Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Hi jeannie53. I've been on anastrozole for about 3 months now and have very few side effects. I have a few aches in the knees but I don't even need a pain killer. I noticed my equilibrium is a little off (almost fell off the deck). But all in all, not bad at all. Takes me awhile to fall asleep too. But considering the alternative, I will keep taking it. I would rather live with a few aches and pains than not! Good luck to you.

@jeannie53,- I completely understand. I'm 74 (as I keep stating here!) and I keep wondering if it's worth it to have all these side effects from Anastrozole. I look and feel 174. Then, I chicken out and keep taking it.

jeannie - I've been on it for 2 days - so far so good. If it doesn't work, you can stop anytime. I hated the other drugs too.

I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and finally said I'm done! The doctor has now given me Tamoxifen and I am just scared to try it she told me I should have stopped it as soon as I noticed the pain. I'm 65 years old have not taken anything since March and just can't bring myself to take this drug. I guess I have to bite the bullet but am terrified of the side effects.

Azalane - Were you on any of the AIs before Tomoxifen?

I have been on tamoxifen for over two years. A little weight gain, some joint pain but really haven't had anything that would stop me from functioning. I'm 61 so occasional hot flashes.

The only side effect I’ve noticed is that hot flashes are more intense and more frequent. Not fun to experience, but tolerable.

These medication recalls are starting to become a daily occurrence. I may be exaggerating a bit, but between recalls of my BP medication and now Anastrozol, it is concerning. So far, my pharmacy has not carried the affected lots. I should not have to be worried that medications that are meant to keep me healthy will instead make me sick! I wish these problems would be caught before they release the products to the public.

batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

I lasted a month on Arimidex, I was miserable. Joint pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of focus; not worth it. I’ve been on Tamoxifen over a month now and am tolerating it well. I understand Arimidex and the AI’s are somewhat better in terms of preventing recurrence, but there is a the quality of life issue. At 65 I want to be active, so I’ll stick with Tamoxifen, it’s better than taking nothing.