Like all medical treatments, ARIMIDEX may cause side effects. Fortunately, there may be things you can do to manage some of these side effects. Some of the most common side effects are listed below, along with tips to help you manage your symptoms.
If side effects cause you serious discomfort, notify your doctor immediately. Don’t stop taking any treatment your doctor has prescribed without talking to him or her first. In the early breast cancer clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms, weakness, mood changes, pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, swelling of arms/legs, and headache. Fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) occurred more frequently with ARIMIDEX than with tamoxifen (10% vs 7%).
Coping with hot flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most common side effects of
hormonal treatment,
and have a lot to do with the hormonal changes within your body.
- Keep a record of when your hot flashes occur, and what you were eating, doing, and feeling at the time
- Try adjusting the timing of your hormonal treatment
- Take steps to reduce stress — one of the most common hot-flash triggers.
- Talk to your doctor about medical options that reduce hot-flash triggers inside the brain
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Coping with joint symptoms
Some women may experience discomfort in the bones and joints during hormonal treatment.
- Use an over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, as recommended by your doctor
- Try a heating pad or warm bath or shower
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Coping with nausea and vomiting
Certain cancer treatments, such as surgery,
radiation therapy,
and
chemotherapy,
can change the way your body responds to food. They can also make you sick to your stomach and even vomit.
Don’t worry if you have days when you simply can’t bring yourself to eat. Just do what you can to make yourself feel better and get back to eating as soon as you can. Talk to your doctor if your appetite doesn’t return in a few days. He or she may recommend a medication that may help.
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Coping with bone loss
Postmenopausal
women in general may be at increased risk for bone loss (osteoporosis). Certain
hormonal treatments
for breast cancer can also increase this risk.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Have your doctor do a bone mineral density (BMD) test to help determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis
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Coping with weakness and fatigue
Treatment-related fatigue can leave you feeling “wiped out,” even after getting plenty of rest. It may also make it hard to concentrate or think clearly.
Be aware of your energy levels and pace yourself accordingly. If fatigue becomes a problem that isn’t relieved by rest or moderate activity, talk to your doctor.
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Coping with swelling (lymphedema)
Some women who have had breast cancer that affected the lymph nodes may develop
lymphedema.
This is a swelling of the arm that is caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. To avoid, or manage, lymphedema:
- Avoid using your affected arm to lift or carry shopping bags, large purses, or other heavy objects
- Wear gloves when gardening or washing dishes to guard against infection
- Avoid wearing anything tight on the affected arm, including clothing, watchbands, or bracelets
- Wear a compression sleeve to help pooling fluid drain
- Perform gentle exercises to maintain flexibility and range of motion
- Call your doctor if your arm or hand becomes red, warm, or swollen. You may have an infection that requires immediate treatment
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Sticking to your breast cancer treatment plan
Hormonal treatment
can't work if you don't remember to take it. Make sure to take your medication every day as prescribed by your doctor so you can help reduce the risk that your breast cancer will return. Here are some tips to help you remember to take your hormonal treatment:
- Take it at the same time every day, along with breakfast, for example, or when you brush your teeth in the morning
- Use special pillboxes that help you keep track of your medication schedule. These pillboxes are sometimes divided into days of the week and can be found at any drugstore
- Ask people who are close to you to remind you to take your medicine
- Keep a "medicine calendar" and make a note every time you take your dose
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