I'm sorry to hear that your arthritis has become inflamed. I have arthritis too, in my knees and in my thumbs. I have been off anastrozole for two years, so it's no longer related to the hormone suppressant. My oncologist took me off anastrozole immediately when I called him. And he said no other drug would be any better. I just had a blood test and so far I'm fine after three years. Good luck to you.