For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
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Hi everyone,
I have been on anastrozole for seven years. I was dealing with joint pain and some sleeping problems. This past year I have started having pins/needles and numbness in both arms. Right leg. Also sciatic in right leg. My MRI shows compressed C4 and C5. Also a bulging disc L4, L5 and L5(s). Nerve conduct test shows mild to moderate carpal tunnel. Also I have been experiencing brain fog.
I was wondering if any of you have started feeling this way since taking the pill. I have 3 more years to go but if is is the pill, it is kicking my butt this past year!
Any advice is welcomed! :)
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Life1963, I took anastrazole for just under 5 years. I had brain fog really bad in the beginning. As well as sleeping problems and joint pain. I’m 4 years older than you, 1959, and some of the SE - we were not sure after 5 years if the problems were SE or just aging in general. I also had to take fosamax generic because anastrazole goes after your bones. That drug too had SE.
Discuss with your MO if you can switch AI drugs, or take a break.
Some ladies had opted to stop the AI, claiming they needed quality of life over extending minimally their life. It’s all a personal choice. Best of luck with your choices.
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I am one of those who chose quality of life over hormone blockers. I am 71 and had surgery for stage 1 grade 1 breast cancer, no lymph node involvement. I did a lot of homework before making my decision. I studied the drug’s effects on the body and read hundreds of patient experiences. It seems the AIs speed up the aging process and it’s already going fast enough for me. I already have joint pain, trouble sleeping and am losing bone. I don’t need any of these to intensify. Many people report feeling like 90 on these drugs. I’m living my healthiest life possible and realize I’m taking my chances, but it’s a quality of life issue for me. Maybe 7 years on the drug is enough for you. Something to discuss with your doctor. We are all different and what is good for one may not be good for another. Btw, I took Fosemax years ago and was only on it for 15 months. I had horrific joint, muscle and connective tissue pain. I quit bone drugs too. I do my best to exercise to keep my muscles strong and flexible. It’s the best I can do.
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I'm 79 now. I took anastrozole for 5 years along with Fosamax. I had few side effects other than some morning stiffness which was easily handled by taking regular Claritin. I had no problems with Fosamax either. I started both when I was 70. My oncologist said that I didn't need to go beyond 5 years on anastrozole. So I didn't.
Some of us are able to tolerate Arimidex and some of us are not. Just remember you don't know how you will react until you try it.
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