Anastrozole for Breast Cancer, Metastatic User Reviews

• Kac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2020

Anastrozole "I've been taking Arimidex for 4 years for breast cancer mets. I was diagnosed with the mets to the bone in Jan/16. I'm to the point that I feel I just can't take this drug anymore, so I stopped today. I want to stop hurting so bad. I feel terrible in the morning when I try to get up. I can no longer manage steps, standing for any length of time, walking is history. I'm on major amounts of narcotics but don't get nearly as much relief as I'd like. I just can't do it anymore. My life has no quality, this drug is not worth the amount of pain it causes!! So long Arimidex!"

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

"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."

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

Anastrozole "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.”"

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2020

"I have been taking anastrozole since March last year and am having terrible problems with my speech and swallowing. Really terrifying incidents of choking. I am also having problems with excessive phlegm in my throat, which is worse at night and takes time to clear. I do have myasthenia gravis, which can cause some speech problems, but I have never had the choking or the phlegm and mucus previously."

• Sad...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2023

"Most that have commented here are not metastatic. I am a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient on Anastrozole and Xgeva for bone mets. Although, I do agree with people on here that complain of the pain called arthralgia from this drug, I don't agree that you should just stop taking it. MBC is an incurable disease and believe me if Anastrozole alone is working for you, count yourself very lucky. The alternatives are exponentially worse. This drug has kept me stable for 6 years and counting, which is 4 years beyond the average lifespan with this disease. When you have MBC, you're just grateful to be alive and not so flip about stopping a very effective drug because of some pain and sweating."

• Tur...
• March 28, 2017

"I was dx lobular/mixed Stage 3A BR Ca Hercept-, Estr and Progesterone+ in Nov 2012. Had lumpectomy for a 5 cm tumor and 9/16 + lymph nodes. Had chemo and radiation full boat. Anastrozole is difficult but lifesaving. I always see the cup as half full, and for me, this is now more important than ever! I was 66 when diagnosed and am now 70. I do have occasional hot flashes that go away quickly. My biggest complaint is sore hands and knees. My feet also tingle, but I believe that is from the Taxol chemo. I find walking and getting up out of a chair difficult. BUT I recommend swimming. I go 3-4 times a week, and wow, what a difference! Water aerobics are great too. Try it and do what you can, and you will feel a difference. Some days better than others!"

• Lis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 17, 2017

"Was diagnosed in Aug 2014 with stage 4. Had radiation and then anastrozole Jan 2015. Nausea for 2 weeks, joint pains still, warm showers work with Aleve for me night before and one during the day. Also, I realized that a cane made quite a difference in hip/recovering neck surgery. I don't use it as much around the house, but on concrete (parking lots) areas, it is a must. I think the pressure was too much without it at first and delayed the healing as I am much stronger now. The weight gain is terrible: 3 lbs a month and insomnia. Weeks watching food (that's why a 7 rating) intake/limiting, no difference at all, and lots of water and walking. Still feel much stronger though, and breast tumors have not increased. May 16, 2017, also Xgeva once a month injection."

• deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2023

"I've only been on this drug for less than 4 weeks. During that time, my wrists became very weak. I need both hands to hold my drink. Hot flashes were through the roof (was wearing two shirts and they soaked through), vaginal discharge, and weight gain. Also, my cravings for all food increased dramatically, which caused the weight gain when before, I would forget to eat breakfast until 2 p.m. I'm taking high doses of C, D, berberine, milk thistle, and fembendazole. I can't imagine what I would be like without those supplements. I looked up anti-estrogen foods and found a list for 18 anti-estrogen foods on YouTube, including BROQ Sulforaphane, which is very promising. I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in September 2020 and told to get my things in order. I've done many alternative treatments. My radiologist told me to keep doing what I'm doing. Anastrozole is off my list. I'm a dog breeder and need to lift puppies. I won't suffer through the ramifications of bone loss from this awful drug."

• Hot...
• March 20, 2015

Anastrozole "Was taking it for 6 months. Side effects were bad: headaches, every bone joint ached and stiff. Moody, depressed, and memory was bad. Will be going on tamoxifen, hope it's not as bad."

• Pin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2016

Anastrozole "Sweating, stomach upsets, joint back, hip pain, and leg pain, weight gain, sleeping problems, headache."

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 27, 2022

Anastrozole "I’ve been on Arimidex for 4 years now, I’ve been lucky, no side effects. I have to take it for 10 yrs. I exercise regularly, watch what I eat, try to eat healthy, hoping I live a very long life!!"

• Anonymous
• March 4, 2011

"I've been on the generic anastrozole for 2 months with no side effects. I also take Zoladex every 3 months, as I was pre-menopausal when I had breast cancer."