Anastrozole User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• MaryC...
• 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?"

• DeeEm
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 3, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Taking anastrozole for three years after lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation for stage 1 BC. Lately, joint pain has been intolerable. Sometimes NSAIDs help. Exercise helps but is hard to do when joints hurt to begin with. Also, can't go a whole day without having to lay down from feeling so tired. Completely fell apart on vacation. Was simply incapable of walking up a hill. So short of breath, knees and lower back pain unbearable. I had to stop every few feet and hold onto something. So far, no evidence of recurrence. Will report all this to the oncologist, as I'm not sure I can continue this daily struggle. Sixty-five feels like eighty-five."

• Super...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 27, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on anastrozole for a year and a half, was on tamoxifen for a year before but now gone through menopause. I was a fit 41-year-old before, I always have a horrible taste in my mouth, struggle to get up to walk, especially from out of bed. My joints are so painful, I struggle to grip, lost the steering wheel the other week and nearly shot off the road, fuzzy head, hot sweats. Think I've made the decision to come off it and hope for the best."

• Author
• June 27, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this medicine for approximately 8 months, have started having side effects that say to contact my doctor immediately (waiting for a call back as I type this): blisters on my lower lip and inside mouth, sores on the hairline, my face occasionally looks sunburned, pain in my chest and difficulty swallowing, vision changes, sore throat, some pain in the abdomen area, some dizziness, severe hot flashes, and nausea. I did not take the medicine this morning and do not intend to continue."

• Kathe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) with lumpectomy and 3 weeks of radiation. I was not too concerned about aromatase medication since all treatment had been problem-free. I took anastrozole 1 mg for 10 weeks. After 5 doses, developed severe diarrhea-10-15 times per day. After 4 weeks, insomnia and bone pain started, then hair loss. Really wondering if I am over treating this condition. Discontinued anastrozole about three weeks ago, and all symptoms subsided. Just started on examestane-hope this is a better alternative."

• Yols
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in Aug 2014 and had 6 months of chemo and 6 weeks of radiotherapy. Have been taking anastrozole for approximately 17 months and have noticed I get very tired, sore joints, and thinning hair. Has anyone else experienced hair loss?"

• tired...
• December 28, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Told anastrozole will help prevent cancer from coming back, okay, cool. Instead, I have side effects of being tired, cranky, ouchy, tired, oh look and psoriasis! tired, kind of dumber, but a good shot of whiskey does that too. gained weight, bones weak 1 year down, more to go!! cheers!"

• Surfe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I started anastrozole one year ago in June 2014 after a double mastectomy. I did not need chemo or radiation as I caught the cancer early and my Oncotype DX score was very low. The first 3 months I didn't notice any side effects. But then I gained (so far) 10 lbs. and I am very active and work out 5 days a week with weights and cardio (I am 60 yrs. old now). My hips, lower back, especially left side, and knees hurt a lot and my knees feel weak. It makes it very difficult to get up off the floor. Also, both thumb joints hurt all the time. No hair loss or nail issues, but some hot flashes. I wonder if it will get worse - still have 4 years left."

• Dani
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2019

For Breast Cancer "This caused side effects in that I had rare kidney infarcts (shower of blood clots) hit my right kidney. Six days in the hospital with everything else ruled out. Now on Aromasin. I had symptoms early on a few months after starting Arimidex. Veins in my hands would hurt very bad, then turn red/purple and then ruptured under the skin. I also had a very painful big toe weeks before the blood clots hit. Oncologist and NP ignored my concerns and kept me on the medicine. Needless to say, I have a new oncologist. Aromasin still causes the usual hot flashes, joint muscle pain, fatigue, and nausea. But better on all of those symptoms than I was with Arimidex. Good luck, ladies!"

