Anastrozole and Joint Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

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

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "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."

• DEM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2023

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "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."

• Rho...
• December 15, 2022

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Arimidex gave me severe bone and joint pain, so much so that I could hardly walk. I stopped taking it 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."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2022

For Breast Cancer "Horrible experience. 5 months and had to stop due to chest pains. Chest pains would start 30 to 45 minutes later after taking medication. I would take it at 9 pm, along with other side effects: bone pain, joint pain, brain fog, had to pee a lot more than I ever did, I had pain, discomfort in my chest all the time, high blood pressure. I tried to tolerate it and be patient until I ended up in the emergency room due to ongoing chest pains and out-of-control dizziness. I was in pretty good health."

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2023

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "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 Raynaud's 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2023

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed in 2015 with stage 3 estrogen-positive breast cancer. After chemo, surgery, and radiation, I began taking letrozole as the estrogen blocker. I began losing my hair, so I switched to Arimidex (anastrozole) and have been on this since 2016. It was supposed to be for 5 years, now advised for 10 years. I have not had any severe side effects. Any joint pain I can manage with Wobenzym tablets or Arthroben powder that I mix with water. I am 71, walk a mile + daily, and in fairly good shape and firmly believe motion is lotion. As far as I can tell, this drug has provided more benefit than not."

• Mst...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2023

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "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 anastrozole as long as my physician recommends."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2022

For Breast Cancer "The thought of taking this medication scared the dickens out of me based upon the reviews here. I chose to give it a try knowing the decision to stop was also mine. I was age 68 and now 69, lumpectomy, targeted radiation, not in lymphs. The first few days I experienced headache and joint discomfort. Then both stopped. Activity matters. I was active prior to diagnosis and treatment and have increased my activity level since beginning this medication in mid-October 2021. I walk 3-4 miles daily, bike (on the trainer during winter), 15 daily flights of stairs, and swim (when I'm able). I found that I can limit my activity a couple of days each week, but if those days are two in a row, I begin to feel bone and joint pain. Then I kick my activity back into higher gear and no longer go light two days in a row. This is my lifestyle for now and probably forever. I pray for positive long-term outcomes and good quality of life for us all."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2022

For Breast Cancer "The thought of taking this medication scared the dickens out of me based upon the reviews here. I chose to give it a try knowing the decision to stop was also mine. I was age 68 and now 69, lumpectomy, targeted radiation, not in lymphs. The first few days I experienced headache and joint discomfort. Then both stopped. Activity matters. I was active prior to diagnosis and treatment and have increased my activity level since beginning this medication in mid-October 2021. I walk 3-4 miles daily, bike (on the trainer during winter), 15 daily flights of stairs, and swim (when I'm able). I found that I can limit my activity a couple of days each week, but if those days are two in a row, I begin to feel bone and joint pain. Then I kick my activity back into higher gear and no longer go light two days in a row. This is my lifestyle for now and probably forever. I pray for positive long-term outcomes and good quality of life for us all."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2022

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 2, at age 45 in June 2021. Had a lumpectomy and 5 weeks of radiation. Took tamoxifen for eight months, then had a full hysterectomy and was changed to anastrozole in May 2022. Not many side effects the first few months, for the last 2 months, I have had a lot of muscle and joint pain. I told my oncologist I was going to stop taking the medication. It has now been three weeks, and I am still having a lot of pain from head to toe. I also have fibromyalgia, so at first, I wasn’t sure if the pain I was feeling was related to that. This pain is definitely worse and nothing like I have felt before with fibromyalgia. I am very stiff, especially my hands and fingers in the morning. I have pain in the bottom of my feet, my knees, hips, hands, and elbows. My doctor agreed to stop this medication for a month or so to see if the side effects go away and then start on another AI, no thanks! ☹️"

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I started taking this drug on Dec 31, 2020. Happy New Year. lol. I have been taking Vitamin D and won't take calcium supplements, as my previous health doctor told me too much calcium can cause heart attacks in women. So I will stick to a proper diet instead. I hate the hot flashes, eye vision problems, and hard to sleep sometimes. I was reading that it can cause back pain, and that's what I got recently. The joint pain is only in my knee. However, I am looking forward to getting back into the gym and lifting weights again, so I am hoping some symptoms go away. Cheers!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I’m coming to the end of my five years of taking Anastrozole (April 2022) after treatment for stage 1 breast cancer, lumpectomy, and radiotherapy. As with most of these ladies, I experienced crippling leg, hip, thigh, and joint pain. Also serious issues with fatigue. For what it’s worth, my daughter bought me good quality CBD oil to try to help. Help it certainly did. Within two days, I was without pain of any description in my legs, hips, and other joints. I am still taking it and will do so until I can stop taking Anastrozole. I’m not advocating CBD oil as I’m not medically qualified, I just think I should share the effects it had on me as I know how bloody miserable Anastrozole can make you feel. Do your own research, talk to your doctor (if you can!), and maybe try it yourself. I use the 1200 mg, 4 sprays per day. I hope this helps someone."

• rod...
• February 25, 2008

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Debilitating joint and bone pain forced me off this medication. Had to be treated as if the pain was rheumatoid arthritis. Very severe. I have read many other stories similar to mine."

• JWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2019

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "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."

• Hot...
• March 20, 2015

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Side effects of joint pain, depression, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, midsternal chest pressure, and headaches. Stopped medication, and within 48 hours, symptoms improved."

• LPM...
• May 13, 2013

For Breast Cancer "Some numbness in fingers, especially in the morning. A sensation of throat tightness. I think some ankle and hip joint pain occasionally. I guess it is working, no reoccurrence yet."