Anastrozole User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Jane
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 9, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I wish I could sue Astra zenica. 3 years from finishing that drug my hair remains so thin I could pass as a 90 year old. I've been in a depressed daze since. It trashed my joints and I lost my gallbladder and spent a small fortune in physical therapy for the frozen shoulder...and guess what? I threw the drugs in the trash and no more frozen shoulder."

• Gram
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2016

Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer "Diagnosed in June 2016 Stage 2 grade 2 IDC Breast cancer. August 2016 lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and 30 radiation treatments. Only been on arimidex for 2 weeks. Having severe bone pain in legs and hips. Knees are the worst. Some nausea and loss of appetite. Didn't expect the side effects to start within the first 2 weeks of taking arimidex. Hope the longer I'm on arimidex the side effects will get better."

• Laura
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I recently started taking Anastrozole a month ago. I had Invasive Ductile Carconima (Stage 1) and had surgery to remove the tumor in August of this year and then went through 16 treatments of Radiation Therapy. Within 2 weeks of taking Anastrozole I noticed a considerable amount of hair loss (thinning). Besides the thinning of my hair, it also caused dryness and coarse - more brittle hair. I've also experienced a slight more stiffness in my joints although I just turned 55 and I suppose with my age, it can also be contributing more. I hope that the medication works out and I don't have to switch to another medication. My oncologist has asked that I take the medicine for 5 years. Wish me luck!!! I hope others on this site are able to find a solution that works for them."

• Granny...
• July 18, 2015

For Breast Cancer "i learned from patient reviews that taking magnesium helps mitigate side effects of arimidex. So I began taking magnesium glycinate before I even began the arimidex. I do think it helps. I am also following an anti-cancer diet. No muscle pain, no joint pain, only two very mild hot flashes, no weight gain, no headaches, no constipation, no mood swings. But when I had to take prednisone for 6 days for systemic poison ivy, I had lots of those side effects. If you check the list of magnesium deficiency side effects against arimidex side effects, you will find them very very similar. Been on arimidex 3 months and sticking with it so far."

• voter
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2017

Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer "I took one pill. ONE. Within 12 hours I began itching from head to toe. In 24 hours I was in the emergency room with a terrible rash all over me. It was so bad and it was raised so high you could almost measure it with a ruler! I didn't want to scratch first. I had to get two shots in my belly, was put on oral prednisone for two weeks (which then calls for a slow wean-off of the drug), a prescription topical medicine and over-the-counter medicines. The rash hung around for almost three weeks. I'm allergic to sulfa and all NSAIDS, but my doctor wasn't sure what is in this drug to cause this reaction. He put me on tamoxifen next, which I took for 7 years but the cancer came back. I am now on letrozole with no problems except joint pain."

• Laura...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Since taking this medication, I have extreme joint pain. I have to pull myself up the stairs at home. It takes me quite a while to make it up the two flights of stairs. My husband says I have bad breathe since being on this the past four years which is embarrassing. I've read on other sites that others have experienced that. And I sleep an average of 4 hours a night with the insomnia that I have. My oncologist thinks I'm making this up which is so unprofessional. So many people have these same symtoms. I'm 50."

• deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2017

Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex since December. I am experiencing locked up hands in the a.m. with pain; weakened grips and discomfort using the computer for my job. Also,at times low back and sciatica pain. I am considering changing medication."

• Hob
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I had a partial mastectomy, nineteen rounds of radiation from April till end of September. I am just over three years on anastrozole. Last year I woke up and the pain in my knees and legs was so sudden and severe, I could barely walk. I'm still losing my hair, am itchy, two teeth broke, weight gain, especially around my middle, where I never gained weight. Sore joints, hands, neck, back. I started feeling a little better and began practising yoga again. This was helping until my head went completely spacey. The foggy brain and groping for words, I was getting used to, but this is a spacey head. When you lie down, you grab for something to hold on to...loss of sleep also. A lot of doctors just ignore some of these symptoms, but go on any site regarding this and so many women are experiencing these symptoms. Anyone else going through this?"

