Switching from Tamoxifen to Arimidex

I am hoping that some of you ladies out there may be able to give some feedback/advice.

I was taking Tamoxifen from December 2007 to now. After my onc appointment today, I am switching to Arimidex as at nearly 54 and with no periods for over 2 years he says I am post-menopausal and Arimidex would be a good idea.

On Tamoxifen I have suffered from nausea (akin to pregnancy nausea or sea sickness) together with stiff and aching joints/bones. Also constipation and vaginal problems.

Have any of you made this transition and what were your experiences? In particular, if you got joint/bone pain, what were you recommended to take to relieve it? With my aches and pains on Tamoxifen, my GP said paracetamol 4 times a day (What? for 5 years? I don’t think so).

I was told when I switch from Tamod to Arimidex I would get a bone density scan to begin with as there is the added risk of brittle bones and OA

Hi Bubs

There are lots of threads about Arimidex on this site. I don’t want to cheer you up but I was on Tamoxifen for 3 months and had gained weight I couldn’t stand it so I was moved onto Arimidex which I have struggled with for 6 months, I suffered with joint pains, weight gain and terrible hot flushes, I also got carpal tunnel (I have hobbled about for 6 months.)

You have to remember we are all different and Arimidex may suit you fine. I take Solpadol and diclofeneac for the pains. I take Red Clover Blossom (I also had Clonidine, but I came off them as I think they were also helping me to gain weight) for the flushes and Glucosamine with Chrondroitin and MSM to help with the pains. I am now on Aromasin which I find much better.
Good Luck hope it suits you.

Sarah

Hi Sarsquatty,
How are u doing hun?

I am on Arimdex, and to tell u the truth I have as yet not had any side effects. I have been on it since 01/12/08
I do sometimes get stiff ankles but nothing else. The hot flushes stopped when I finished the herceptin.
But as we know everyone is different! It is a good drug…
hugs
xx
Mel