A for Arimidex
As well as Z for Zoladex, I can go right back in the alphabet and also have ‘A’ for Arimidex (AKA Anastrozole) . I’m just about to start taking this drug, having pondered on it for some time. My cancer needs oestrogen to grow. Hence the monthly Zoladex (see previous post) to knock out my ovaries and the main source of oestrogen.
As I have rapidly moved from pre to post menopausal the other main source of oestrogen is through the conversion of sex hormones called androgens into oestrogens. This happens through the work of an enzyme called aromatase. As I am still slim, I was rather hopeful that there wouldn’t be a lot happening as this process happens in the fatty tissues of the body…., but seems that it is still happening regardless of how skinny I am.
This conversion process has a wonderful name -‘aromatisation’ that puts me in mind of nice smelly things like aromatherapy and head massages. Sadly, in my case this process of aromatisation needs to be blocked to reduce still further the amount of oestrogen in my body. This is what Arimidex does as it is an aromatase inhibitor.
However, all this comes at a price. The official Arimidex website says:
“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%). In advanced breast cancer clinical trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, bone pain, and increased cough. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX.”
I seem to have most of these symptoms already from the chemo, so am hoping that I won’t notice any more.
As I have rapidly moved from pre to post menopausal the other main source of oestrogen is through the conversion of sex hormones called androgens into oestrogens. This happens through the work of an enzyme called aromatase. As I am still slim, I was rather hopeful that there wouldn’t be a lot happening as this process happens in the fatty tissues of the body…., but seems that it is still happening regardless of how skinny I am.
This conversion process has a wonderful name -‘aromatisation’ that puts me in mind of nice smelly things like aromatherapy and head massages. Sadly, in my case this process of aromatisation needs to be blocked to reduce still further the amount of oestrogen in my body. This is what Arimidex does as it is an aromatase inhibitor.
However, all this comes at a price. The official Arimidex website says:
“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%). In advanced breast cancer clinical trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, bone pain, and increased cough. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX.”
I seem to have most of these symptoms already from the chemo, so am hoping that I won’t notice any more.
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