Re LancsLass’ original post - I too have had 2 months of Wockhardt anastrozole and it has definitely exacerbated my side effects, especially finger jount pain and stiffness. I have also stumbled a few times when walking, which I normally wouldn’t do.
I’m off today to check with all my local chemists to find one who stocks another brand.
I was on Arimidrex for over a year and then out of the blue my repeat prescription changed to the generic Anastrozole. It happened at a time I was having my reconstruction and not mobile so I didn’t do anything about it and reading up on it it seems to be the same so started to take it. I have been on it now for about 3 months and yes I have noticed worse SE (minor with Arimidex) but with this generic version definately more stiffness and joint pain all over. I went to see my GP about something else and mentioned it to him saying I was disappointed that my medication had b een changed without any discussion - just on a repeat and at a time when I was low. He was very very understanding and sympathetic. he said it was the Practise pharmasist that changed it due to cost and it is it prescribed because it is cheaper. He agreed there and then to re instate my Arimidex and wrote me a prescpiton for three months - even though I still have two months supply of the generic version. He said that no one would ever be able to prove that the generic version gives worse SE unless they do a formal trial which would take years and years. He accepted that I preferred Arimidex as that is what I was prescribed by my Onc and said in future he will make sure that it is what I get and won’t be changed (although he did say he will be ‘told off’ by the powers that be for doing so - but he said he is doing it in my interest both physically and emotionally. He did a costing on the computer whilst I was there and the brand Arimidex is 10 times more expensive than the generic version. He did say that in the future the gov’t may not give GP the discretion to make that type of decision and if that happens then i will probably have to have the generic version - but until then I am ok getting Arimidex for as long as I need it.
Hi All, This is the first time I have been on this website and I have found the forum very useful. I was diagnosed last February and sailed though my op and radiotherapy. I returned to work full time in August last year. However, since then I have had to have a total knee replacement and a lot of physio to try and get me walking again. My problem is the sweats caused by the Anastrozole.I have physio twice a week and spend the whole time purple in the face with my hair dripping wet and my clothes stuck to me. I asked by GP for help as I really feel this is hindering my recovery, he told me it was a small price to pay for my life. Has anyone found anything that reduces the sweats and hot flushes? I would be very grateful for any help at all.
Hi Prenton and welcome to the BCC forums
I am pleased to read that you have found the forum useful and am posting a link to the BCC ‘Menopausal symptoms and breast cancer’ publication which you may find helpful:
Our helpliners are also here to offer you support and information on 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 9-2 Saturdays
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Prenton
Sorry to hear about the sweats, they are awful, I know. Luckily I’ve not had them too much this time around but felt dreadful when I had hormone treatment with my primary. I’ve heard that you can take an anti depressant (I think) that can help, but I may have got this wrong. It may be worth having a search on here, under the hormone treatment part of the site or post a new topic? Good luck and I hope things calm down for you.
Nicky
Hi Nicky, thanks, think I will have a chat to my GP. I am on amitriptyline for a long term back problem which helps nerve pain, and sleep. A colleague has told me she takes Gabapentin for a back problem and all her menopause symptoms have disappeared. Maybe that could help me. Will let you know if I get any answers. Prenton