Anastrozole and Joint Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Gla...
• 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
• 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."

• Mus...
• 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 lifespan by 1 percent. If I had it to do all over again, I would just say NO!!!!"

• hig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2023

For Breast Cancer "Within 2 days of starting this drug, I stopped sleeping, over a few weeks, I developed restless leg syndrome, severe joint pain in knees, hands, shoulders, in addition to stiffness in my back and difficulty standing up straight. My ankles filled with fluid. By the 7th month, I developed severe depression and was generally disabled physically and emotionally. I actually contemplated moving to an assisted living facility at 70 years old. I quit the drug at 9.5 months, and issues resolved within 2 weeks. I was prescribed this drug to prevent the recurrence of early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma that was completely removed during surgery and had not spread to lymph nodes. Taking this drug was the worst thing I have ever done to myself."

• Ann...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I was researching vaginal pain and wound up on this site, and I am so grateful I found it! I have been on Arimidex for 5 years and have experienced it all--insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, tired during the day (I sometimes fall asleep sitting!), memory loss, losing words, OMG, I could go on and on! For all this time, I've thought that the chemo left me in this state. Now I see that there's a chance it's not permanent! I will call my doctor tomorrow to discuss my treatment end date. The last time we spoke, he indicated that he would like me to take anastrozole indefinitely. Now that I know that most of my issues could be due to the medication, it's time to make educated decisions. I might possibly get back to 'normal'!"

• Del...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I had grade 3 Huntington ductal carcinoma in 2013 with 30 intense radiation treatments after a partial mastectomy. I've been on tamoxifen since October 2013. Two to two and a half months ago, I started anastrozole, had the bone density test, and now after my third week at a brand new job, I have my very first broken bone of my life. After reading all of these other reviews, I can't help but think that the anastrozole is what is causing this. I have also been having joint swelling and pain in my other hand and just joint pain throughout my legs. Getting out of bed in the morning is more painful. I've also started gaining weight. This is after only being on this for 2 months. This is so hard to believe, but I honestly think I'm going to stop taking this med."

• Joh...
• March 11, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I was taking bioidentical hormones. The doctor insisted I take Arimidex with the pellets. OMG, I was strong, healthy, and never had joint pain. I can barely do yoga, my hip joints and knees hurt. I am cancer-free, but this doctor wouldn't give me the hormones without the Arimidex. As soon as I got the injection, I knew it was the Arimidex that was causing the pain. Four months later, I was getting my hormone injections again. I told her I would not take the Arimidex. She made me sign a release saying she wasn't responsible. Of course, I did. But she didn't sign anything saying she caused this terrible pain."

• Joh...
• March 11, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I was taking bioidentical hormones. The doctor insisted I take Arimidex with the pellets. OMG, I was strong, healthy, and never had joint pain. I can barely do yoga, my hip joints and knees hurt. I am cancer-free, but this doctor wouldn't give me the hormones without the Arimidex. As soon as I got the injection, I knew it was the Arimidex that was causing the pain. Four months later, I was getting my hormone injections again. I told her I would not take the Arimidex. She made me sign a release saying she wasn't responsible. Of course, I did. But she didn't sign anything saying she caused this terrible pain."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2023

For Breast Cancer "My mother had breast cancer, and after years of 'bad' mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ER-positive breast cancer in my right breast last Sept. In Dec., I had a double mastectomy as I was tired of worrying about it. Lymph nodes were clear. Was prescribed anastrozole, even though I only have a 3% chance of cancer returning in 9 years, saying it would cut the risk to 1 1/2%. I purposely did not read any side effects or reviews before I started this medication as I wanted to give it a fair chance. 5 days in, I'm losing handfuls of hair just like with COVID, so constipated I was having to take a laxative morning and night, and severe hip and knee joint pain was waking me up at night. Confused about all the changes I was experiencing, I broke down and researched this drug online and saw everything I was dealing with as a side effect. Plus, the threat of bone loss was scary! I feel the risks outweigh the 1 1/2% good I'm going to receive. I stopped."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2012

