Topic: Arimidex Serious Side Effect (Osteoporosis)..

Hi Bliz

I hope you have better luck with Femara.  I have been on it for 2 yrs at first had some joint stiffness, and tired . that seems to have passed.

Started taking it with my evening meal along with one baby aspirin as per my onc.

The only other effect on me is weight gain , onc put me on lasix  three times a week it does help.  

Have a great day

Nan

Hi daly,

I've been on Arimidex for 2 yrs.  I did start shrinking, so I'm also taking Fosamax, but I haven't had any side effects.  I did have hot flashes, but I attribute that to my hysterectomy, and they're slowly going away.

sally 

I took Femara for a little less than one year, not Arimidex, but found out last month that I too had suffered bone loss.  I went from having excellent bone density in March 2007 to having osteopenia in March 2008.  Needless to say I am not happy.  I went back on tamoxifen and the doctor also has me on Fosamax, which is no fun either.  I am hopeful that in about 6 months I can have another bone density test run and if I've recovered enough, will be able to stop taking the Fosamax.  Tamoxifen is good for bone density so I'm thinking that this is possible.  If you are a good candidate for switching off the AI and back to tamoxifen then its something to consider.  Before doing so, however, I'd get a CYP2D6 gene test to be sure that you metabolize tamoxifen properly.

When you say you have a lot of bone loss over the last year, did you have a baseline bone density test to compare where you are now to where you were last year?  Or are they doing bone density now and saying you have bone loss?

I was diagnosed a year ago as osteopenic - on the road to osteoporosis.  I started Fosamax at pretty much the same time as I started Arimidex.  I have a lot of joint issues with Arimidex.  However, I am hoping that the Fosamax and the 1500 Mg of Calcium plus 1000 mg of Vit D-3 will prevent further bone loss.

Pam - I don't think it is possible to prevent bone loss by diet,exercise etc. I have recently seen a Professor of Endocrinology, referred by my bc surgeon (Onc discharged me after chemo and rads in 2004 and since retired) because he has an academic interest in side effects of Arimidex. I have had left hip, both feet and hand pain for at least 3 yrs now. Bone scan (not DEXA) showed osteo arthritis in both hips, hands and feet.  Professor advised I should stay on Arimidex and bisphosphonate Alendronic Acid, and Calcichew/VitD3. However, I can't stand the pain and saw my GP 3 weeks ago. We agreed I should stop the Arimidex for 3-4 weeks to see if the pain diminished - which it has. As both Arimidex and Alendronic Acid list bone/muscle pains as side effects, we had to try a process of elimination. I am seeing my GP next week and will ask for a referral to a new female Onc at my hospital, suggested by my gastro, as this lady has an interest in both bc and Crohn's (which I take weekly chemo, methotrxate for). I am hoping she can suggest something other than Arimidex, another AI or tamoxifen. I was only on tamoxifen for 2 months when Onc switched me to Arimidex. Had 4 yrs of Arimidex but as my cancer had spread, feel I need the protection of at least 5 yrs.

 I had a baseline DEXA scan done before dx of bc, which was slightly low (due to 30+ yrs of steroids), but a DEXA scan done a year ago showed significant bone loss (obviously due to Arimidex in part) and I am classed osteopenic. My mother had severe osteoporosis, so that is another risk factor for me. I had two spontaneous fractures in my feet last year (one a metatarsal, which put me in a wheelchair for a week and crutches for a month) so am concerned about further fractures.

Has anyone gone on to tamoxifen after Arimidex?

Thanks for any input.

Liz in England.

I'm on Tamoxifen right now, but if I continue in "chemopause" (I'm 44), my onc says that Femara or Arimidex might be a better bet for me because I'm ER/PR 100%. However, I worry about osteoporosis. My mom (also a BC survivor, and also ER/PR 100%). had great bones until she took Arimidex; however, the Arimidex has made her NED for 6 years and she had advanced BC. :D So it's a tough choice and I'm probably going to seek out a second opinion. Bones or BC?

I had a baseline dexa before starting arimidex- a year later, I had become osteopenic and now also take fosamax. I will have another dexa later this year, so hopefully I will be back in the normal range.

In addition to this problem, I have also now suddenly got diabetes, which my internist says is likely caused by chemo and arimidex. So ladies, please make sure you have your blood glucose tested regularly too.

kc5 --

Thanks for your comments. I have just started Arimidex -- tonight will be my second pill. I'm hoping not to have your experience with pain for nearly two years. But the courage of your resolve, and the things you are doing to combat the bone loss are inspiring. I love to backpack and hike in the woods, and am searching for every additional way to strengthen my bones.  

Good luck to all of us!

CrystalCat,

You can continue on Tamoxifen even if you are post menopausal.  If you feel more comfortable with the Tamox then talk to your Onc.  I am just turning 44 this month and Dr. wanted me on the Armidex I told him that I would rather take the Tamox because it does not have the bone loss.  He said that would be fine.  I already have arthritis in my back so I didn't want to push any more problems.

Sue,

Were you on the AI's before tamox?  I have been very concerned about the osteoporosis from the beginning and it wasn't until I had an MRI of my back that they found the arthritis, so I don't want to have to worry about anything else with bone loss.  The Onc was very supportive of me as well.

June

I've been on Femara for 6 months, had a DEXA right at the start and found that I was osteopenic, I am now on Fosomax and am also taking Meloxicam (an NSAID) for my joint pain (everywhere).  I dance, do pilates and walk a ton but hurt like heck in the morning and when standing up after sitting for a while. I just started having trigger finger and wrist pain. Hurting all the time is a drag and it interfers with sleeping too.  I think all off these side effects are pretty common, some have it worse than others. I am trying various alternatives to the NSAID since I'm starting to get some heartburn and with the combo of my current meds it can be a problem.  It's a bit depressing feeling like a little old lady when you're 55. What have folks been using for sleeping and pain?  I was taking Ativan for a while, was quite nice for sleeping but my doc was unhappy that it is so addictive. 

I am taking Calcium supplements and am just wondering if any of you are doing the same?  I believe I am taking 1500mg a day along with Vit D.

Roja when you say Tamoxifen failed you is this because you got another BC? 

I did read that Tamoxifen can stop working but how do you actually know this?

To all of  you....

Take your calcium faithfully and more sure you are doing weight bearing excercise.  I have been on Arimidex for two years now and have osteoporosis. -2.7!  One year ago I was in the mid osteopenia stage.  I cried when I found out and immediately stopped the Arimidex.  I was not diligent in taking the calcium but I also did not realize how damaging to the bone Arimidex is.  I am now taking Fosomax and taking a break from the Arimidex for a few months.  The ache in the bones in my feet have finally stopped and I am feeling a little better.  I have to decide in 4 months what I want to do but my Onc does not really want me to go on tam. due to uterine issues.

I may not go back on anything at all, I have not decided yet.  It was bad when my wrists, ankles and jaw ached, but the ache in my feet was the worst!