Switching from tamoxifen to anastrozole

[rossco]

I have been on arimidex for give years no problem, have transferred to tamoxifen
now. The oncologist recommended evening primrose oil for hot flushes,
I also took this when going through the
change and it worked.

[Paula16]

Thanks girls for your replies, much appreciated. I'm still getting the flushes, but I don't think they're quite as bad, although that might be because the it's not so hot at the moment. I'm going to give acupuncture another go

[meander]

Hi - I found the Teva brand of Tamoxifen was OK - but there was a supply problem for  while and so had to take another brand which gave loads of nasty side effects ie neck pain and leg cramps and I was switched to Arimidex last October which has been much better. Neck pain transfered to ankle pain in the mornings  but better than not being able to lift your head.

[Maryland]

Hi Paula16......as Jo says it might be worth asking to change brands. Opposite to Jo's experience, I was on TEVA brand for 21 months, and had really stiff joints, but manageable; hot flushes not too bad except in hot weather and after a glass of wine! Pharmacist gave me Accord brand 2 months ago and joints eased up, which was lovely; however hot flushes were terrible! Not only during the day but at night too. Had to lie on lounge floor with fan on me for up to 2 hours a night 😞 Got a tad excited to be given TEVA brand last week and flushes seem to have abated 🙂 Guess it's a case of trial and error until you find what suits you.....however a right pain in the meantime. Hope your flushes settle down soon......they are so frustrating...take care

[Jo1]

Hi Paula, so sorry to hear this. On one of the threads it seemed that this does happen, but you can try a different brand. I'm on Accord brand and I've been fine so far (I've just touched my wooden desk!) - about 10 weeks, as I started them a month before my mastectomy, and others on Accord also seemed fine. That's no guarantee of course.

I've just been to the pharmacy with a prescription for Anastrozole and checked they would have Accord brand - they had one pack in and the others will arrive tomorrow, plus they put Accord brand on their database so that I'm ordered them each time now, in case I forget to mention it.

I do hope things improve, but changing to another brand might help. Hope so, Jo x

[Paula16]

Hi everyone!
I starting taking the anastrozole four days ago, in the hope that the severe hot flushes I've been having whilst taking tamoxifen for over 2 years would decrease.
If anything they're worse!
I'm getting so fed with them, it's affecting my life. Does anyone know if this is a temporary thing, I'm really hoping it'll get better.