Arimidex Side Effects & Alternatives: A Breast Cancer Survivor's Guide

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.