• sandy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2023

For Breast Cancer "I am 2 and 1/2 years into my Anastrozole meds. After stage 3 invasive ductile carcinoma. I had a 3 1/2 cm mass was removed as well as a few lymph nodes that also were positive for cancer. I am in the most extreme pain of my life from this medication. The hot flashes are horrible as are the anxiety, nausea, pains, dizziness, and overall fatigue. I feel like I'm dying half the time. It is very hard to walk as my ankles and lower legs hurt so bad, it's hard to even pick my leg up to get into the car. My legs hurt so bad at night I have trouble sleeping. I also have terrible muscle cramps, some of which take several minutes to release. I personally do not recommend taking this. My husband and I are looking into a more natural approach. There is no way I can continue to take this medication."

• Dotti...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 29, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago. Took 15 double radiation treatments and been on anastrozole for 5 years. When I finish this prescription, I will be through. I must be the lucky one. I had no side effects other than the normal aches and pains that happen to older people. I had a friend who would not take this, and she lived 3 months after her surgery. If the doctor says you need it, please take it."

• Heart...
• December 7, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed in 1/2016: estrogen-receptive intraductal papillary carcinoma, left breast. Lucky to have a lumpectomy and clear margins. No lymph nodes. However, had a heart attack and quad bypass a week later. So-no radiation on orders of the cardio doctor. No Tamoxifen since heart disease is a side effect. Began Arimidex in April. I am up 30 pounds, the hot flashes/night sweats are horrible, tired all the time, no sex drive, vaginal dryness (taking Osphena for that, which helps), depressed, short of breath. So far no joint pain but swelling in my feet if I sit too long. Everyone says 'exercise!' but it's hard to do that when I just want to sleep! Wondering if it is worth it for the small percentage it can offer."

• Salitta
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2014

For Breast Cancer "I started on tamoxifen, 2-3/4 years ago. I was a mess. Some of it could have been just dealing with the actual 'cancer', working as usual and going to radiation daily for 7 weeks. However, I was also going through menopause and teaching about 100 kids per day, in elementary art. I was very emotional and had a lot of high anxiety. My oncologist was thinking about taking me off it, because my quality of life wasn't so good. I finally reached the post-menopausal stage and he switched me to anastrozole. I've been on it for about a year, maybe a little longer. I do have some memory problems. I took up tai chi 4 months ago and feel much better mentally. My last visit to the oncologist, all my vitals had improved immensely! I credit tai chi for it!"

• Glama
• May 6, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking this medication for the last 2 months. I am 52 years old. I already had some joint pain from slight arthritis in my lower back, hips, and hands. I now have joint pain and soreness almost everywhere. I cannot seem to lose any weight, which my doctor has advised, and my word loss and short-term memory are not good. I kind of thought this was all in my head, but I see from reading these blogs that this is what can happen. I hope it passes."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2023

Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast Cancer "I have been taking Arimidex for 5.8 years for breast cancer. I was diagnosed at 75 years old. I try to ignore side effects by keeping very active. Muscle weakness is a problem. Walking 2-3 km per day to date has worked to date. I need more arm strength. As a carer, increasing pressure from a needy spouse prevents me from continuing this program. I intend to stop Arimidex now and hope to lift the brain fog and regain my life."

• Music...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I had Stage 1 Breast Cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiation. I was put on anastrozole after my radiation and stayed on it for 6 months. The side effects were miserable. I decided that quality of life is so worth it. What I didn't know at the time was the lingering effects. My joints in my thumbs still ache, I have osteopenia and now my feet are starting to have neuropathy. This all from only 6 months taking the anastrozole and only increasing my life span by 1 percent. If I had it to do all over again, I would just say NO!!!!"

