For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Hi all, I have been on Aromasin since 12/2013, and today my Onc took me off of it because of side effects. However he is starting me on Arimidex on Monday. I am a bit nervous, and was wondering if anyone on here has switched the same way that I am, and if it was better or worse for you. Also I am a beach gal, and was wondering if you were able to hit the beach while taking this drug ? Hope everyone is hanging in there....thanks in advance for any help
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Lisa I'm making the switch from Anastrozole to Armasin. (Having that talk tomorrow). I was on Anastrozole for 3 years. First 2 years not too many issues at all.
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Iago, I was lucky that I just had joint pain, swelling, tired, night sweats, hot flashes,and major mood swings. I would become so nasty and I would know I was doing it, but just couldn't snap out of it. Then 10 minutes later, i would be fine. My husband said every day he would put his kevlar suit on because he didn't know what I was going to hit him with...lol...poor guy...Overall I just didn't feel right or even close to myself...I hope the switch works....thank you and good luck to you
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Hi Gang!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I've just finished submitting an Rx for name-brand Arimidex to "Arimidex Direct" which is a branch of Astra Zeneka the company that manufactures the name-brand Arimidex. My MO sent in a 90 day Rx via fax. They are shipping a 90 day supply to my home, charging my credit card $90. Can't beat that! They didn't ask any questions about my insurance or anything. Just fill out the form, send in the Rx and I'm done. Sure beats the $400 I was having to pay for a month because my insurance company didn't believe my MO when she told them I was not responding to the generic. Deep, cleansing breath! I'm putting the link down below. I hope this helps anyone who wants to be on Arimidex rather than Anastrozole!
https://www.arimidex.com/arimidex-direct.html
Five Days Till School's Out!!!
Virginia/Vadre
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I have the rx on my fridge, going to try Teva generic first.
Our schools are out tomorrow.
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I posted on the other Arimidex thread as well. I've been on anastrazole for three years and two years in my bone density dropped from osteopenia to osteoporosis. I've been on Fosamax for one year and just had my DEXA scan. My lumbar spine is still at "moderate risk for nontraumatic fracture", but at least the numbers are pretty stable rather than continuing to decline. I do understand that it can take two years for the DEXA scan to show a definite improvement. My hips have been normal all along and one hip has actually improved in the past year. So, I at least feel a bit more compelled to deal with the side effects (GI problems requiring increased doses of Protonix) knowing that the Fosamax is at least holding things steady.
Have a lovely evening!
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I am wondering if its time to switch drugs... I am starting to feel depressed about all the weight I am carrying and not losing..also my personality is changing - I am getting snippy and can't seem to help it.. hot flashes = I barely had them when I went through the change the first time but this time they are awful.. and joint pain -... I feel like I am really changing into an old, old lady - I am 63 but feel 80!
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IamNancy, maybe you might speak with your onc about a drug holiday? I'm starting my second two-week break. The first time was six months ago and the hip pain backed off quite nicely. After six months, the hip problem is building a bit, and if I can knock it back, that bodes well for staying on the drug for the long term, which is really my goal. Also, my neck is bothering me. I think truly it's from sleeping with the wrong pillow, but, what the heck, if I can use the drug holiday to rule out a disc problem, so much the better.
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Tina my understanding is technically Prolia is the best treatment to see your actually bones build. What drugs like Fosamax do is slow down the break down of your bones. Sometimes it slows enough to actually see some improvement but if you are just seeing your numbers stay stable that's excellent.
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Just got back from my onc. Helpful for my DH. No big surprise for me. She feels I am at high risk because of the size of my tumor. She says there are no stats on years out for triple positives who have been treated with Herceptin and they base the stats on anyone who is hormone positive.… and no stats for staying on for just 3 years. She states that they see hormone positive as a chronic disease like diabetes. We could (or in my mind could not) recur at any time. She wants me to continue with something. We are trying the Generic Aromasin first for 3 months. If I still have issues she says that Tamoxifen is better than nothing. She has never been a big fan on Tamoxifen. She also claims that Tamoxifen in triple positive is as effective as in those who are just hormone positive.
And of course she said that she's not so sure the drug is causing me to be depressed. I then turned to my husband and asked if he noticed a change once I got off the drug and he said yes. I explained that I no longer have sleep issues and I am not in tears since I've been off the drug. (BTW depression is listed as a SE.)
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lago - I react weirdly to so many things and have allergies to many drug preservatives, etc. I have to get the flu vaccine without Thimerosol, for example. I like the idea of having an infusion every 6 or 12 months, but I am hesitant to have something long-term in my system in case it doesn't agree with me. However, I will talk to my internist and MO again about pros and cons of the various drugs.
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Tina, I am with you on the bad reactions to meds. Wierdest things will give me a reaction and I can not imagine what it would be like if I reacted to a med that is meant to be a 6 month medication. I did do Fosamax years ago before the BC junk. I began with osteopenia but my bone density improved so that by the time I started on the AL, bone density was normal. Next month will have a bone density and see how it all is as I do much more exercise than in the past
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Brookside -thanks for answering my post - I even feel depressed that no one else did -that's how ridiculous depression is! Maybe I do need a drug holiday... I am not usually this down - it feels like major PMS!
