Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I was on it for 9 mos until I couldn’t do it anymore she took me off 10/13 and I’m supposed to start Arimidex in January. She said that one has more side effects but maybe I will do better on it. In the meantime I’m taking 2 supplements , oncoplex and DIM these were suggested by an Integrative oncologist in conjunction with tamoxifen
I truly want to complete the five years with no side effects or at least manageable ones

Wish I had some good answers but for me they were bad. No hair loss. Only on it for 9 mos. But I know women that had minimal side effects. Hopefully some will reply

I had side effects but, I kept telling myself it was still better than TAC, the chemo regimen I started with. Still better than herceptin, or xeloda. I can do hair thinning, I was totally bald twice, one time for a year. I have been so sore and tired that I had to crawl to the bathroom to be sick. I can’t say any of it was easy but since the worst of it was in the beginning, it helped me to have something worse to look back on. I know this does not work for everyone, but it does help me to see how resilient I am.

I am interested on info on anastrozole. I have lost almost all my hair. I suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting plus feel weak with no energy taking anastrozole and verzenio for about 15 months. I am almost 69 years old with MBC stage 4. Anybody been through this then gotten better results with different medications?

Hello all! Jumping on to share my experience on Anastrozole (also known as Arimadex). I think I shared in a previous thread so apologies for the repeat to those of you also on this thread. I’ve been on Anastrozole, Kisqali (ribociclab) and monthly Xgeva injections since my MBC diagnosis June 2020. I was 54 at the time. Since then I have had various side effects, hair thinning, bone pain, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, maybe a few others I’m forgetting. But - I rarely had to stop doing what I wanted to do because of the side effects, sometimes I had to take a few other meds to help, but was worth it. And 12 months later, the nausea almost stopped, the fatigue is more manageable (maybe I’ve built a better routine to manage it not sure :). And my hair started to regrow! Bone pain is still there, mainly my wrists, hands, fingers and feet so I’ve built a “toolbox” Of things to help cope. I know things could be so much worse as @auntieoakley shared so keeping that in mind helps me push through some of the harder days. My oncologist had said the side effects would reduce/change with time and they did! I hope you find a solution for treatments you are comfortable with. Even if it provides some discomfort remember
That perhaps it could be much worse! Stay strong and know you are not alone and have somewhere to “share or vent” here if you need to!

Isn't anastrazole generic Arimidex?

I stopped after 6 months. I was almost bedridden at the end. I feel 100 percent better, and I walk, excersise, lost 42 pounds since June and feel better than I ever have. I had my oncologist prescribe me a pure prescription with no fillers, and it seemed easier on my system, but medical does not cover all of it. I still paid 60 a month, but it wass easier on my system. Might want to try that. I was only stage 2, but I know I did the right thing by walking away. 2 years clear.

Wow that’s a great idea. Going to look into that !!!
So happy for you

Not sure maybe. Someone also suggested evista.

Yes, anastrazole is generic arimidex.