Are Arrimadex Side Effects Worse with Higher Doses?

My understanding is there is only one dosage amount. Everyone reacts differently.

Some people seem to have no reaction some people have reactions. Report what you experience to your oncologist. Make sure you stay active it helps avoid aching joints.

1 mg is the only dosage. That little pill must be a “ super pill”! Except for some joint pain here and there and hair thinning ( and falling out) I am tolerating it quite well. I ordered minoxidil on Amazon, they say it works 🤞

It just prevents your body from making estrogen. Seems like pills involving hormones are never big. Even pills to prevent pregnancy are small. If you had surgery and recently diagnosed, the hair thinning may be temporary. Mine thinned the first time I was on it, but it stopped and came back. I have a distant recurrence. This time, I have had no hair thinning.

It’s kind of weird that it’s only one dose considering if you have a thyroid issue they could spend many months perfecting the dosage. I’m not an expert, but it would seem to make sense that everyone’s estrogen levels are different. If you barely produce any estrogen and you are given the same amount as someone who is just going into menopause it would seem as if it would have different effects on each person

I have gone through menopause but the body still produces hormones. I am going to ask the oncologist if he would recommend a hysterectomy. I’m always going to worry since I still have my uterus and ovaries. I’m stage 1 right now, not in the lymph nodes but I will always be afraid. I’m already dreading the mammogram next month, six months after the lumpectomy.

Susan U After menopause your ovaries stop producing estrogen, and you body through the hormone aromatase converts fats and other tissues to estrogen. That is why these meds are called aromatase inhibitors. They inhibit aromatase from making estrogen. I would discuss it with your Dr. No one knows if they will have a recurrence. All you can do is do what works for you and enjoy your life. We don't know if we will die tomorrow from a freak accident or live to 100 without the cancer coming back. Each year you go through gets better. Keep focus on enjoying life.

I've been on it about 6 months and it really hasn't been too bad. I've had some joint pain in my fingers, hot flashes and a harder time falling asleep.

I struggled with arimidex, severe joint pain, weakness and depression. It has a long half life, 56 hours. All these meds are metabolized thru the liver and I have had autoimmune hepatitis with damage so I suspect that was part of it. I am now on Aromasin (I am also post menopausal), its half life is 24 hours. I took it full dose for the first 2 weeks and started with the joint pain and weakness again so backed down to 4 days a week for 2 weeks now up to 5 days a week. I will try to ease back up to full time but the pain I had was disabling and the depression was severe. I don’t want to go there again. My oncologist is supportive. I was a stage 1a N0, ER +, PR-, HER-, grade 2. My genetics were negative, but I have a stinky family history.

Starting a new medication can feel overwhelming, especially when concerns about side effects weigh on your mind. The standard dose for Arimidex is typically 1 mg daily, and while higher doses aren't commonly prescribed, it's always best to discuss any concerns about dosing and side effects with your healthcare team who knows your specific situation. Many people in this community have navigated similar experiences and may have helpful insights to share about managing side effects.