Anastrozole User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2014

For Breast Cancer "Prescribed after lumpectomy for breast cancer and taking this medication for 1 year, I've experienced extreme panic attacks, anxiety that often prevents me from wanting to leave the house, and insomnia. My symptoms were so severe, I could not function at work and took early retirement. I have discussed these side effects with my oncologist; his concern was more with flushing side effects than anxiety. I have 4 more years of taking this medication and honestly don't know if I'll be able to keep it up. I find myself having extremely blue feelings and without taking anti-anxiety meds, I truly would not be able to function at all."

• Fin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2019

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Had stage 3 HER positive. Been on Arimidex for over 5 years. Just stopped taking it, had all the side effects mentioned in early posts. I have been off it for only 8 days, but for the last two days have felt sick & really bad headaches. Is this like withdrawal symptoms? Has anybody else had this?"

• Lab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2020

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Stage 1 grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Lumpectomy and radiation. The last 6 months of the 5 years on anastrozole, I began to have hip and back pain. I stopped taking it October 1st, and today is November 18th. I want to get back to my daily walk, but have not been able to due to the difficulty walking. I do still walk the dog at night, but it isn't easy. I have tried stretching, and in some cases, I felt it aggravated it. I even limp some days. It is very discouraging. I am taking 1 Aleve morning and night, but don't really like doing that either. I am hoping it gets better enough to walk, which may make me feel better. I am 60 years old."

• To ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 1, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I am reading about all of these side effects. I just finished my five years, and it's not necessary for me to continue on with it. I suppose some of my achy feelings and stuff came from this drug, but I take a few others, so I'm not sure. I haven't had any side effects, no hair loss or thinning like many others that I've read about. One woman I met shortly after I got breast cancer said she did not take the drug as was recommended, and not long after, her breast cancer turned into lung cancer, now it's inoperable, so she urged people to take the drug. Thank you, I hope your drug makes me live longer to be with my granddaughters."

• Fig...
• 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."

• Mur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I began taking Anastrozole in November 2015 following breast cancer surgery and radiation. After one year, I began showing early signs of neuropathy. When questioned, my cancer specialist said he felt sure it was not due to the drug. A neurologist said the opposite. I was placed on gabapentin for the pain and tingling of the neuropathy symptoms. I also have been suffering from worsening back pain and recently had an MRI which shows degenerative disc disease. I also associate this with the anastrozole. I am discouraged about my quality of life declining since starting this drug. I wish my cancer specialist would have been more open about the side effects. I may have chosen a different path."

• mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2013

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Anastrozole since August 2012 and things have been going pretty well. It is now the end of February, and I now have high blood pressure, shortness of breath, hand pain especially at night and in the morning when I can barely hold a comb to my hair. Also, I feel 'pins and needles' in both hands. I am confused as to why the side effects are occurring now. At least I feel better knowing that others are going through the same thing."

• Oak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

For Breast Cancer "Invasive Lobular Carc. Grade 2 Stage 1A. ER+PR+ HER-Oncotype DX 9. Lumpectomy & 21 days of radiation. W/ generic anastrozole: very strong bone and joint pain after 1 to 2 weeks in places I didn't think I had arthritis, as well as in those places I'd previously 'insulted' during my 64 years. Thought that if this were to be my life, I'd rather die sooner rather than later. Med. Onc. told me all aromatase inhibitors would have the same effect, so put me on tamoxifen. 3 weeks into that - so far just sweater on and off, on and off."

• Phy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2020

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "My experience with Anastrozole has been beneficial. Following a double mastectomy and removal of the majority of my right arm lymph nodes, significant chemo and radiation, I started Anastrozole in 2013. None of the side effects have been too bad or debilitating, so I am very fortunate and grateful for this drug for the significant benefits. I will have to stop in a couple of years, and that makes me nervous! As so many reviews here are about major issues, it's important to know that's not always the case."

