Arimidex Side Effects
Summary
There is a wide range of Arimidex side effects, the most serious of which is weakening and/or thinning of the bones. More common and minor side effects of Anastrozole include bone and joint pain, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Despite the discomfort of these potential side effects, Arimidex’s ability to diminish tumor metastasis, increase the time between recurrences of cancer, and reduce the chance of cancer spreading to the other breast or other body parts make the side effects worth the risk.
Common Arimidex Side Effects
No medication is without side effects, and this is especially true of cancer-fighting drugs and those which change the body’s production and regulation of hormones. Arimidex has several potential side effects.
The most common Anastrozole side effects include:
- Bone and joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hot flashes
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Weight Gain
- Mood Changes
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Dizziness
- Vaginal Bleeding and/or dryness
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Skin
- Cough
- Hair Changes
Serious Arimidex Side Effects
One of the most important and potentially severe Arimidex side effects is bone problems, due to lower blood estrogen levels. When less estrogen reaches your bones, they become thinner and weaker. This in turn can lead to higher incidences of fractures and breaks, as well as osteoporosis. Most physicians will prescribe bisphosphonate medications to counteract these Anastrozole side effects. If you already have or are at a high likelihood of developing osteoporosis, your physician will probably not prescribe Arimidex.
Arimidex During Pregnancy/Lactation
Arimidex should not be used by pre-menopausal women, unless they are being monitored closely by their physician, to ensure that they do not conceive during their use of Arimidex. Likewise, pregnant and nursing women should not use Arimidex, as it can cause damage to the fetus or could potentially be passed to a nursing baby via breast milk, causing unknown side effects.
Allergy to Arimidex
Although the chances of developing an allergy to Arimidex are low, it is a possibility. If you begin to demonstrate any of the following symptoms, contact your physician right away.
- Chest pains
- Blurred vision
- Racing heartbeat
- Rash or hives
- Eye, face, lip, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower leg swelling
- Pain in the breast or the formation of new lumps
Despite the likelihood of Anastrozole side effects, the benefits of taking this medication outweigh the negatives. Breast cancer is a leading killer of women all over the world, and Amiridex can help diminish the severity and reoccurrence of many kinds of this deadly disease.
