I take anastrozole..arimidex. and there is bone pain and hot flashes, but it is so effective, I am willing to tolerate it. I do not want to find another lump anywhere

I am on it now 2 yrs. There is bone pain, hot flashes, stomach issues, anxiety, higher cholesterol and weight gain/loss...I have weight loss, along with the others.

I thought Anastrozole was just the generic name for Arimidex?? Didn't realize there could be a difference in side effects between the two....thanks for the info!

I first started with Arimidex for 1 month and besides the usual bone pain, hot flashes, I had intense, non-stop headaches daily. I was switched to Anastrozole and had been on it since June 2011. My pharmacy recently switched manufacturer and experienced all the severe joint/muscle pain (no headaches)started all over again. Last month I was switched to Femara brand and am still working through the new symptoms of starting over. As previously stated - if one does not work, talk to your doctor as there are other drugs to try.

I had side effects of night sweats, hot flashes, intense joint pain, cramping, anxiety and insomnia. After taking Arimidex for 5 months, my onco switched me to Exemestane. I was afraid to switch, since I already knew the side effects of Arimidex. Would the new drug be worse? I'm happy to report it is not worse after one month of taking it. All of the side effects are there, but less in intensity. I have a weird cramping in my hand that's new, though it's not painful. I do seem to be awash in emotions, but whether that's a side effect of the drug or of life right now, who knows?
I guess the good news is that if one drug doesn't sit well, there are others to try.