Aromatace Inhibitors

sassy · 11-22-2005, 11:00 AM

I'm a triple positive, post meno, completed radiation last Thursday and started Arimidex on Friday. Anybody have any experience with side effects, especially joint, back or muscle pain on AI's?

Thanks for your help

Sassy
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LIVE SEX WEBSHOWS

CherylS · 11-22-2005, 02:21 PM

Sassy,

I have been on Arimidex for 2 1/2 months now, after having my ovaries out. I have had absolutely no side effects. My onc started me right away a a very, very low dose of a drug called Megestrol. It is in the same class of drug as Tamoxifen if I understand correctly, but for some odd reason offsets the side effects in some women. I had been having hot flashes like crazy that started during chemo. They ended the day I started this medicine and I haven't had one since. My joints and muscles were stiff and sore from chemo, but that has gone away. I am excercising every day also. My onc. told me that the dose of Megestrol I am taking would equal 1/40th of the dose that would be prescribed for it if being used in place of tamoxifen. I don't know why such a drug exists, maybe intolerance to tamoxifen for some? Hope this is helpful to you. Best wishes.

Becky · 11-22-2005, 03:02 PM

I have been on Arimidex since June. I am Her 2+, ER + but PR (-). Had ovaries removed. At first, I'd have a hot flash every night with sweats but that has gone away. No joint or muscle pain at all. It is like taking nothing. My mom had bc but not HER 2 and is on it (took Tamoxifen for years first as it was the only thing) and she doesn't have any symptoms either. My mom didn't gain any weight on either drug and I haven't gained any weight on Arimidex (never took Tamoxifen).

I take my pill just before bed because my girlfriend said that if you do get hot flashes then they are at night and not during the day (I don't know if this is true but that's why I take it at night).

Love and Peace

Becky

Barbara2 · 11-22-2005, 07:38 PM

I have been on Arimidex since April 03. Since that time I have had aches of the back which feel muscular. Still have aches to the ribs, front and back. I suppose that could be left over from the chemo; it's hard to know. My legs/feet are quite stiff when I first start walking, but that lasts about 10 steps or so.

Also have hot flashes. Sometimes I feel like I am going into a complete melt down with the hot flashes!! But they only last about a minute. Have had night sweats too, but they are few and far between.

I had a DEXA scan a couple months ago, which showed a decrease in bone density over the last 2 years. I now have osteopenia which (I think) means a lower amount of calcium in the bone, so I was given Actonel, a type of bisphosphinate comonly used to treat osteoporosis.

Blessings to you,
Barbara

sarah · 11-23-2005, 07:35 AM

I'm on Femara and I was told to take it at night - in fact they said put it by your tooth brush! apparently taking it at night lessens the side effects! still sometimes I have arthritic feelings in my hands but certainly very tolerable.
wishing you all the best, try taking it at night, hope that helps
Sarah

Petesmom · 11-25-2005, 06:46 PM

I have been on Arimidex for about a month. Had my ovaries removed in October so that I could switch from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. I have not noticed any bad side affects. I have some joint pain upon getting out of bed in the morning or when I get up from sitting a long time. The soreness goes away almost immediately upon my getting moving. I am trying to make sure I get enough exercise and calcium each day and I take Fosomax. I am thrilled to be on this drug.

Petesmom