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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have a question about Arimidex.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cottonwood, AZ

I started taking Anastrozole in July. I thought maybe I had a rotator cuff injury or bursitis in my shoulder. I have completed 6 sessions of physical therapy and my range of motion and pain are not improving. Last weekend I started having pain in my left buttocks area. The type of pain where it feels like a deep bruise that I can feel when I walk and cannot sleep on that side. That started me thinking that maybe my shoulder situation is being caused by the medication. Is this possible? Can… read more

October 8
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A MyBCTeam Member

Yes. I had leg pain mostly. I got off of it. Changed to hormonal blocker and now I am on tamoxifen

October 11
MyBCTeam

What a great question to bring to your oncologist — and it's really smart thinking to connect the dots between your shoulder and the new pain you're feeling! Yes, joint and muscle pain are well-known side effects of anastrozole, and they can be quite significant for some people.

Anastrozole works by dramatically lowering Show Full Answer

What a great question to bring to your oncologist — and it's really smart thinking to connect the dots between your shoulder and the new pain you're feeling! Yes, joint and muscle pain are well-known side effects of anastrozole, and they can be quite significant for some people.

Anastrozole works by dramatically lowering estrogen levels in the body. Since estrogen plays a role in keeping joints comfortable and lubricated, reducing it can lead to:

- Joint stiffness and aching
- Muscle pain
- Limited range of motion
- Deep, achy discomfort in various parts of the body The fact that your shoulder hasn't improved with physical therapy, and now a completely separate area is hurting, does suggest the medication could be a contributing factor rather than a localized injury.

It's really good that you already have an appointment scheduled with your oncologist. Be sure to describe both areas of pain in detail, just as you did here. There may be options to help manage these side effects, including switching to a different aromatase inhibitor, adjusting your treatment, or adding supportive medications.

Don't suffer in silence — this is exactly the kind of conversation your oncology team needs to hear! 😊

October 8

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