Arimidex to Femara question

[CherylS]

Due to severe joint and muscle pain, my onc. wants to switch me from Arimidex to Femara. I'm fine with this, but she wants me to stop taking the Arimidex for one month first. I am hesitant to do this. Has anyone else made this switch and if so did you have to take the month break in between? Also, is it better with Femara? Thank you!

[Montana]

I switched from Arimidex to Femara because of severe hand pain and didn't notice any difference. I've since gone back to Arimidex. After 1 year on the Arimidex, either I'm getting used to the pain, or it has gotten a little better.

[sally]

I have been on Femara for about a year and a half . I have bone muscle and joint pain. I always get a sharp stab in the back. It feels like bone rubbing together. I know there are many things contributing. I am 38 years old and had my ovaries removed last year. Being pushed through menopause so quickly can cause bone and joint pain. I don't eat as healthy as I should and I know I don't drink nearly enough which helps lubricate the joints. I don't know if any of this helps. I hope your pain gets better. I feel like I'm aging so fast. I guess it's better than the alternative. Have a great day. Sally

[Her2nSue]

I've been on femara since the start of the once every 3 weeks of herceptin deal. I've had so much joint pain since my 2nd infusion, esp. in my thumbs, now has increased to my wrists. If I sit too long, I'm as stiff as a board. Sometimes going down stairs, I don't feel confident with my leg muscles as they feel so stiff and strange. I mentioned this to the onc and he had prescribed celebrex. It has seemed to help, but the fingers still feel swollen and stiff. I had never given it a thought it was from the femara, I had figured it was just from continuing with the herceptin.

glad I read your posts.

Sue

[lisahammo]

Hi Cheryl

Before making the switch, have you tried taking Glucosamine & Fish Oil to help with the pain? I am also on Arimidex, and had bad pain in my feet and fingers, however once I started on the Glucosamine, it settled down. I am having chemo again now, and thought it might flare up again, but it hasn't. We are also having a very cold snap here in Melbourne, Australia, and again, I haven't had any pain. Might be worth considering. I did have to wait about 6 weeks before it kicked in though.

Take care.

Love Lisa

[Susan Rankin]

Hi,

I also recently switched from Arimidex to Femara. I have been on the Femara for about three weeks and I have not had any improvement in my joint pain, stiffness, etc. I am thinking about going back to the Arimidex. My hot flashes are more severe on the Femara.

Susan