Arimidex side effects-mental and physical changes

By Portia Wednesday, November 12, 2008

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I'm a cancer survivor. Two years past diagnosis and treatment. I was on tamoxifen for 18 months and then switched over to Arimidex about 6 months ago. I was conflcted about the switch but read that Arimidex had better results. For me, the side effects are tough to deal with. My hands ache constantly and tingle too, my energy level is way, way down, and I feel as though my memory and mental capacity are impacted by this medicine. I am grateful for my health and try to appreciate every day, but I feel that this medicine is a mixed blessing. Has anyone else had similar mental effects on Arimidex? I'm very concerned about this.

-Portia-

Comments (4) | Add comment

Maria Gifford, Editor

11/14/08 12:25am

Hello Portia,

Welcome to our community. Thanks for writing. While I share your gratitude for the gift of health, I understand the "catch 22" of you taking Arimidex with all those unpleasant side effects. Here are some posts from other members with similar troubles:

Arimidex Blues

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/34862/45478/arimidex

Is it OK to take Arimidex the rest of your life?

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/question/43376/47067

Would neuropathy be a side effect of Arimidex?

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/question/87750/45607

Please feel free to connect with any of these ladies -- I'm sure they'd be glad to hear from you and to share more experiences. Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

Sincerely,

Maria

shelley

12/11/08 2:48pm

I feel the same way about the Drug. Initially I thought it was just post chemo & radiation that was making me feel that way.

I'm experiencing more joint & muscle pain, especially round my ankles & heels.

my oncologist just tells me it is unusual...

Massage does help,as well as warm baths.

Anonymous

12/18/08 8:35pm

I have been on Arimidex for 3 1/2 years, and the side effects just keep getting worse. Bone pain, leg cramps, fatigue My oncologist admitted that the effects of Arimidex are cumulative---meaning, yes, they continue to worsen. Today I found out my bladder is inflamed---due to a lack of estrogen. Very painful---need a few more tests, and then will have to start another drug to address this issue. The only "natural" help I have found is taking a calcium/magnesium combination to help with the leg cramps. I cry at the thought of 1 1/2 more years on Arimidex, but am too scared to stop it.

Diane

Anonymous

12/26/08 11:28pm

In 2002 I was diagnosed and treated for stage three breast cancer. I had a mastectomy, then went for a second opinion to the Avon center at UCLA before chemo, then radiation. I had open-minded and thoughtful treatment the entire way. Tamoxifen was the treatment of choice when I was ready for adjuvent therapy, but Arimidex came on the scene and I had an oopherectomy to accomodate treatment with that new drug.

I have experienced the reported muscle and joint pains and other side effects from removing estrogen from the body. While not pleasant, I am alive and enjoying so much. Regular walking, swimming, and other exercise will help with the pain, after you get started. I think that there is so much to be said for the time in which we live, and the amazing advances in the treatment of breast cancer.

Enjoy your life!

Arimidex side effects-mental and physical changes

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