I have been taking Arimidex since Feb of this year. I told my breast care nurse of the joint pains and ‘flushes’ after the first couple of months but she asked me to stick with it and it should get better. Nine months on and the pains are worse- affecting my knees, lower back and now my wrists. I have been referred by my GP to a hand and wrist clinic to have this checked out. The pain in my right wrist is there all the time and painkillers/anti-inflammatories are no longer any use. The flushes are also getting worse. Can they really be flushes if they only affect me from the neck up?? The nights are ok, except for not sleeping well, but during the day I will suddenly start to feel hot and then sweat just drips from my forehead down my face - even wetting the ends of my hair. I have lost count of how many times in a day it happens and I hate it! Does anyone else have similar side effects? Does it get better? I am seeing my Oncologist in the next 3-4 weeks and I really hope he can help. I feel so low. Lyn xxx
Pasman,
I have been on Arimidex for about 4 months and from the Arimidex side effects thread here I found that people were taking Glucosamine & Chondroitin for the joint pain. I’ve been taking it about 3 months now and it works! I’ve got RSI in my wrist / thumb and that used to ache at night but even that has stopped aching.
I tried to get my GP to prescribe the glucosamine & chondroitin but after saying of course it will help she said the PCT didn’t allow her to prescribe it. Most chemists and H&B have it.
I can’t advise on the hot flushes as mine haven’t been too bad.
You might not like the idea but antidepressants really help with hot flushes. I take one called Venlafaxine and it really helps me cope. I know quite a few other ladies who take the same medication or one similar who all get relief from flushes.
I too have been suffereing with joint pain with Arimidrex and looking for some respite in this - however having checked the internet see notes below. NICE do not recommend this treatment and are not that supportive of it either.
‘Health professionals should continue to follow NICE guidance and not usually prescribe glucosamine or chondroitin products for the treatment of OA. However, if patients want to trial over-the-counter glucosamine, they should be advised that the only potential benefits so far identified are purely related to a reduction of pain (in some people, and to only a mild or modest degree) with glucosamine sulphate 1500mg/day. Health professionals should also advise patients on how to perform their own trial of therapy, that is, to evaluate their pain before starting glucosamine and ensure they review the benefits of glucosamine after 3 months. In addition, they should note that the MHRA has warned against its use by people who have seafood allergies or those who are taking warfarin.’
I took Arimidex for about 18 months/2 years and when I mentioned that the joint pain and stiffness was really getting me down, it was suggested that I change to Aromasin. Although it is another AI, I have found the side effects so much better and have no joint pain any more. I know that Aromasin causes bad side effects in some people, but for me it has improved my quality of life enormously.
All the best
Anne
Thanks for all your suggestions. I have been taking Glucosamine + Chondroitin after suggested by my Onc but haven’t found it helpful. Also taking an antidepressent, Fluoxitine, but this is not effective for the pain relief either. When I see my Onc I will ask about Aromasin as a possibility.