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• October 17, 2012 9:09 a.m.

  Joint pain is one of the most common complaints about the use of any of the aromatase inhibitors (the drug class that Arimidex (anastrazole) belongs to). These side effects are the most common reason that women stop taking these drugs. While only a minority of women suffer from this side effect, it can be debilitating. Fortunately, stopping the medication can typically alleviate the side effect. There are two other aromatase inhibitors on the market, exemestane and letrozole. Many women who experience joint aches and pains with one, can tolerate one of the other medications without similar side effects. In addition, there may be other treatments available instead of an aromatase inhibitor, including use of a selective estrogen receptor antagonist (such as tamoxifen). One last possibility is to evaluate if you really need this medication? What are the benefits for you in your particular situation and what are the side effects and do the benefits outweigh the side effects? Of course, any changes in your plan need to be fully discussed with the your cancer care team to make the right decision for you personally. You may also want to explore gentle exercise such as yoga or tai chi to help with flexibility and movement. Content was provided with input from Dr. Timothy Moynihan.

  - Sheryl Ness

• October 13, 2012 1:57 a.m.

  Thanks for share the information about Breast Cancer. today chest pain in women and heart disease is the most killer in USA. please tell me the best first aid for the heart attacks.

  - Dr. Shyla high

• October 5, 2012 7:34 a.m.

  Just didn't have enough room to finish.I hope this will help you in some way . i live a full and fairly normal life...just don't go bungy jumping !!!!!!I certainly think it is worth you all with pain looking into things and speaking with your oncologists about maybe trying a change of brands. I will be interested to know how you go on>

  - Jan

• October 5, 2012 7:27 a.m.

  I was so interested to read about your pain and side effects from aromatase ibhibitors and I sympathise with the pain you are going through. On the other hand, your posts have finally made me realise that I'm not imagining things and what I have insisted for the last 4 years may help you. I was diagnosed in Feb 2008 with breast cancer which has spread to my bones and after receiving radiation Iwas put on Tamoxifen. The oncologist wasn't satisfied with the results and changed my medication to Femara which I have been on ever since untill the clinic I get my drugs from changed their contracts and started purchasing other brands of inhibiters from Portugal and Malta. At first I didn't have any problems and then I started getting joint and linb pains. At first I thought it was arthritis or rheumatism, but the climate was warm and dry. Eventually I spoke to my oncologist and she wrote to my medical clinic that I must have Femara. I am assuming that because this brand is made in Switzerland it is more costly that others and the medical board refused to purchase this product.In the meantime I was feeling as though I was a hypochondriac and imagining things. My pharmacist insisted that all the different brands were the same. Finally they came up with a brand that is made localy by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and since I have been taking this brand I have had no pain or problems. Even though everyone insists that all brands have the same ingredients and therefore the same effect

  - Jan

• October 4, 2012 9:15 p.m.

  Have been taking Arimidex for one year and half, and going nuts ever since. My hair is falling down, I have gain 30 pounds and all my articulations are painful. My quality of life is for the birds. Is it worthed to go through all that?

  - Claud

• October 4, 2012 1:26 p.m.

  Very very difficult to endure five years of an aromatase inhibitor. I have tried all three and have had all of the same side effects as you are experiencing. I would love a handicap parking spot as it is so difficult to walk or go up and down stairs...I have a year and a half to go...my oncologist did something brilliant last spring. She let me come off it for two weeks and I started to feel like my old self so I know that there is and end point...and my end point is five years and that is it. I hate this medication but I am convinced that it is worth the five years feeling elderly. Weight gain is because it is so diffcult to move. I take Ambien at night...I have joined a YMCA deep water aerobic class that seems to help...the hour in the water is the only time nothing hurts. Have taken all kinds of pain pills and joint supplements...now I just take Motrin...good luck I SO know how you feel

  - Chase

• October 4, 2012 12:11 p.m.

  I need to know what to do about the aromatase inhibitor which has aged me 20 years in the past year - bone pain, muscle pain, arthritis, carpel tunnel, hair loss, calcium leaching. Would someone please tell me how to deal with this? I am in constant pain, sleepless nights, difficult days. i almost think taking the risk of cancer reocurrance would be better than this horrible quality of life.

  - what about coping with the meds?