For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing

kotchaj

I take mine first thing in the morning. I'm also on a GLP1 and since I've started that, I no longer have any aches and pains from it. I think the GLP1 has reduced the inflammation in my body. Prior I took Claritin daily.

emmytwin2

I have been on anastratole for 3 weeks. I am now achy, and my hips hurt. I have moderate osteporosis. I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome which significantly reduces my ability to tolerate foods, medicines, supplements, and more. In addition, I have polyneuropathy which causes body-wide tingling and burning nerves. I am on meds to try to reduce the constant burning. I am 76 years old, and at this point in my life, I also have many other age related conditions, such as moderate heart disease, venous insufficiency, and fatigue. Trying to adjust to anastratole has been miserable! It takes me 3-4 hours to get to sleep, and the burning in my body is terrible with extremely cold feet, too. I am sort of a mess, and docs have told me I am very complicated. I see my oncologist in 2 days, and I don't know if I should stay on anastratole or try another AI. As far as I can tell, anastratole, aromasin, and femara are pretty much the same as far as SEs go. BTW, I am stage 1, hormone positive, positive sentinel node,,and have micromestasteses. I could go on, but thanks for reading. I appreciate any comments.

cindyny

I’m sorry you’re going through so much. It’s been many years now since I took anastrazole. When I did take it, I took it at midnight; some ladies took it early morning. There were some ladies that swore taking regular Claritin daily helped with joint pain. A bunch of us noticed certain drug manufacturers had less side effects, based on fillers they used. It’s a mixed bag.

Discuss everything with your MO, as being on other meds I’d hate to suggest something that you can’t add to meds you take now - even the OTC Claritin.

Best of luck to you. I’m hoping your MO has some insight. ❤️

saleen19

Dear Emmytwin2 - I really feel for you. I am 72 and was prescribed the aromatase inhibitors but cannot take them because of a pre-existing condition that the AIs would make worse. Like you, I’m sensitive to so much including foods and definitely drugs. A recurrence scares me but quality of life is important too. My doctor suggested taking the pill every other day, and if I do eventually decide to try the AIs, that is what I will do. It’s better than nothing. I can guarantee 100% that I will not be able to tolerate a full dose. Perhaps you can try an every other day dosing schedule. Some doctors are ok with this but ultimately it’s your choice.