Joint pain on Arimidex

[lechug]

I have been on Arimidex for breast cancer since ?September 2003, and have developed almost crippling hand/joint pain.  I ache all over, but in the morning, my hands are almost clawed.  I'm only 50, developed cancer in february of 2003.  Could the Arimidex be causing this?  Would Voltarin or Neurontin help?

[LAP]

I've been on arimidex since 12/03 and also have significant pain in my hands, as well as feet, knees, hips, shoulders.  I am seeing a rheumatologist for it now because my docs say it would be a rare side effect for arimidex.  The situation you describe with your hands in the AM applies to me as well.  It is hard to get my hands unclenched in the mornings.

[sundancehound]

I'm wondering if many people have had trouble with Arimidex not staying down.  I had a strange problem after 1 month of no problem then severe nausea.  Would the other aromatase inhibitor-Aromasin do the same thing possibly without the same side effects?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear lechug:  Joint pain is not a common side effect of Arimidex http://www.chemocare.com/bio/bio.sps?iBiographyID=9075.  But, sometimes side effects can occur that are not common. Your best bet would be to discuss this with your doctor.  If there is sufficient evidence that the Armidex is the culprit, there are other medications that can be tried.  Your doctor can better comment on whether to treat you symptomatically or look at a different breast cancer drug.

[omacar]

i developed  bad joint pain on arimidex.  I ended up with both knees replaced.  When I stopped the arimidex  the joint pain lessened a great deal.  Can't comment on the other meds as I did not try them.  On femara now without much joint pain.