Anastrozole for Endometrial Cancer "Endometrial stromal sarcoma: I've been on this medicine since the hysterectomy/pathology report in March, about five months. Too soon to tell if it is working, but so far, so good. The side effects are as stated by many already: increased joint pain and stiffness everywhere, especially in the hands and feet, increased weight, minor and occasional dizziness, increased feeling of tiredness. I'm going to request a bone density scan to monitor the risk of osteoporosis. It is all tolerable so far, but I hope it doesn't get worse, and I hope none of it is permanent."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2011

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex for 3 years and about 1 year of the generic anastrozole. I had a horrible time at first with hot flashes and night sweats and also joint pains. But now, after about 4 years, I am doing a lot better. Hardly any hot flashes and night sweats. The joint pains have also subsided, but I have started a walking program every day that I really believe has helped me. I have gained about 20 lbs in the past 4 years that I am trying to get off. I really think it is due to menopause and also the medicine."

• run...
• July 25, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed April 2016. Stage 2, Grade 3. Lumpectomy. I finished doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with paclitaxel (Taxol) - ACT regimen in October 2016, and then radiation, January 2017. I was 100% estrogen positive and 90% progesterone positive. I was HR negative. I refused the anastrozole at first, but since I have been taking one pill every other day. I have been taking it for 4 months. I am 66. I have trouble sleeping (never previously). My energy has decreased. My muscles in my back are stiff along with my joints. I think I am retaining fluid in my limbs; not sure. I've gained 7 pounds. Sometimes my fingers lock and then snap; weird. I'm praying and trying to eat all the cancer-killing foods; quite a regimen."

• Nan...
• August 27, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Have been taking Arimidex for 3 years after double mastectomy for stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Have unbearable pain in legs at night, hair is thinning, memory loss & loss of words, joints in thumbs swollen & painful, hard to get up after sitting for any length of time. Went off meds for about 2 weeks but no change. Want to go off completely but afraid of cancer returning. Have had melanoma on my back and hand. Also have lymphedema in both arms & chest. Want this nightmare to be over. I see so many others have the same symptoms. Feel like a lab rat but glad to be alive!"

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2012

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this medicine for about 4 months, and it's been rough. I have gained weight, have severe joint pain, swelling, and now having headaches. I have also pain or feeling of swelling behind my eyes. I really don't want to take this for 5 years! Going to the doctor in March-hoping there is something different to take."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Age 54, Stage 3 double mastectomy, chemo and radiation (last dose 12/31/14), and now I am starting year two on anastrozole. Joint pain, hands numb/painful upon awakening, long bone pain. I have wrestled with stopping this medication because of the severity of the side effects until I got on a study for a testosterone/anastrozole implant. I know I did not get the placebo per the return of libido, reduced vaginal dryness, and reduced pain."

• Don...
• February 23, 2018

For Breast Cancer "In 2015, 58 yr old, I was Stage 2 ER+93 PR+96 HER-neu, DC with sentinel lymph node positive, had 6 additional lymph nodes that were attached to sentinel removed but were clear and had lumpectomy (tumor was 2.5 cm) dx in April 2015. I had 4 rounds TC and 13 Rads July 2015. Initially started on the generic Femara, did great then into 10th month, had the joint pain, trigger finger, trigger thumb, and knee issues. Had dry eye b/f dx. Switched to generic Arimidex mfg TEVA-USA. Trigger finger, knee issue gone. On rx Restasis, eyesight back/t 20/20, halos gone. Fast forward 1 yr later doing great, no hot flashes, hair loss, sleeping great, 1 complaint weight gain - stomach. Started having vision issues, wrist painful like trigger thumb b/ worse! ck'd label on prescription & mfg was Bluepoint-Labor and NOT TEVA. Pharmacy switched prescription 3 mo. prior & that's when problems started. Had liver cleanse, started itching, whelts/ hives/ scratching. Now back to TEVA & things are better, eyesight returned, but my wrist hurts, but not as bad."

