Question: I started taking arimidex in December....no noticeable side effects at all until May.. when I became aware of an occasional hot flash...by July the hot flashes became more noticeable and August into September moreso. Mid September i started taking Estrogen for Nighttime use which helped my system and sleep considerably.

2 days ago, i started to feel itching and burning upon urination..yesterday, it became more noticeable along with some frequency and urgency. Today those symptoms were all more intense. I've increased my H2O intake assuming I might have a UTI. My question is, could the hormonal changes brought on by the Arimidex lead to these symptoms directly or indirectly by making me more vulnerable to a UTI ( Haven't had one in 38 years.

Thank you for your helpful reply, Dr. XXXXXXX Muraleedharan,

I'm taking the Arimidex because of Diagnosed in Situ breast cancer in right breast October 2015. It was removed.

I was seen at my health center this afternoon and it appears as if I more likely have vaginitis not a UTI. My urine will be cultured and I should know those results on monday or Tuesday. Meantime, I was prescribed Fluconazole 150mg. 1 dose. When my husband picked up the prescription. the pharmacist cautioned about my use of Lipitor (Atorvastatin10mg) while taking the Fluconazole. I had already taken today's Lipitor when I got that news. My doctor's office is not open until Monday though i suppose I could call the doctor on call in the morning. My primary question is this: Is there any problem in not taking the Lipitor for 3-5 days. How long after my last dose of Lipitor should I wait before taking the Fluconazole. Also, one reference I read on Fluconazole (Wikepedia with a reference to this journal article: Rossi S, editor. Australian Medicines Handbook 2006. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; 2006. ISBN 0-0000-2-3 ) indicates that Fluconazole is contraindicated in patients who Take SSRIs such as fluoxetine or sertraline.

So, in summary, I have concerns about proceeding with the Flucanazole dose: I take 50 mg. of Sertraline daily. I feel less concerned about the Lipitor but do need advice about stopping it for 4 or 5 days and how soon after the last dose that I took is OK to take The Flucanazole.

Thank you for your consideration of these concerns and questions.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX XXXX

Clarification to above: The in situ cancer cells were removed NOT the breast.

THANK YOU, Dr XXXXXXX Muraleedhaaran.

I now feel comfortable starting the Flucanazole @ 7:00 p.m. today which will be 24 hours after my last dose of atorvastatin: in 3 days I'll resume the atorastatin. Yes, my cholesterol levels have been fine since I started taking the Lipitor many years ago.

I feel reassured that I need not be concerned about the Zoloft and will continue to take my daily dose.

You have been most helpful.

With appreciation,

XXXXXXX XXXX