I've been on tamixofen for 2 years and will be whiching to Aromasin shortly. What can I expect in terms of side effects? I've already experienced hot flashes, weight gain and body aches. Should I expect them to get worse, better or the same?
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8/24/09 3:31pm
HiPam - Thankfully, you might be able to lose that weight - many of us who've made the switch do. Hot flashes MIGHT abate, as well. Mine did; but we all react differently. Body aches will probably increase, especially joint/bone pain. And you'll probably start experiencing bone-density loss - e.g., you'll be heading towards osteoporosis - so be sure to get a DEXA scan as a baseline, so you'll know when/if it starts to happen, and do something about it. Please read our AI FAQS piece - it has lots of good information on aromatase inhibitors. Good luck - PJH
8/25/09 2:52am
Hi Pam,
I've been on both Tamoxifen and I'm now taking Aromasin. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years in the National Breast Cancer Prevention Trial from 1993-98. I didn't have cancer, but I was at high risk so I enrolled. I remember hot flashes that could melt icebergs! I also gained a lot of weight, my hair thinned and so did my bones. I had body aches which may have been in part to Tamoxifen, but I also have Fibromyalgia. I believe taking Tamoxifen gave me an extra 15 years before my genetic mutation kicked in. I had a bilateral mastectomy 9-3-08. After chemo I first took Arimidex. It really aggravated my Fibromyalgia, so I was switched to Aromasin a little over a month ago. I'm finding my hot flashes are more frequent, but so far I don't ache as much as I did on Arimidex. I've been having trouble with lower back pain for a week now and I'm beginning to wonder if Aromasin has anything to do with the length of this flare-up. I really wish there were no side effects, but when you're dealing with estrogen levels it's to be expected. Hopefully yours will be mild. It beats the alternative... estrogen is like crack and cancer cells are the addicts.
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By Pam K— Last Modified: 12/18/10, First Published: 08/24/09
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Melanie, mention that lower back pain to your doctor next time you see him/her. It could be a sign of developing osteoporosis - oh sure, something else to worry about!!!
Or - don't want to go here - could be cancer-related, anytime you have persistent back pain. Thanks for giving your feedback here - very helpful. And glad you're doing better on the Aromasin than the Arimidex. PJH