• You...
• February 3, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have atypical ductal hyperplasia. Initially put on Tamoxifen, stopped secondary to multiple side effects, including osteoporosis and poor quality of life. Took a 9-month drug-free vacation before agreeing to take Arimidex (anastrozole). Hot flashes and insomnia have been dependent on what time of the day I take the medicine; worse if taken in the late afternoon/evening. I have had a return of joint/arthritic pain in my hips, lower back, shoulders, and hands. I have fatigue, no libido, and have gained 15 pounds despite being active and eating healthy. Short-term memory is poor, and word recall is frustrating. I know many do well on this medicine, but I am not sure if I will stay on it."

• ema...
• August 1, 2013

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking Anastrozole for 1 and a half years now for breast cancer. I have been having problems with my hands, stiffness of legs, shortness of breath, insomnia, thinning hair, weight gain, and really bad hot flashes. I am going to ask my doctor about my chances of recurring breast cancer if I stop taking this or try something else."

• Kim...
• September 10, 2014

For Breast Cancer "I am new at taking anastrozole (30 days). For the past week or so, I found it impossible to get up and around for work because I was so sleepy. I think it has increased my lower back pain, and it has been hard getting up from bed due to pain and stiffness. My oncologist advised me to quit today until we can discuss alternatives. I am 59 and had a partial mastectomy and radiation."

• Mer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 17, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I started anastrozole one year ago. At first, I didn't notice any side effects. Now, for the past three or four months, I've experienced a gradual increase in pain in my joints. My hip joints, knees, and hands give me a lot of pain. I also have stiff hands when I wake up each morning, trigger fingers, and thumb, it gradually gets better as the day goes on. Other side effects I have experienced are hair thinning, anxiety, insomnia, thinning nails, chronic diarrhea, thinning of the lower walls of my vagina causing a bladder prolapse, and dry mouth. I have stopped taking the product and called my oncologist. He suggested Aromasin, but after reading about the side effects of that, it seems like I am going from the frying pan into the fire."

• SoD...
• February 13, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking Anastrozole for 2 years, and just in the past 3 months have I had any side effects. All of a sudden my knees ache, I had to have shots in my wrist and thumbs for tendinitis. I exercise regularly and could not figure out why this was happening until I researched the side effects. Has anyone tried Letrozole? Same side effects? I am only 53 and not really wanting to feel like I am 90. I am grateful to be alive, but what are the real chances that this will re-occur? Right now I am on Anastrozole that is preventing recurrence, that caused tendonitis and trigger thumbs and was given Meloxicam for painful joints, so when does the medication end? So frustrated. Thankful for your input."

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2010

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."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I've taken anastrozole for just over two years now. I find the fatigue the worst. I’m just always tired no matter how well I sleep or how much I rest. The fatigue is relentless, so much so my whole life has changed. I no longer enjoy the active life I had, and I have gained a lot more weight. Even though I walk every day and try to do weight-bearing exercises, just doing the housework these days or going shopping is enough. The joint and bone pain gets me down too. Some days I can hardly bend down, let alone get up. It gets me down, so add low mood to the list. I've had no support either. I finished my treatment, then was put straight on this drug and feel I've been left to get on with it. If it were not for the fear of the cancer returning, I would quit this horrid drug. Every day is a struggle, and I’m not sure if I can do another three years. I want my life back."

• Dee...
• November 27, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Reporting in after being off anastrozole for three weeks. Well, my joint pain is quite a bit better! Not a cure-all so far, but it's gone from being nearly intolerable to not so bad. I can get in and out of my car without feeling as if I am 102. Will start some exercise this week to see if that helps/hurts. See my oncologist in 2 weeks to report back to her. Like others have said, a little scared to be off the med, but had to see if it was causing all the misery. Will post an update in hopes that it helps others."

• Dr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking anastrozole for 2 years, 2 months following a double mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. I had trigger thumb surgeries on both thumbs the first year. I am a dentist, so not being able to bend my thumbs is not an option. My hair is very thin. My knees are so sore I can hardly walk when I first get up. Getting down on my knees is excruciating! I am an active person, but I move like a 90-year-old woman. I am thankful to be alive and thankful that this medication is available. However, if anyone knows how to help the knee pain, please share."

