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

To add to the mood discussion, yes I feel like a maniac sometimes since starting this drug.When I am driving I alternate between praying and then dropping F Bombs at drivers that cut me off. A bit over the top.

I never understand those studies. If someone can interpret I would appreciate it. How many of the 1900 or so women on the AI had a reoccurrence during the 5 to 12 year span after treatment stopped?

Please and thank you. 😊😁

lol 😁 see I missed that. Didn't even know this drug was used for menopausal women before an initial bc diagnosis.

AnnC I also have suffered from ocular migraines every few years, the first ones started when I was pregnant, since I started Anastrozole a few months ago I’ve been getting them once or twice a month. And I am also short tempered

AnnC2019 - just take a deep breath and remember those rude drivers are probably brain deficient.

Hi BlueGirlRed,

I read a few studies online that anastrozole can increase the tractional force between the vitreous and retina. This can lead to problems including blindness. I will find out after my appointment this week what is causing the shadow in my vision. I guess this is a more uncommon side-effect but one that women need to be aware of. When I started taking it I was really only worried about my bones because I didn't research the drug.

Newfromny,

This was different than an ocular migraine in that it didn't go away after a few minutes. I didn't get the usual zig zag lightening effects.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19556821/?i=5&from=/18451730/related

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/tbj.12633

“Retinal Hemorrhages

A small percentage of women taking anastrozole for early breast cancer experience small retinal hemorrhages, according to a retrospective study reported by Alvin Eisner, PhD, Senior Scientist at the Neurological Sciences Institute and Research Associate Professor at the Casey Eye Institute, both of Oregon Health & Science University.

Although the clinical significance of these hemorrhages is not known, Dr. Eisner recommended that women taking hormonal therapy for breast cancer who experience visual changes should undergo optical coherence tomography (OCT), "a powerful, new, non-invasive technology that is readily available," and have their vision monitored at periodic intervals.

“https://journals.lww.com/oncology-times/fulltext/2008/02250/Emerging_Data_on_Side_Effects_of_Aromatase.16.aspx

Missouri - Could you have cataracts? They are a known SE of the Arimidex.

How many mg of Arimidex is everyone taking?

1 mg, which is the only dosage I believe the MOs prescribe.

I have been taking Arimidex for 1 month. I notice that I am more anxious/depressed, not crippling but more. Today it occurred to me that Armindex might exacerbate Seasonal Affective Disorder so I am getting out my old lightbox. Seattle is far north. I am going to give the AIs my best shot.


i do NOT have the irritability that I had with peri menopause, TG.

SeattleSunshine, I was told by my psychiatrist that hormone therapy can increase anxiety. I'm on a low-ish dose of Duloxitine (Cymbalta), which I started for anxiety but also had the amazing effect of clearing up all my AI-induced arthralgias, which were pretty bad.

I don't know if I have cataracts, guess I will find out next week. I am 56 and haven't had problems before, could be aging, could be the medication, I take 1 mg. I finished my Herceptin January 8th and am looking forward to my nose dripping ending, and no more diarrhea! I've been using Biotin shampoo to help my hair. Think I will just keep it short, maybe not quite AS short! I have been using lubricating eye drops, but they don't seem to help much.

Was told when I was 56 had cataracts. Freaked out. Now 71, just had eye exam yesterday, still aren’t ready for removal.

The strange thing was, eyes checked last July. All good. No new rx Then distance vision started going wonky especially while driving at night. My first thought was the cataracts. Or diabetes. A1c is excellent. Or cancer. Or the AI, letrozole.

Dr confirmed left eye is worse, both need new glasses. Arrrrgh. I’m blaming the AI.

QUOTE: Jan 31, 2020 09:48PM count_it_all_joy wrote: Hi Ladies! New to this group, because I'm new to anastrozole. Just finished 5 years of Tamoxifen, and hoping to make it through some years on this.....<snip>

Question for count_it_all: If you've been on Tamoxifen for 5 years already, why are you having to take anastrozole now, too? Your profile is similar to mine (though not identical). Are you pre-menopausal-- I didn't see your age in your post. Just curious. I have 5 months to go to finish my 5 years of arimidex and I can't wait to get off of it!

Jane - a friend of mine was prescribed Tamoxifen for 7 years when she was Pre menopause. When she hit menopause (2 years later) she switched to AI for the last 5.