

An interventional cardiologist suggested I wear compression socks on next flight.   I did and did not have this experience.   I cannot say if the sock helped or not. 

Has anyone else experienced something like this?