Arimidex -any research on impact on cholesterol--mine has increased

[audrita]

After taking Arimidex my cholesterol has increased and I now have a Vitamin D deficiency.  Any research linking these symptoms to Arimidex??

[Nel Ann]

Comment on Arimidex and Cholesterol climb.   After one year and two months of using Arimidex 1mg. I had the lipid level checked and it was too high. Two of my good Drs. consulted and suggested use of a statin drug..Crestor(low dose).   There should be some national guidelines for the Oncology Drs. to run this testing as the cardiovascular risk could be there and you would not know if the side effect listing of : heart attack and stroke possibility for the Arimidex could have a detrimental "effect" going on without addressing it.  Too little good clear research over time to tell us why this lipid level climbs.  I asked for it because I was already mildly elevated before my cancer treatment . It is not routinely done.  But lets remember that if you are post menopausal cholesterol levels could naturally be going up anyway, and then add the so far 'unknown risk' of it climbing when using the aromatase inhibitor. Hope this helps other women out there.  

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear audrita, Increased cholesterol has been reported associated with Arimidex . Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be relatively common in women with breast cancer, however, is probably not caused by Arimidex.  It is best to discuss these values with your doctor who can put them into context of your individual situation.  

[lizziecee]

I don't have to my knowledge, a cholesterol deficiency,  because no tests on my cholesterol have been done, but I do have a Vit.D deficiency - and have been prescribed Calchiew/Vit.D tablets twice daily.  This is most probably not due to my breast cancer, but my Crohn's disease.  None of my doctors (Onc, bc surgeon and gastro) have suggested a cholesterol test.  I am underweight at present. I have been taking Arimidex for some 3 years, since dx of breast cancer, and some 2 months prior on tamoxifen. I am doing fine.  I haven't researched this as am too busy dealing with my Crohn's but wish you well.
Take care  ...Liz.