You are here:

Breast Cancer/Long tem side affects of Arimidex

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/23/2008


Question
I am a 64 yr old, 24 yr breast cancer survivor with onl a 15% chance of survival.  I have been on Arimidex for approx. 4 yrs & was told I would not be able to take them after June of this year.  Prior to Arimidex I was on Tamoxifen for 6 yrs.  What other medication options do I have?  Also, what are some of the side effects from Arimidex, i.e., hair loss, weight gain, muscle pain, achy feeling, etc.  I would appreciate hearing from you.  Thanks, Linda


Answer
After being a survivor for so long in spite of the seriousness of your condition your situation is most probably far too complicated for me to sit here in Sweden far away from you with very limited knowledge of your case and discuss possible options now. That is something you must do with your dr.  Well you have listed some possible side effects! Other possible but not common ones are vaginal dryness. Joint problems. Bone decalcification. Liver effects. Carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands. Allergic effects and skin problems.

Breast Cancer

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.