Joint Pain Linked To Commonly Used Breast Cancer Drugs

Since this report came out there has been further research suggesting that the risk to bone density caused by aromatase inhibitors (such as Arimidex) might weigh against taking these drugs for some women --- that the risk to bones might outweigh the benefits.

I was glad to have confirmed by this research that the joint problems many of us experience as a side effect of the aromatase inhibitors IS NOT inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. 

Joint Pain Linked To Commonly Used Breast Cancer Drugs:


Researchers exploring why some women who take a common breast cancer drug develop serious joint pain have eliminated two possible causes: inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. Because of these findings, researchers say women should be encouraged to continue taking the medication to gain its full benefit.


For many post-menopausal women with breast cancer promoted by the hormone estrogen, aromatase inhibitors (AI) can dramatically reduce the risk of their cancer coming back. Doctors say the AIs must be taken for five years to gain the full benefit, however, the development of joint complaints in up to 35 percent of women forces many of them to stop early out of concern that the pain signals a more serious condition.