Anastrozole Side Effects & Patient Stories
What Is Anastrozole?
Anastrozole (Arimidex) is hormone therapy used in the treatment of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.
Also known as an aromatase inhibitor, some oncologists also co-administer anastrozole along with TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) when treating men with high estradiol levels.
Explore below for more on how it works, anastrozole side effects, and patient stories on their experiences with anastrozole (Arimidex).
How Does Anastrozole Work?
Anastrozole is an oral hormone therapy that is taken by mouth that is classified as an aromatase inhibitor. The mechanism of action for anastrozole is by inhibiting or stopping aromatase, it interrupts the transformation of hormones into the estrogen that feeds ER-positive cancer cells.
If you have questions about anastrozole interactions and foods to avoid while taking anastrozole, make sure to discuss these concerns with your doctor.
How to Deal With Anastrozole Side Effects
If an oncologist or other healthcare provider has recommended anastrozole hormone treatment for you or a loved one, you may wonder about anastrozole side effects or Arimidex side effects. Its manufacturer reports common side effects include but are not limited to the following.
Arimidex Side Effects in Early Breast Cancer Clinical Trial
- hot flashes
- joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia)
- weakness
- mood changes
- pain
- back pain
- sore throat
- nausea and vomiting
- rash
- depression
- high blood pressure
- osteoporosis
- fractures
- swelling of arms/legs
- insomnia
- headache
Arimidex Side Effects in Advanced Breast Cancer Clinical Trials vs. Tamoxifen
- hot flashes
- nausea
- decreased energy and weakness
- pain
- back pain
- headache
- bone pain
- increased cough
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- swelling of arms and legs
- joint pain/stiffness
Anastrozole Patient Stories
Here’s what some breast cancer patients have to share about how they dealt with anastrozole side effects:
“I started on hormone meds about a month after chemo in April. I did Arimidex for a while. I don’t remember having bad hormonal issues like trouble sleeping, sweating, and hot flashes from the Arimidex specifically.
When I started chemo, I had to go on the Lupron shot. I had already experienced being on some type of medication for hormones, so I didn’t really notice a difference when I started on Arimidex.
The longer I was on the hormone medications, the more I was having severe migraines about once a month. I told my doctor I didn’t want to do it anymore. In April 2018, he said we could go ahead and do a hysterectomy. They took everything – my uterus, my ovaries, all of it.”
Monica H. (Breast Cancer, IDC, Stage 2B, Soft Tissue Sarcoma as 2nd Cancer)
“I’m doing Lupron and Anastrozole. It’s a Lupron shot once a month and then Anastrozole tablets daily kind of like birth control pills.
It puts me into a chemically-induced menopause like Tamoxifen, only my ovaries are completely shut down, so my body isn’t making any eggs at all.
I all the sudden have a mustache. I’d never had that before. I’ve been having to keep up a new wax routine.
One side effect that I was really not excited about was a little bit of sexual dysfunction. I kind of lost my appetite for sex and being a newlywed – that really sucks.
I also had some vaginal thinning as a result because my body’s in menopause even though I’m 30 years old. It really made sex quite painful, and I had to seek treatment through a specialized OBGYN.”
Caitlin J. (Breast Cancer, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2B, ER-Positive, PR-Positive)