[jlanou]

#1060532

I currently take Levothyroxin and have taken some sort of replacement meds since being treated with I-131 in 1984.

My TSH levels have been consistently great over the past few years – even while taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer. I was switched to anastrozole for breast cancer last January for the next three years and I have been feeling increasingly fatigued, my face feels and looks puffy (especially my eyes), and I have gained but cannot lose any weight. I did complain to my personal MD that I thought there might be an issue with my Thyroid medication level.

Last October, my TSH was 1.86. This week, it was 5.92. A huge difference in values and the only thing different was changing to anastrozole.

Does anyone know if this is an interaction that is documented somewhere? Both my medical oncologist and my primary care MD know of all of the drugs that I take, yet no one warned me of the interaction.

[snelsen]

#1183173

The best person to ask is a pharmacist. The docs have pretty much turned over patient education about medications to the pharmacist. Having said that, I imagine your docs would have mentioned something to you of a known interaction, for both meds are common for women to take at the same time.

I take Arimdex, too, have taken it for 14 years (Stage 3B) I do not think there is any relationship. I have taken them both for so long. I think at one time I checked with pharmacy and they said no interactions. I have had no negative issues.

However, all the time, we are getting older,too. That is another variable.
Your current TSH (did they also do a T4?) can be a reason for your hypo symptoms. Was there an increase in your levothyroxine after you got that lab?

Your eye symptoms may be a mild TED, but again, I am just another Graves/TEd person, who is mostly telling you the things that I have experienced.

Here is a link that states no interaction.

http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/arimidex-with-levothyroxine-206-94-1463-0.html

Have a conversation with a pharmacist about this, and ask whoever is prescribing your thyroid med if they plan to increase the dose.
Shirley

[Kimberly]

#1183174

Hello – The prescribing info says that no affect on TSH was found at 5-10 mg doses, but certainly every patient is unique!

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window)

http://www1.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/arimidex.pdf

If it was an insurance/cost issue that caused to you switch, your doctor might be able to intervene on your behalf with the insurance company and get you switched back. You might also ask your doc about doing a re-test, since this was such a significant change over the course of a year.

Take care!

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