• Rev...
• November 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Age 66. I had Stage IIA breast cancer, two tumors in the right breast, hormone receptive. I had a double mastectomy and seven lymph nodes removed (clear, thank God!). I dodged the chemo bullet, but the side effects from the anastrozole are terrible. Brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, severe hot flashes, and now such joint pain and tendonitis of the hamstring that I walk with a limp. Got a cortisone shot ten days ago. Seemed to help some, but the pain came back with a vengeance after a week. I can hardly drive, which is required for my job (hospice chaplain). I have to work. Oncologist advised today that I go off for a week to see if the leg pain improves. If it goes away after not taking it for a week, I'll have difficult decisions to make."

• Nic...
• May 24, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this medication for half a year. I was on tamoxifen for 3 and a half years, but after I had my ovaries removed, I was moved onto anastrozole. Since starting, my entire body hurts. My bones, my hands, my joints, everything. I have been backwards and forwards to doctors who have not been much help. Aside from the pain, emotionally it makes me worry I have cancer somewhere else. Some days I can hardly get out of bed with it. Some days the pain is just an ache, other times, just sharp pains that can be anywhere. I am persevering, though, I figure I would rather have the pain than get cancer back, so if this helps at all, it will all be worth it. There are days that I am not so positive, but I only have a year to go... I am 44."

• Kas...
• December 8, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I started taking Arimidex in March of 2015 after being diagnosed with bilateral stage 1 invasive DC. After lumpectomies, I received 30 radiation treatments, but no chemo was needed. I have had many side effects including depression, joint pain, insomnia, nausea, numbness in my left hand fingers. I was determined to stay with it. Two weeks ago, I ended up in the ER with hip pain so severe I was vomiting and crying. I actually have a very high tolerance for pain. I saw my oncologist today, he said, 'We want to improve your quality of life, not hinder it.' He took me off the Arimidex and will start me on something else in 4 weeks. It was so nice to have a doctor actually listen and want to work with me. I hope I tolerate my new med better."

• LJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2018

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I have been on Arimidex/Anastrozole with every 4-week Zometa infusion for 2 1/2 years with no side effects. After reading other reviews, I feel very lucky. I am still doing weight training and boxing 2x a week. Tumor markers are increasing slowly in the last 6 months but are barely still within “normal range.”"

• Mar...
• February 9, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this medication for 18 months now. I have experienced severe hot flushes, which have mostly subsided. I have bouts of severe bone pain in my thighs and shins to the point where it feels like I have been beat with a baseball bat. I have insomnia, along with mental confusion and short-term memory loss. I get mild nausea but have probably gained 30 lbs. My arthritis in my ankles has worsened. Not sure how much longer I can stay on this medication."

• 2...
• November 13, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Had my first mastectomy in 2002. Had my second in 2015. My oncologist put me on Anastrozole. The hot flashes were unbearable, but are subsiding after a year on the med. Unfortunately, now my feet are so painful to walk on I'm thinking that I would rather take my chances than deal with the pain in my feet. Having trouble with knee pain and every time I sit for more than one hour, I feel like I am 90. Hands ache and I'm too tired to get up and exercise. Is it really worth it? How much difference in recurrence does this give me now that I have had a double mastectomy?"

• Lei...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2018

For Breast Cancer "May 2014 underwent a lumpectomy for stage 1 breast cancer. Clear margins, no lymph node issues. 20 treatments of radiation. Oncologist started letrozole. 3 months of terrible joint pain/difficulty rising. Oncologist then prescribed anastrozole. Vaginal dryness, no sex drive, nose cavity dry, no joint pain. Insomnia. Difficulty losing weight. 10,000 steps daily I lose! Take vitamin D, calcium, and others daily. Slight bone loss last image, oncologist recommended Prolia. Near the end of taking anastrozole - 6 more months to 5 years. After researching this drug, take a lifetime, shot 2 times a year, $1,800.00 a year to insurance or not! Advice from 3 health care specialist friends, going for a second opinion from a doctor that read my bone scan, I followed their strong advice to not take Prolia. Felt the side effects researched/told were very severe, not worth the risk. More spinach, kale, calcium in food, and load-bearing exercise. Hang tough, ladies!"