Arimidex and bone loss
Common Questions and Answers about Arimidex and bone loss
arimidex
I have had increasing debilitating severe pain in left hip, left foot and both hands. DEXA scan showed increased bone density loss to that of a DEXA scan done before bc (ordered by gastro due to 30+ yrs of steroids). BC surgeon prescribed Fosamax and Calcichew/Vit.D3. A bone scan showed osteo arthritis in both hips, hands and feet. No meds prescribed. I am on weekly injections of 12.5 mg methotrexate for Crohn's.
However, 4 yrs down the line, I stopped it 4 weeks ago, due to severe bone pain (hips, hands and feet) and the pain has gone! I still feel I need protection for at least another year so am seeing a new Oncologist (mine retired last year) soon for evaluation and hope she will prescribe either Femara or Aromasin. All the AI's affect bone density, tamoxifen doesn't and before starting one of these you should have a DEXA bone density scan for a baseline. It is a difficult decision I know.
I hate to tell you but I am on Arimidex and I have joint pain in my hips and knees and my fingers are stiff and swollen -- It started two weeks after I started the Arimidex --- It may be gentler than Femara but for me it hasn't been a walk in the part either -- Sorry your mom is feeling so poorly -- I hope they help her quickly -- maybe she should be taking Calcium with Vitamin D in the meantime
So very sorry to hear of your wife's spread but you sound a wonderful caring husband - she is very lucky to have you.
Regarding Arimidex, after a WLE,and total axillary removal 5 yrs ago, I had 6 FEC chemo and 25 rads. During rads I was prescribed tamoxifen, took it for 2 months and my then Onc (discharged me after chemo and rads and since retired so I have no one now) switched me to Arimidex.
Hi, I have been on Arimidex for about four months now and wondered if anyone else has had the following side effects:
1. Osteopenia
2. Polyps on Liver
I came off Tamoxifen after 2.5 years as it had no effect on me, my estrodial was about four times higher than it should have been and I had ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, so had an abdominal hysterectomy, with oopherectomy.
Hi:
You don't mention what cancer you had but being in the BC Forum I suppose you had just that. Do you remember what color was your chemo cocktail? Was it sort of pink or red?
If the color matches the chemo you got then your hair loss if from chemo though Arimidex also causes hair loss. While you are on Arimidex I don't believe you will see much hair growth. For further information on side effects from Arimidex the enclosed link is to an Arimidex Forum, check it:
http://www.
I have been on Arimidex for 3 years and I have the exact same problem with the weight gain in my stomach. I don't know if it will ever come off but all I can do is hope. I am cancer free since my surgery and the pills and hope to remain so. My oncologist seems to think every thing is going very well at this time. After all this is the most important part of it, remaining cancer free.
I wish all well and hope you continue to remain cancer free.
Though there is a good theoretical basis for the use of arimidex on endometriosis, I believe that this is still an off-label indication for the drug and the clinical basis for its use is still from phase II clinical trials (studies with still low number of patients). Until such time that the indication of endometriosis can be demonstrated in large phase III clinical trials, the use of arimidex for endometriosis is still controversial.
ve completed 4 cycles of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I have been on Arimidex for 4 months. What might be my chances of a distant metastasis? I have pre-osteopenia per a bone density. My oncologist said I might consider Zometa infusions which would be given every 6 months. Does it only help prevent bone metastasis or other mets as well? I know the research is still out on this but an early study indicated a greater than 30% reduction in risk of bone mets. That seems substantial.
has anyone been on Fosavance for osteopenia/porosis - I think I developed this as a result of an oopherectomy and Arimidex, and am now taking this drug weekly. Since taking it my bones and joints are absolute agony and I am walking around like a ninety year old woman. Does the pain get better?
Another question is about the reconstruction.
Dx Jan 2003 idc,+ DCIS, 2 cm tumour, stage/grade 2. 3/18 nodes+. WLE ,total axillary removal. 6 FEC chemo, 25 rads.Mondor's disease dx 2005. Arimidex 4 yrs, recently stopped due to bone pain, hips, hands,feet. Waiting to see Onc. for alternative AI adjuvant meds. Bisphosphs wkly,bone density loss ,as osteopenic.
A cancerous lump was found in my right breast in 2004 and I had lumpechtomy performed whereby it was removed. Shortly thereafter, I had 35 sessions of radiation. The cancer has not returned (I take Arimidex). However, I my ribs underneath my breast are very painful - they can hardly tolerate any touch or pressure. My Oncologist has told me that every women she has treated for the same also complain about bone pain on the site where the radiation took place. What is the reason for this?
It is of course her decision re whether lowering the risk in her case is worth enduring the side effects. If she does choose to take an AI and the side effects of Arimidex are intolerable, she could see if she would do better on a different one. However, in at least one recent study, Arimidex came out ahead of the others in preventing recurrence.
Best wishes to both you and your wife...
Recommended
