Can anyone speak to the pros/cons of arimidex vs. tamoxifen?

Good question as I've read conflicting info too. I was on tamoxifen until they discovered I wasn't able to process it due to a genetic mutation. So I was switched to Arimidex and personally I prefer the tamoxifen! I had no side effects with it other than some slight changes in my hair. The Arimidex causes a lot of joint pain and stiffness in my hips and lower back, knees and left thumb. I know it's the Arimidex because I stopped taking it for a week over summer vacation and felt immensely better within 24 hours .

Weill my AL treatments be as effective if I am taking Prozac. I have read that tomoxifen is not effective when taking SSRI but AL work differently

I took tomoxifen for 4 and a half years and I am 11 years cancer free. I did have some side effects.

@abartels- Congratulations! That is great news!

Try some gentle yoga. A ‘restore’ class might help, or at least give you some temporary relief. Do some walking outdoors when the weather permits. I’m 65 and also have arthritis in my shoulders and knees. I know it’s hard to move when your joints ache, but keeping myself moving seems to help me. I have a treadmill for the days that the weather doesn’t permit being outside.

@abartels, what were your negative side effects to Tamoxifen? I've been on it for 5 1/2 months and I have also had some negative effects.

I was on tamoxifen 5 years worst thing were hot flashes, and I was also going through menopause so prob would have had them anyway… annoying but I got through… not horrible … again annoying! I am now on arimidex for 4 years… one year to go… bc I needed the extra time! I have some stiffness here and there, is it def from meds… idk for sure… I will be 60 next month so could be just normal. That’s all for me! Nothing horrible.
Everyone is different! It does save lives♥️ So be your own judge. I am 10 years a survivor in October and I have to believe these meds are part of the reason. Almost afraid to go off… but it will be time😏

It's great to read the words 'ten years' and 'survivor' in the same sentence. Kudos to you and medical science.

Thank you and I pray for all who are fighting this battle💞

I was on tamoxifen for seven months but found the side effects difficult. Tamoxifen caused severe leg cramping, menopausal symptoms (I am post-menopausal), abdominal discomfort, and depression. I began to fear endometrial thickening and leg thrombosis. My oncologist switched me to Arimidex/anastrazole, which I have been taking since March with very slight SE's. With anastrazole (Accord brand) I get some occasional slight nighttime foot cramping. Both hormone blockers seem to cause hot flashes and increase insomnia. I experience no muscular aches and pains from the anastrazole. I take the pill in the morning with breakfast, followed by a walk, and that followed three days a week by weight training and yoga practice at the gym. I am hoping a good plant-based diet, exercise, and normal BMI, in addition to this little pill, keep me healthy and breast cancer recurrence free. No guarantees with any of these pills.