• Lostb...
• April 7, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Began anastrozole regiment Jan. 2015 and by Mar. could no longer tolerate due to muscle pain, bone pain, pain in right foot, numbness in hands, feet, legs and arms, severe back pain, swelling of hands and feet, shortness of breath, extreme hot flashes, hair breakage, joint pain and weight gain. The side effects became debilitating, I could barely walk. I will be requesting a change in the medication."

• grate...
• April 14, 2014

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking anastrazole 1 mg daily since 2/2011 for the treatment of breast cancer. I have not received chemotherapy or radiation. This is truly a dreadful disease that imposes a life sentence on you. I too can attest to some very uncomfortable side effects but, I also accept that there is really no medicine which is side effect free. I feel stiff most of the time, my muscles ache and I am weary. For the most part I walk very slow and has problems ascending the stairs. My migraines had subsided as I age but they have started to hit me up again. Nevertheless, I am truly grateful to this medicine and intend to take it for the duration. I am glad it has assisted in the arrest of the disease. I am 60 years old."

• Mimi
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I started anastrozole eight months ago it wasn’t a very pleasant experience. It elevated my liver enzymes I wasn’t able to go to the bathroom whatever it did to my kidney or bladder? either I went to much I didn’t go at all . I am off of it now eight weeks. Well the pain is gone and my legs and my shoulders everywhere I don’t know what my liver enzymes are I was getting blood work on Monday. I see the doctor in two more days I don’t know what they’re going to do. I don’t want to take any of the inhibitors I guess they’re going to check the liver enzymes if they are still up. I cannot stand the pain that I was in on the anestrozole it was horrible. I don’t know what’s down the road for me I pray that whoever is on this medication that they are able to take it and it helps them"

• gypsy...
• June 21, 2015

For Breast Cancer "After 18 years, bc returned on my scar. The guidelines at the time was no chemo or rads for non invasive carcinoma. I had 4 chemo and 21 rads. I have been 9n anastrazole for 3 years. My oncologist only had smpathy. I went to Nutrition Dept which was proven a God Send. After 2 weeks on Cod Liver Oil, Coconut Oil, Glucosamine, Vitamins D3, Vitamin B12, I no longer walk bent over, moan after climbing 5 stairs, have a.m. muscle pains. I can walk erect, bend over, out walk my husband and write as l9ng as I wish. Give it a try girl it works!"

• Amima...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2016

For Breast Cancer "i have been on this medication for 16 months, I was able to manage the hot flushes and muscle pain for a year, then I found out I was having breathing problems so tired I couldn't even do my housework, I lost my balance a few times forgot words I wanted to use had mental confusion, then was told my blood pressure was sky high. So that was enough I came of the drug 1 month ago and most of my symptoms have subsided I still have dizzy turns but hopefully this will improve. The cure unfortunately has turned out to worse than the actual Cancer and Radiation. Hope this helps."

• Nana
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I feel like my life has been wrecked by Anastrozole. After a couple of months the Oncologist took me off it for 6 weeks to allow my body to repair. He has now put me on Tamoxifen. Body has not repaired itself. Before I started this pill I was an active 72 year old who enjoyed life to the full, walking my dog, looking after my grandchildren and socialising with friends etc. Now I have Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Tibialis Tendinosis (none of which I had before) which I am probably going to have to have major surgery which will take a year to get over. The pain is excruciating and I can only walk a few steps. I have become depressed as well at not being mobile and having so much pain. My husband is waiting for a hip replacement and we are having to pay daily to get our dog walked and to get our house cleaned a couple of times a week. It is difficult to shop and stand and cook. Have been told by physio not to walk or stand if at all possible."

• SCW
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 29, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking the anastrozole now for 11 months. I have stage 1-Her2 stage 3 breast cancer. Had a lumpectomy. also went through 3 months of Chemo and 30 radiation treatments. My hot flashes continue to get worse by the day. My hands are constantly sore especially in the morning. My legs and knees have been getting worse to where I cannot get up after stooping down. Getting on my knees is impossible. Some days I think I am losing my mind. I forget what I am saying in the middle of a sentence. My husband is worried about me and is constanty making sure I'm ok. I have also been steadily becoming depressed. ( I am a very positive and happy person as a rule ) I don't feel like myself. Hate this pill. I am only 63."

