Edema and Anastrozole

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Has anyone had edema of feet ankles and calves? I can't think of why else I would have this except that I'm on Anastrozole since February of last year. I saw that it's a possible side effect, but I don't see anyone else complaining of edema.


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2019

    Hi, 88flood17! We're sorry that you're experiencing problems. To help you find answers to your comment until somebody chimes in here, we though you might find our Topic: For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing helpful.

    Hope this helps!

    The Mods




  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2019

    88flood - you might consider an appt with a vascular surgeon to check whether you have incompetent veins that are leaving blood pooling in your lower extremities. Do you notice more swelling later in the day, or after you have been standing? I had this issue many years prior to breast cancer diagnosis and it was treated surgically. I had a resurgence of this issue last year with more swelling on the left than right, even though I had bilateral problems. Swelling was my only symptom. This is diagnosed with exam and ultrasound, and treated with endovenous laser ablation - a quick and easy office procedure. For me, this was not related to anti-hormonal meds, and it can be hereditary or age related. Good luck

  • 88flood17
    88flood17 Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2019

    Thank you SpecialK, I think I will do that. I stopped the Anastrozole thinking that that was the culprit, but maybe it isn't. Thank you for the info. I will check out your suggestion!

  • Grammy4
    Grammy4 Member Posts: 56
    edited May 2019

    Hi

    I have been on Anastrozole since April 2016. From April to August 2018 I participated in a clinical trial and took Affintor during that time while still taking Anastozole. Shortly after finishing the clinical trial, September of 2018 both calves swelled and hurt. Ultra sound was done to rule out DVT.

    I was sent for PT as I also complained of pain in both feet and loss of balance. I was discharged from PT and have continued to do the prescribed stretches... Some days I feel better but most days I suffer from a dull ache in my legs and feet that feel sprained. I've followed up with my podiatrist who really is baffled. I went to get a massage with my regular gal,.She works on many breast cancer survivors and she said many complain of feet pain.

    That is what prompted me to search here.

    It's confusing as I was two years into taking the anastrozole before this hit hard. I have always thought that my muscles have weakened even hand muscles,

    since chemo and radiation and always assumed they would rebound. Now I'm not so sure..

    It helps me to hear your story.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2019

    Arimidex bloated me out and caused a lot of fluid retention. So I think it has the potential to cause us to retain fluid in different places. It also gave me terrible trigger joints, and I switched to exemestane--which was so much better for me.


  • bless782
    bless782 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2019

    I just start having edema of feet ankles and calves 2 month ago it been 5 year this year I had my Treatment. now edema of feet ankles and calves start  the pain in my finger and feet and  burning been  their 4 years and my toes hurt also. the Podiatry say I have Nerve Damaged from my Breast Cancer Treatment.

  • Rosanne7
    Rosanne7 Member Posts: 48
    edited June 2019

    88flood17,

    Started anastrozole <2 months ago -- gained 10 lbs almost immediately, w/ edema & occasional lymphedma (5-10 lbs swelling) also. Cardiologist prescribed Lasix 20mg (diuretic) taken as needed to remove extra fluid.... I'm using it once weekly since starting AI. (Downside: diuretics can drain potassium & other electrolytes from body... so use only when needed.)*

    Agree w/ other comments that lower leg swelling may need to be checked by a physician, to rule out other causes...

    Best of luck & keep us posted,

    Roseanne7

  • Cin17
    Cin17 Member Posts: 51
    edited August 2019

    I've been on Anastrozole since April, with 6 weeks off for radiation, and just noticed recently that I seem to be retaining water. Also terrible foot and leg pain that often makes it near impossible to walk.

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