Anastrozole Side Effects: Seeking Help for GI Issues

I have basically the same side effects. Imodium works pretty well for the diarrhea. Other than that I haven’t found much else that helps.

Thank you

I had all the above mentioned side effects with my second round of Ibrance. The Ibrance pharmacist prescribed Lomotil and Zofran. I only needed them for that cycle. I've not had any problems for the last 10 cycles. Good luck to you.

Thank you. Good luck to you too.

I switched from anastrozole to exemestane and it was so much better

Thank you

Anastrozole (Arimidex) caused very fast weight gain. The achiness is slowly beginning to ease up. It’s been approximately 3 months. They put me on Ozempic, but I’m not a big eater and vegetarian. It just makes me nauseous.

Thank you. I have not gained weight so far, though the GI symptoms seem better. Hope that doesn’t make me start gaining. Have my fingers crossed

I have ongoing diarrhea due to an abdominal surgery a few years ago. I take a cholesterol medication to keep the diarrhea in somewhat control. Just started on the anastrozole last night afraid it will worsen my GI problems and gain weight. Any thoughts.

I’ve only been on anastrozole for 5 days and have noticed mild stomach cramping so far ….. I’m hoping and praying I don’t have any major side effects with it later.

I started anastrazole about 3 weeks ago. So far no GI issues but the achy joints and fatigue are getting to me. Hoping for improvement soon.

I've been on anastrazole for 1 month and the joint pain in my feet and knees is almost unbearable. It didn't come on right away, only in the last week or so but it keeps me up at night and is greatly affecting my sleep. The side effect I did notice immediately, besides cramping & gas, is hair loss. Every time I wash my hair, it gets thinner & thinner. I have a phone call into my oncologist to talk about switching to something new.

I had knee pain that started a few weeks after anastrozole. Both the GI and knee pain went down after i switched to taking the med at bedtime. My oncologist suggested topical minoxidil for hair thinning and that has helped.

Thank you KB. I'm glad your symptoms have improved 🥰 I already take the medication at bedtime and am suffering. I'm anxious to hear what the doc has to say in our phone appt tomorrow. It's hard to have a positive outlook when you're tired after night after night of not getting good sleep because of the pain 🫤

That sounds bad Amy! I hope the MD has some good ideas. Just don’t give up!

I’ve been on anastrozole since Sept of 2024. Pain in my knees shins ankles and feet is awful. I also have fibromyalgia so the pain is intensified. My oncologist told me that since I have fibromyalgia that I would probably have the joint pain no matter which AI I take. Also have severe debilitating fatigue and weight gain is awful. I was diagnosed with hr positive her2 negative no lymph node invasive ductal carcinoma oncotype score 22

These digestive symptoms can be really challenging while adjusting to anastrozole, and it's understandable to seek relief strategies from others who've been through similar experiences. Many patients in this community have shared helpful approaches for managing GI side effects during treatment, so connecting with others here who understand what you're going through could provide valuable insights and support.