The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have had the hot flashes, and the weight gain. Not much of the other side effects so far. Not willing to keep gaining the weight, talked to my oncologist but he says the weight gain is not from the Arimidex. I know better, I have always been very very careful with my weight and going on this medication is the only time I have had the weight gain. I stopped it for 5 weeks and lost, went back on the Arimidex and the weight came back. I work out 5 to 7 days a week so I am very active.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Started taking Arimidex in June and have lost 45lbs. Vomiting and diarrhea have left me homebound. I keep starting and stopping this pill. Oncologist thinks I'm crazy, but when I stop the pill the vomiting and diarrhea stop. Just stopped taking it before Christmas and I'm feeling so much better. Have had two lumpectomies and a mastectomy. Don't want the cancer to return, but the side effects are too much for me.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I've been on Arimidex 4 years and 1 month, prior to which I took Tamoxifen for 5 months. During the first year I developed a frozen shoulder, which my oncologist said could be due to the Armidex, extreme joint stiffness which gradually subsidized and ended after 9-12 months, intense hot flashes which as of this year are lessening, insomnia, vision issues (detached retina - but am also very myopic), pronounced facial aging, dry skin (am 57 years old) and thinning hair. I also experienced depression and mood swings beginning 3 months after the start of Arimidex. I never took medication for it but am finding that it has also gradually lessened over the last 1 1/2 yrs.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: 7 months in severe hand pain wakes me up at night. Hands weakening grip ibuprofen doesn't help using phone and computer mouse horrible. Just switched to Aromasin.
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Review by Trick NOT Treat (taken for 2 to 5 years):
User Rating:
1.0
Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have been on Arimidex for 4 years 4 months. I have had the hot flashes, vision issues, bone density weakening, joint pain and stiffness, depression, mood changes, insomnia, back and bone pain, thinning nails (of already thin nails), weakness in hands and now, my hair in breaking off and drying out. My doctor wants me to hold on to the end of the 5 years. Not sure I can.
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Review by Better than cancer (taken for 1 to 6 months):
User Rating:
8.0
Arimidex (anastrozole) for Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial stromal sarcoma: I've been on this medicine since hysterectomy/pathology report in March, about five months. Too soon to tell if it is working but so far so good. The side effects are as stated by many already...increased joint pain and stiffness everywhere and especially hands and feet, increased weight, minor and occasional dizziness, increased feeling of tiredness. I'm going to request a bone density scan to monitor risk of osteoporosis. It is all tolerable so far, but I hope it doesn't get worse and I hope none of it is permanent.
Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have been on Arimidex for 5 years. No pain or problems, and with a vitamin D supplement, I have been feeling great! Didn't have any problems until I started the generic form.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have been on Arimidex for just over a year and have experience basically no side effects. The only issue I have is my left hand and fingers tingle occasionally at night - enough to waken me, however, the doctor thinks it has more to do with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - which I never had before. I am going to be 70 years old soon, am in excellent health and shape as I work with a personal trainer. Life is Good!
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I started taking Arimidex about 4 - 5 months ago as a breast cancer patient. I'm supposed to take it for 5 years. The side-effects I've experienced are: insomnia, hot flashes, headaches, weight gain, joint pain, and severe loss of grip in both hands. My hands are stiff in the morning and evening, it's just crazy. Well, even throughout the day. I asked my oncologist about this and he said it was arthritis, which I do NOT believe. The onset was too quick. It was about 6 weeks after I started taking the Arimidex then the hand stiffness showed up.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Within a month of taking Arimidex. I had so much joints pain, I mention to my oncologist and he said it was arthritis, I said "No way" arthritis does not show up in one month" I stopped taking it after 1 1/2 years. I could not endure the pain.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Have been on Arimidex for 7 years as my oncologist says that the trial period has only been up to 5 years and she wants me to continue as extra insurance. The only side effect that I have noticed beginning about a year ago is hair thinning, and it is starting to bother me. Three of my friends who had started taking Arimidex the same time I did and who had other oncologists, were taken off the drug after 5 years. They had noticed hair thinning during the time they were taking the drug and it has reversed since they stopped usage.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I am starting my 4th year on Arimidex and have had wonderful results. I have had no side effects at all. I am now over 70 and am active and otherwise healthy. I am looking forward to many more years of continued good health.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Severe hot flushes, sleep disturbance, bone and joint pain, lack of concentration. Was getting Zoladex injections for 9 months then had hysterectomy. Have been on Arimidex for 7 months. Hope I don't have to be on it for up to 5 years. I don't think I could stick out these side effects.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have been on Arimidex for 4 years. Side effects I have had are severe hot flashes, and ever increasing joint pain. I am considering going off the medication entirely, even though it has not been the full five years yet, or switching to a different medicine.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: I have been on Arimidex for almost a year now; as far as side effects, most problematic for me seems to be weight gain. Sure hope and pray I have no more serious side effects than this. Take my Arimidex every morning with breakfast.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Initially, I tolerated the drug well. About 4 months into treatment, I had a lot of problems: dizziness, disorientation, joint and muscle pain and stomach upset. Also, my hair started to thin, and nails cracked due to dryness. Within a week of stopping the drug I was feeling better. One month out and I was very well.
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Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer: Debilitating joint and bone pain forced me off this medication. Had to be treated as if pain was rheumatoid arthritis. Very severe. I have read many other stories similar to mine.
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