• DeeEm
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Hello, Strength and Love and all other readers - based on my experience, the horrific joint pain from Arimidex/Anastrozole is gone three weeks after you stop taking it. My doctor told me to quit the Anastrazole again for three weeks and then start on Tamoxifen, which has its own unsettling side effects. This is the price we pay for breast cancer, but we're still here. My best friend paid with her life in 2016 (RIP my beloved Deb). So, hang in there Ladies! You are not alone struggling with this med. May 2017 be a Happy HEALTHY New Year for us all! D"

• nynyer
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 12, 2014

For Breast Cancer "Have been on this medicine since February following a lumpectomy. After reading the other posts I now realize the stiffness and soreness in my hands might be s side effect. Happens every morning. Also have severe flushing and sweating which is new with me. The worst is the swelling in my feet and legs..severe at times. I am now aware all of the above started after February. I will discuss it with my oncologist. Very thankful for this forum."

• DeeEm
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Reporting in. After 5 weeks of stopping the Anastrazole, my joint pain was pretty much gone and I was ecstatic! Due to serious family illness, I had to postpone my follow up visit with my oncologist. Fearing that I had been off the med long enough, I started taking it again. That was a week ago. The joint pain came back today with a vengeance - aching knees, aching back, shortness of breath, barely able to walk. I cannot take this med anymore and it worries me as the alternatives (tamoxifen) are not as effective. See my doc in five days. Will post again. My heart goes out to all the women posting on this forum."

• Thank...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 30, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I am so thankful to be alive even though the side effects of anastrozole can be so very painful and inconvenient. What keeps me going on with my everyday life is taking a step back and remembering when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the her2 gene. And then having a bilateral masectomy and then starting chemo and then the side effects of chemo...Whew now all that was pretty bad and I survived! So I tell myself that I will survive anastrozole also. I am so thankful that I have choices. I am also thankful while reading these comments that I am not alone!"

• Beatl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2016

Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer "I have been using Arimidex for approx. 6 months. I have had some side effects, mostly hot flashes, and some insomnia. The hot flashes have gotten better, and the insomnia I just switched the time of day in which I took the medication."

• BJano
• April 17, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Coming up on my 5 year anniversary so anastrozole evidently works. However, after my last bone density test I find that my bones have thinned significantly and now have osteoporosis. Have had other side effects, hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain, weight gain, thinning nails & hair but didn't attribute anything other than hot flashes to the anastrozole. To prevent cancer I can live with most of those but if I had known how fast my bones were thinning I don't know if I would have stayed with it."

• Fighter
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc, Grade 3 breast cancer in 2017. I had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection, 16 rounds of chemo and 30 rounds of radiation and started anastrozole after the chemo. The positives about the drug are: -Small, easy to take -Once a day dosing -relatively inexpensive The primary negatives, as others have said, are body and joint aches. I also have daily fatigue and some mood changes. I’m tempted to stop taking it but don’t because of how advanced my diagnosis was. I’ll continue to hang in there and do what I can to prevent further cancer occurrence."

• Stren...
• December 28, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, & 5yrs on Tamoxifen. Just switched over to Anastrizole in Aug. By early December I just couldn't take the joint pain anymore. I developed tendinitis on my wrist so I made the choice to stop taking it. It has been 2 weeks and the tendinitis is slightly better, but I still have really bad ankle, knee, heel, hip, shoulder, & elbow pain. I was perfectly fine before the anastrozole. How long will I have to be off the meds before the pain goes away? The oncologist highly recommended I go back on anastrozole or tamixifen again. She said the percentage was 4% better if I stay on. I have made the decision to eat healthy, excercise and NOT take anymore cancer meds."

• jbow
• September 8, 2010

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. "

• Kathlyn...
• December 10, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Had a lumpectomy for stage 2 breast cancer September 2014; started taking arimidex a month later, until today, December 10, 2016. My oncologist is having me go off it for 4 weeks because in the last 6 months I have noticed three worsening symptoms. I started getting short of breath almost immediately after starting the arimidex, but now I can't even do light housework for 5 minutes without breathing hard. The muscle aches and pains have become level 5 to 8 routinely; the moment I'm upright, I'm in pain, plus it hurts to move. But I went in to my family doctor because the depression was scaring me. I am grateful for this forum because in reading other experiences, I see that I am not alone. Will update this review later."