Anastrozole and Joint Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Los...
• April 7, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Began anastrozole regimen 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."

• 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 the 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 practicing 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?"

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

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking anastrozole 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 constantly making sure I'm okay. 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Reporting in. After 5 weeks of stopping the Anastrozole, 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."

• jbo...
• September 8, 2010

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."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Anastrozole for 13 months now. Initially I had some joint pain, but that has subsided. A little weight gain, however, after receiving a walking monitor for Christmas, I have been on a walking program. I walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. The result has been a 17-pound weight loss since December. I feel terrific and am full of energy. I will soon have my 64th birthday and am overjoyed that I am cancer-free and am able to manage the medication."

• BJa...
• 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 I have osteoporosis. I have had other side effects like hot flashes, insomnia, joint pain, weight gain, thinning nails, and hair, but I 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 1, 2017

For Breast Cancer "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 Anastrozole 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."

• Str...
• December 28, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, & 5 years on Tamoxifen. Just switched over to Anastrozole in August. By early December, I just couldn't take the joint pain anymore. I developed tendinitis in my wrist, so I made the choice to stop taking it. It has been two 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 Tamoxifen again. She said the percentage was 4% better if I stayed on. I have made the decision to eat healthy, exercise, and NOT take any more cancer meds."

• Str...
• December 28, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, & 5 years on Tamoxifen. Just switched over to Anastrozole in August. By early December, I just couldn't take the joint pain anymore. I developed tendinitis in my wrist, so I made the choice to stop taking it. It has been two 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 Tamoxifen again. She said the percentage was 4% better if I stayed on. I have made the decision to eat healthy, exercise, and NOT take any more cancer meds."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2016

For Breast Cancer "After quitting anastrozole/Arimidex for five weeks and then starting it up again, I saw my oncologist. Told her the joint pain had disappeared completely while off the med and then started up again within a week after starting to take it again. Told her I was scared to stop taking it, and she said it was completely up to me. Tamoxifen not quite as effective and has its own set of side effects. So, that concerns me. In a quandary and need to make a decision. Joint pain back to the near intolerable stage. Keep telling myself 'just a bad day', 'too much moving around', 'it will get better', or 'I can take it'. But don't think I can. Will switch to the Tamoxifen. Keep you posted. God bless, ladies."

• 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!"

• Sup...
• 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."

• Dee...
• 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."

• Yol...
• 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?"