Arimidex for Breast Cancer User Reviews (Page 3)
Arimidex has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 70 reviews for the treatment of Breast Cancer. 37% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 30% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Arimidex
- Bjswim
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 11, 2023
"I had a stage 1c tumor and had a bilateral mastectomy with skin and nipple-sparing surgery with immediate reconstruction. Was on tamoxifen but I’m 60 years old and my cancer was strongly hormone positive. I had the worst reaction with letrozole - painful blisters and rash like chicken pox. I take Arimidex now but am worried about osteoporosis- I already have osteopenia and take calcium with vitamin D daily. The worst side effects so far are weight gain and hair thinning."
- ladyb...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 30, 2021
"Have been taking 1 mg daily for a week. So far, only mild hot flashes and maybe a knee twinge a couple times [and I had problems with knee tendons previously]. I walk 1-2 miles/day and work out with light weights and so far have had no problems with either. I already had mild osteoporosis and had another baseline DXA scan prior to starting anastrozole [the generic name for Arimidex]. Won't know how the drug affects my bone strength for a while."
Frequently asked questions
- How do I take Arimidex on a cycle and how much?
- What is Veridex used for?
- What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?
- How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start?
- Lulu
- September 18, 2022
"I have been on it for almost 3 years now. I also need infusions for osteopenia. I'm an avid runner and have continued with my routine. It's more difficult to get out of bed due to poor sleep, fatigue and knee pain. I force myself to keep up my routine and have managed to still run 50k races and a regular basis. it's worst in the mornings, but you need to get your body moving. I know the low estrogen is causing a lot of side effects also, but at my age (57) that was bound to happen anyways. To me fatigue and bone pain are minor compared to the cancer returning. I know so many women that stopped taking it or never took it and their cancer return around the 10 year mark. What if you stop the meds early and your cancer returns? (granted it can still return if you take the meds)"
- Anony...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- August 7, 2021
"First 6 months hand/severe arm and shoulder pain at night that would wake me up and continue for awhile and trigger thumb. I’ve been on it for 8 years and symptoms went away after that initial period. God bless all of you and try to stick it out symptoms get better I think when your body gets used to it."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Rhonda
- December 15, 2022
"Arimidex gave me severe bone and joint pain so much so that I could hardly walk. I stopped taking weeks ago and now am on prednisone to stop arthritis (bone pain) from it. The prednisone is helping decrease pain and stiffness, but it is not completely gone yet. This pill is so strong or at least for me was not worth taking it."
- DEM
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 25, 2023
"I stopped taking Arimidex after 6 months. The joint pain in my hands was intolerable even with prescription pain medications and medical marijuana. I was also incredibly itchy and had other skin problems, including recurring boils on my neck and blotchy red rashes on my face. I'm 72 and I can't stand the thought of living like that for years. I'd rather enjoy the time I have left."
More FAQ
- Does anastrozole cause hair loss?
- How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex?
- How much does Arimidex increase survival?
- Mstork
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 9, 2023
"I was diagnosed with Stage 1, grade 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer in October of 2018. I had a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I started Arimidex in October 2019. The side effects have been many. I have had severe joint pain, insomnia, severe hot flashes, weight gain, memory loss, dry skin, some dizziness, dry eyes, and I’m sure many more I’ve gotten used to. In October, I will have taken it for 4 years. Though I have suffered through this, I feel that I can handle one more year (I hope). I was put on gabapentin for joint pain and hot flashes, but I feel it is no longer working, and have slowly gone off this medication. My recurrence rate, I’m told, is 2%. I am going to revisit my symptoms again at my next Oncology appointment. I am forever grateful to still be alive, and though the side effects are, some days, unbearable, I will remain on Anastrazole as long as my Physician recommends."
- Grammy
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 10, 2023
"I’m 70 years of age and have been taking Arimidex for 7 months. I have had upper joint, wrist, and bone pain, and my Raynauds disorder intensified to the point I sleep little, and now sleep wearing thick gloves and socks. I had a partial bilateral mastectomy for stage 1 E/P positive. I am able to work out now but my upper joint pain is intense. I had Covid lasting about four weeks only to get Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) therefore being on steroids twice, which I think helped my joint pain. Not sure what’s next but take care of everyone and be good to yourself."
- pttyg...
- February 1, 2013
"I took Arimidex for 5 years and I've been cancer free for over 6 years now."
- rodeo...
- February 25, 2008
"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."
- Sugar...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 14, 2014
"Taking this after care of breast cancer! Hasn't caused any problems at all and almost done taking it! Evidently it's great in the help of my breast cancer."
- Anonymous
- July 3, 2012
"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."
- Kell...
- September 2, 2015
"I have been on Arimidez for a little over 4 months. Other than a little bit of hot flashes I have had no side effects at all."
- Susan...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 30, 2014
"Recurrence of HER2 cancer. Hip and hand problems. Horrible insomnia and memory issued. But does help hold the cancer back."
- albert
- January 29, 2011
"Bone pain, faster pulse rate, hot flashes. Don't know if I can continue taking this for 5 years."
- SKIDWAY
- March 24, 2016
"Minimal problems. Been on for 1 year now. Joint stiffness in legs and weight gain. Had some trouble early in treatment with trouble sleeping. Gone now."
- JWano
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 21, 2019
"Have been on Arimidex for 6 months, bone and joint pain and hot flashes have been the worst side effects. Starting Tamoxifen in 2 weeks, praying this one is better "
- Anonymous
- September 25, 2012
"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."
- Pammis
- October 25, 2016
"Lots of hot flashes fatigue and weight gain but the benefit out way the negative of this drug"
- tequila...
- August 28, 2009
"Going on 2 years on Arimidex have high blood pressure and a little bit of arthritis, feeling very good."
- Anonymous
- October 23, 2009
"I have had minimum side effects."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
Learn more about Breast Cancer
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More about Arimidex (anastrozole)
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"Retrospectively I had little quality of life after taking it for only a few months. My oncologist saw me in a wheelchair because of all my joint/bone problems (I had bilateral knee replacements), and muscle and soft tissue damage. I have had to give up work due to dizziness, spinal problems, pain, and fatigue. The radiation oncologist took me off the medication. I feel like the wider medical community has no empathy for the probability that this drug could very likely impact someone's life badly by taking it."