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IamNancy did you read my other post from today. I'm making the switch
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lago - yes, I did ... I think reading about others switching makes me think it may be a good idea... I have been on Anastrozole for almost 1 yr ...I think I need to read now that the women who switched felt better.
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and if this doesn't help my on will push for Tamoxifen.
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ladies, I switched a couple weeks ago from Anostrozole to Tamox. I was on it for almost 3 yrs. chronic pain for several months. On, Tamox now and almost all the pain is gone, I am glad I switched. Sleep is an issue now. But I am not sure my sleep issue is due to Tamox, as I had to change another drug at the same time. (Elevil to nortriptyline) for sleep/pain.
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Ladies, i struggled with Arimidex for 4.5 years, i decided i couldnt take this drug any longer, quality of life is so important to me so came off it 6mths short of 5yrs...
hugs to all x
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Kaza I too think you did awesome.
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BosumBlues and lago...thankyou both for your kind words.....xx
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kaza, how was you first few months off the med? I did make it the full 5 years on aromasin. First week off was a nightmare really. Anxiety was awful but it did pass. Now 5 months on, my BP is down and I really think it is the non-use of AL that is to blame. PCD is taking me off one BP med and telling me to be cautious if I feel faint or dizzy...which I have been
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Hi proudtospin.....congrats to you for making it to the 5yrs.....i have been off Arimidex for 3months now, i too had a raise in BP while on this med, since stopping it it has come down slightly....i have felt so much better since coming off side effects were terrible, no quality of life at all...as for feeling dizzy, i have felt this a little i am thinking this may be my body adjusting and will settle down, i guess while we are on these hormonals it is like a security blanket if you know what mean, not taking anything may make us feel anxious ...
Have you spoken to your PCD regarding feeling dizzy, you have done brilliant 5 yrs is such a long time out of our lives, now time to enjoy ourselves and have some well deserved spoiling ...we did it, x
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proudtospin and kaza - congrats for making it to the end or almost end... that is quite an accomplishment!
stage1 -thanks for the info on your switch - I already can't sleep on the Anastrozole = that's probably the reason for the depression.. getting up for work tired!
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Kaza, actually I knew I was feeling light headed and that my BP was way lower than in the past (I have a home machine that I check so the history is in the machine). I recently retired went on Medicare and was able to switch my PCD back to one I had used for 15 years but left due to insurance junk over the last 3 years. My doc was happy that my BP was better but said to be aware and if feeling funky to stop the 2nd med. I had told her that I had ended the AL. I love her as she is very proactive about things.
I think it is a confirmation of something I had thought for some time!
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proudtospin.....that is a good idea having a BP machine at home so you can keep a track on readings, so pleased fro you that your Dr is supportive and on the ball with things it helps so much.....insurance companies ...i have a lot of issues with mine since my dx.......great that you now retired and can spend some time doing things that you enjoy...wishing only good things for you...kazax
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kaza, love the retirement as I has given me time this past 6 months to get some health issues resolve. I do not know how insurance things are in United Kingdom, US is going through enormous changes of late
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Hi ladies, I keep reading everyone's posts but have not been posting too much myself. I am having major issues with joint pain, and my BP is climbing. Before/during/after my BMX and during the first half of chemo my BP was the best it had been in years. When I started Taxol it went up, and not that I am on anastrazole it is going through the roof. My PCP added another BP med about 3 weeks ago, but it is still out of control. The other night I did not feel well and checked it, and it was 220/110. Really not good. Granted I am in the middle of a stressful project at work, but this seems more than that. I see the MO at the end of this month and will ask him about a script for the brand name so I can get it from Astra Zeneca. If he won't give it to me my PCP said that he will to try it and see if it makes any difference. I am scared about the BPs because there is a very strong history of heart attacks and stroke in my family (my dad had a heart attack at 59 and a major stroke at 79, one brother died at 50 from a heart attack, and one bother who just turned 50 has already had two heart attacks). When I asked the MO about the risk vs. benefits he said the benefits far outweigh the risks, but my PCP says that he would hate to see me having had to go through all the surgery, chemo and complications and then die from a heart attack or stroke.......
Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!
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RhodyMMM I hope they find something that works. Remember there are several AIs to try.
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Thanks Lago. I think my MO is stuck in the system that includes both my health insurance and the provider, so he has to follow their approvals. My PCP has known me for years (both professionally and as a patient) and he is forthright and honest with me. I also go for the one-year follow up to the surgical clinic next week, so I will ask them what they think.0 -
Hi ladies I haven't started my Al as of yet starting Rad 1st
It there that much different's between the real Al and the other brand ?
Please help I see there is a lot of people that have many different things going on with they anastrozole then with the Arimidex
Blessing Ladies
Diane
Ps I am a newbie
Thank you ((( hugs )))
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