Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Have been taking arimedex for 7 months and surprised that so many women complain about joint pain associated with the drug. My only complaint is thinning hair and fatigue. My question is: do the symptoms of joint pain begin immediately after starting the drug or after taking it for a long time?

@sandrajo
Speaking only for myself (and my Cancer Community Peer Group), those of us who experienced joint/muscle/bone pain from anastrozole, began experiencing it during the first 2-3 weeks....

Actually I felt great until 2 and a half months on it. Started it on October 1 and pain kicked in late December. Joint, muscle and bone pain also the bottom of my feet. Today I feel pretty good..go figure.

I’ve been taking anastrozole for 15 months. My oncologist told me to keep moving. I don’t have any issues. I walk everyday.

Thank you! Every little bit of information helps. I try to keep moving too. I try to walk a mile every day on my treadmill, and I think it helps. I live in a cold and snowy area so being outdoors isn’t feasible right now, though I do love to be outside!

I had a mastectomy of my left breast last week. I had been on Anastrozole for 6 months prior as part of a clinical trial to reduce the tumor (it didn’t). I am now off it for a month, which I am calling my honeymoon. I feel amazing. The drain sites are annoying but I haven’t had to take any pain relief. I know I have to start the Anastrozole again soon, but I’m not looking forward to it. I still need my right side mastectomy so it’ll be after that

Did you have side effects from the Anastrozole? If so, what were they?

I have been on Anastrozol since November 2018. So far my side effects have been mild. Some back soreness, some fatigue. A few times I had tingling of my fingers and a brief dizzy spell( on the very first day of taking the Anastrozol). Staying active helps a lot.

Welcome new members (Jan 2019) @kathyomaha55 @sandrajo @jeannie53 @huey @lisman1408 @baker1 @karendb I hope I didn't miss anyone.

Hi all,
I want to invite you to a Video Q&A happening next week Wed, Feb 6, 2019 from 9:30am to 10:00am Central time zone. See details here:
> Video Q&A about Women's Cancers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qs-cancers/

Given the broad topic "women's cancers", I doubt the session will address symptoms of aromatase inhibitors, but may be of interest. You can also see all past webinars archived here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinars/ Simply use the search term "breast cancer" to find specific videos.

Hello, lisman! Sending healing thoughts. I am now 2 years cancer free and am almost 2 years into my Arimidex. SOmetimes I think it is a hideous drug, causing hot flashes and many and varied bone and muscle pain, fatigue, and depression....But after my 2 year mammogram being clear ~ I think of Arimidex as a life saver. Keep on moving! I have had a hard time with fatigue but look forward to some soothing Spring weather........Molly