Arimidex

[Scylla]

I recently had a mastectomy and then the surgeon sent me to his
colleague, an oncologist.  I told him I did not want to take Tam-
oxifan and he gave me a prescription for Arimidex.  I've been taking it for 2-3 weeks and have had no side effects at all, except
for a few hot flashes, which don't bother me.  I've read everything
I can find about Arimidex on the Internet (I certainly don't get
any real information from doctors)including forums where people who
have used it discuss it, and I have seen nothing really negative
about it.  No hair loss, no nausea, etc.  I wonder if anyone on
this list has used it or knows anything about it?  It seems far
superior to Tamoxifan, except that it is very bad for the bones.
The price is unbelievably high, but I have several programs, Including 2 for people over 65 (I'm almost 75) and they pay just
about everything.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Scylla:  We are glad Arimidex is working out well for you.  According to research, there is evidence that an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, may offer more benefit than tamoxifen in post-menopausal women.

[Twocapes]

Hi - I was put on Arimidex a little over a year ago after a lumpectomy and radiation.  I had a complete hysterectomy in '95 and my oncologist said Arimidex was the drug of choice for me (I'm 59).  I experienced bad hot flashes for about 4 to 6 months and they subsided.  Since it can affect your bones, I make sure I get enough calcium and will be going for a bone density test in mid-November, which will be one year from my last one.  I was told that I may have to consider Fosamax or one of the drugs to help prevent osteoporosis - depending on the results of the test.  Arimidex can also cause muscle and joint pains which I am experiencing, but not sure if it is the med or a large weight gain over the past year.  Advil seems to help quite a bit.  My mother was 75 when she was diagnosed.  She went on five years of Tamoxifen (Arimidex wasn't recommended then - maybe it wasn't even available).  The oncologist isn't switching her to Arimidex at this point - she's 80 and doing very well.  We were both ER/PR highly positive.  Good luck.