• MEBC
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Began taking this medication about a month ago. So far, have no sweating, but the arthritic pain is pretty high. Arms fall asleep when sleeping in most positions other than sleeping on my back. Have also noticed 'tingling' on the left forward part of my brain. Comes and goes. Hair loss, but not extensive. Finding it difficult to tie shoelaces - middle finger, left hand--knuckle keeps popping (painful). Lots of soreness and stiffness in the upper part of my spine. Yesterday (8/4), thought I had a chunk of donut stuck in my esophagus, but I can still feel something there today. Will need to contact the oncologist for guidance on that."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2012

For Breast Cancer "I was on Tamoxifen for 3 years until I had to have a hysterectomy, and then my doctor switched me to Anastrozole. I only have 3 more months to go, and I am marking the days off on my calendar. I have gained 30 pounds, my grip strength is gone. My hands and feet tingle often during the day. My joints hurt all the time. I can't begin to tell you how my lower back feels. If I sit for too long, my joints get stiff, and it's hard for me to get going. I will stick it out."

• Taz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I wish I would've been told quality of life would be so severe. Been on Anastrozole for 3 years - severe hot flashes, mood swings - the medication doesn't work - but oncologist insists I take it - I do in case they test for it. Fond natural rhubarb helped me 100% get rid of my hot flashes - not covered under insurance, $35.00. My bones ache now when it's cold, different aches & pains daily. They deny osteoporosis due to the pill - but I never had this kind of pain - my hips actually hurt when cold, they can't move. I have 7 more years - I do not think I can stay that long - with these bone issues & mood swings. Hot flashes make me smell like a man who has not showered and just played sports - his underarm smell - this is due to the radiation treatment."

• Tooma...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 1, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Am on brand name anastrozole/Arimidex almost a year now for early stage invasive breast cancer. I developed unabating severe hot flashes, several times per hour, which are mostly controlled now with low dose venlafaxine 12.5 mg twice a day. I have lost weight, which is good. The most disturbing side effects are neurocognitive, i.e., thinking slower, forgetting little things, misreading, having to write more things down. I feel like my previously very high IQ has dropped at least 30 points."

• Nene
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

For Breast Cancer "After 3 months, agonizing knee pain in both knees, muscle pain down the left thigh, pain in the left hip. Only started when I began with anastrozole. Was fit and did lots of gardening until then. No painkillers seem to help."

• Garde...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Small breast cancer ductal, non-invasive, no node involvement. Had lumpectomy surgery and radiation 10/2019. Arimidex for 7 months daily. Slight stiff neck 2 months into taking the drug but very brief. Biggest problem was a confused brain and terrible memory, some fatigue. Brain and memory back to normal now for a 73-year-old. Began exercising at YMCA daily when I felt stronger and go almost every day. Fatigue disappearing, no other side effects from the Arimidex. Plan to take it for the 5 years."

• GGano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at 70 yrs old. Was told the anastrozole would affect legs and possibly cause osteoporosis. I am one year into it and have 4 more to go. My leg pain (especially lower - like shin splints) keeps me up at night. Better when standing. Lying down in a supine position seems to trigger it. Hands are weak, but until after reading these comments, I had no idea this may be the cause for that as well. Having a hard time holding onto things. I seem to be a little forgetful, but that could just be my age. I'm sharing all unusual feelings as it may help someone else relate as it did me after reading some of these. I'm afraid to take tamoxifen as it is known to cause vaginal bleeding. Don't need that! Now Dr. says to try letrozole if I really can't deal with the pain. Being 70, I need my legs to be in good working order - the grass isn't always greener, but I think I'll give it a try."

• Maren
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with ER+, PR+ but negative on other indicators for bilateral breast tumors. Left side, 2.4 cm one + lymph node, right side, 6 mm, lymph negative. Had lumpectomies in Sept. 2019, radiation for 6 weeks to breasts and left shoulder. Oncotype DX shows low scores if I do radiation and anastrozole. I have osteoporosis already, probably due to celiac disease, so have autoimmune issues. Had my first injection of Prolia and started the anastrozole today. I am willing to give it a try, but may stop it if the side effects are intolerable. Pretty nervous about side effects, mainly bone pain and dizziness so far. I am going to try some supplementation with magnesium, and of course calcium and vitamin D, but they tend to flare up bladder pain--going to try mindfulness meditation, my physical therapist says there's lots of research that it helps with healing. Glad to find this site so I don't feel like I'm all on my own in this. Thanks to everyone!!"