• ove...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Been taking anastrozole for approximately two and one-half years. First year hot flashes, but no other problems. Started the joint pain about a year ago, tiredness, swelling, and problems listed by other users. Most worrisome side effect is the loss of lung function. I have had pulmonary fibrosis for several years, but until about a year ago have been able to live with the condition with no major problems. Told several doctors about my problems with breathing, but none have suggested it was anastrozole until my PharmD told me pulmonary edema was also a side effect of the drug. Left a message with my oncologist this morning that I was going to stop taking the drug. Have an appointment with my pulmonologist next week for an evaluation."

• Maz...
• March 28, 2016

For Endometrial Cancer "I have been on this for 9 months now for stage 4 endometrial carcinoma grade 1. I do get the joint pain, which is worse on getting up in the morning, etc., but once I'm mobile, it eases. I can put up with this as it is keeping the cancer at bay at the moment and me alive. Nearly 1 year in remission."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2022

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2+, stage 1. Surgery to remove the tumor in April 2021 and 9 weeks of radiation finished in June 2021. I just started this medication in April 2022 because I could not get estrogen down naturally with the help of integrative medicine. I’ve read so many negative posts about the medication, so I was trying everything to avoid it. Lots and lots of pressure from oncology. I decided to start on 1/2 a pill and adjust to the medication side effects. They are real: joint pain, mood swings, and hot flashes. I am going to have my estrogen tested again and see if it’s low enough to continue with the 1/2 dose. Not sure what the future holds with this medication, but after trying alternatives, I felt like there wasn’t much choice. Try it slow. My oncologist did say you can take 1/2 a pill or one every other day, women are doing doses differently, it just may extend the amount of time you take it."

• Lis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 20, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex for 3 years now and suffer from bad joint and muscle pain, as well as bad lower back pain. I have also acquired high blood pressure and also bad bladder problems. Anyone else get any of these bad symptoms, especially the bladder issues? I wish they could find a better drug that didn't have such awful side effects."

• Tur...
• March 28, 2017

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "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!"

• Tur...
• March 28, 2017

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "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!"

• jes...
• March 18, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I am on this drug for 10 months now. The negative effects I believe can be reversed if other supplements are taken along with it. I say this because I take them every day, and so far, the only bad effect is having cognitive dysfunction, and other than that I have no joint pain, thinning hair, depression, etc. BTW, the large mass in my right breast has decreased in size dramatically because I topically apply DMSO every night and take Iodoral (50 mg) once a day. These are the supplements/vitamins I take daily: 9,000 mg Vit. C, 2,000 mg MSM, IP6/Inositol 24 capsules, Vit. D3, Vit. K2, Boron, DMG, Potassium, Ferrous Sulfate, Magnesium, Strontium, Copper, Zinc, Vit. B17 (3x), and Powdered Hydrolyzed Collagen."

• Tup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2022

For Breast Cancer "Prescribed Anastrozole following lumpectomy for stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer - clear margins, sentinel node clear. Wasn't concerned about side effects as a friend who takes it says she has had no problems whatsoever. Two months on, I have developed disabling sacroiliac and hip pain, which prevents me from walking, also severe depression. Didn't consider Anastrozole as a cause until the oncologist mentioned that it can cause back and joint problems. In addition, I now have pain in the wrist and thumb joint, numbness in hands when sleeping, and water retention causing swollen legs and ankles. I am (was) an active 77-year-old, and today made the decision to take no more of this nasty drug, preferring quality of life to the small risk of recurrence. Hope to be pain-free and active again before long."

• Tup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2022

For Breast Cancer "Prescribed Anastrozole following lumpectomy for stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer - clear margins, sentinel node clear. Wasn't concerned about side effects as a friend who takes it says she has had no problems whatsoever. Two months on, I have developed disabling sacroiliac and hip pain, which prevents me from walking, also severe depression. Didn't consider Anastrozole as a cause until the oncologist mentioned that it can cause back and joint problems. In addition, I now have pain in the wrist and thumb joint, numbness in hands when sleeping, and water retention causing swollen legs and ankles. I am (was) an active 77-year-old, and today made the decision to take no more of this nasty drug, preferring quality of life to the small risk of recurrence. Hope to be pain-free and active again before long."