Breast cancer symptoms and conditions

I am a 70 year old woman, I have been on 20mg Lipitor for high cholesterol, 200 total and 25mg of Spironolactone for a not so high blood pressure, for 3 1/2 yrs. Oh, my God, the Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic that is very dangerous and has many uses I didn't know about or the terrible side effects, it causes breast cancer. It's also used to treat women who have an over growth of hairiness, or on a higher dose to treat hair loss and I've gone bald on the top of my head! Plus all of the good foods we're supposed to eat for high cholesterol, fruit & veggies one isn't to eat on this drug, because of lot's of potassium, what a huge contradiction. And muscle pains, and rashes, (eczema, atopic dermatitis) that I've suffered from both.
Anyway, Lipitor, had know idea about the side effects until I looked it up on the internet and read these posts on here.
I stopped taking Lipitor last week and Spironolactone 2 days ago.
I had cholesterol test last week too and saw my dr. Wednesday. He said it was okay that I stopped the Lipitor, but not the other one, why not the other one worse then Lipitor and why am I on this strong drug, geez.
The pain and burning started in my hip for no reason, then my ankles with eczema which started soon after Lipitor, then my fingers, numbness, can't pick things up, tingling, burning. Then my feet, yes, just like all of you I have these same problems. This is not just coincidental, this is from the drug Lipitor. I get severe joint cramps in my legs, feet and fingers.
For now on before I take any drug I've prescribed I will thoroughly check for side effects and not take it if they're seriously impairing like Lipitor. I feel like a cripple and older then I should feel, I almost just felt like why live anymore if this is how it's going to be.
Since I've stopped Lipitor I feel a little better, I read that it causes permanent muscle and nerve damage though, oh I hope not, I can barely walk anymore or get up out of my chair. This is all drug induced toxicity of my system. Thanks so much everyone who posted for sharing and enlightening all of us who are suffering from this drug and others.
It should be banned along with Baycol, (a statin) which was banned a few months ago because of these same side effects. With the studies that it only helps maybe to prevent heart attack, well I'd rather be able to walk again and hopefully all this will go away, the rash, etc.

I have been on Lisinopril 20 mg for the past 9 years. I can't believe I have taken it for such a long time. I noticed some strange chest sensations 2 years after taking it but pushed through it. Then I developed breast cancer and went through the chemo and radiation while continuing to take it. In the last 2 years and more recently in the last 3 months, I felt so many skipped beats that I had to check it out and I also have had significant hair thinning. I had a holter monitor, resting EKG, lots of bloodwork and was told that everything was normal. Normal???? Then why was I feeling so rotten and scared every time my chest decided to heave or get funny sensations in my throat. Doctors do not want to hear these types of complaints especially when you think it is related to a medication that they ordered.
So I decided to try an alternative approach. I have been taking fish oil, coenzyme 10, cholesterol nutritional supplement, Vit C, Vit E. I started these about a month ago while still taking Lisinopril. I finally stopped the Lisinopril yesterday so I'll see if I have any improvement of my symptoms.I also went to a website that showed 1% of people can have skipped heartbeats while on Lisinopril Here is the URL
******
Hope this helps many of you who have similar episodes. MHS

ive taken all three Vaccine for the Gardasil. Yes I'am losing my hair. I take beyond excellent good care of my hair, its my favorite body part, at 4"11 my hair reaches my bottom. I never dye, over heat, add chemicals, but since this shot my hair is no longer on my head, its in the shower drain. What am i too do? continue to let my hair fall out? its not growing back. Nioxin is expensive and my life is in risk if i don't take the shot.
Something should be done about this.
- C. S.

i am 24 and i was on loestrin 24 for 8 months. at first i didn't notice any side effects but gradually i became lethargic, moody, and i lost my sex drive almost completely. none of those things described me in the slightest before i started taking this pill, in fact i used to wonder if pms was a myth...now i KNOW its so real.anyway because of the lethargy i was having i went to the doctor to see if maybe i was having thyroid problems, i wasn't but he did tell me that studies he has seen link hormonal birth control to breast cancer and advised me to get off the pill. kinda scary i know. i did quit and ive been off for about a month now and i swear its like night and day, im not moody, i have energy and my intimate life is back to normal, im so happy i quit.

I'm loving it.

After trying every HRT and pill under the sun for surgical menopause, and I'm in my 30's, I'm glad I've finally found something that makes me feel better.

Trust me here. Everyone is different and it may take you a thousand different medications until you find the right one, especially with hormones, but when you find the one that works for you life as you know it changes for the better.

Don't listen to that bollocks about HRT or the Pill causing you breast cancer and death... not having HRT or the pill etc can cause you just as many difficulties. Some of you may get osteopenia, vaginal atrophy, and other things that are very private. Let's face it, death can come after you even if you're not on hormones, just look at a children's hospital if you want proof.

I wish all of you suffering from hormonal conditions a healthy long happy life. I know the journey there is hard, but never give up. Just try something else. Even giving hormone therapy a break for a few months and then trying a different drug or approach such as a smaller dose.

Perhaps it's not even your hormones causing the problem, perhaps you should seek a specialist physician, immunologist, endocrinologist or just find another doctor that understands what they are doing and actually helps you.

All of the above saved my life. All of it. Together. It is a long hard road ladies but it's your life.

Blessings to you all.

I started coumadin 2 weeks ago, for a clot in my leg. I'm dizzy and lightheaded. I guess I'll be on it for at least 3 months. I've had abdominal surgery and a wrist fracture repaired surgically in the last 6 months and have had breast cancer (surgery, chemo, radiation) 4 years ago. I'm on Arimidex now. All of this is to explain possible underlying causes which I am investigating.

Dizziness seems to occur within an hour of my taking it - in the morning, but subsides by the afternoon. I'm thinking of switching the time I take it to the night - before I go to bed - maybe I can be dizzy in my sleep then and wake up with some sense of normalcy. Any comments?

I began taking Lisinopril back in early February. Within days, I developed a horrible cough, that was so severe, it induced vomiting - not food, just a clear sticky mucous. The vomiting happened 5-6 times per day following a stressful coughing bout. I saw my PCP, was diagnosed with a "bad cold", prescribed cough medicine and inhaler and sent on my merry way. The vomiting was happening while I was driving or sitting at my desk at work; it would come on so suddenly that I rarely had time to get to the bathroom. When this didn't clear up after several weeks, my PCP took me off the Lisinopril for about 10 days, but there didn't seem to be any change in the symptoms, so went back on the Lisinopril. I have had Abdominal, ENT, and Brain CT Scans to investigate the cause of this problem as I am a breast cancer survivor. Thankfully, the scans were clear. I have also had an Endoscopy, and have seen an allergist. I also developed a metallic taste in my mouth that was horrible. After doing research on the Internet and speaking with others who have also experienced similar symptoms, I contacted my PCP and took myself off the Lisinopril in mid-April. The coughing has been reduced, and the volume and frequency of the vomiting mucous has reduced as well. Here I am seven weeks off the medication and I am still have side effects. One of my doctors said that it could take several more months to see a complete improvement. Had I been aware of the potential for these side effects I would have never gone on this medication in the first place. I do know folks, however, that take Lisinopril without any side effects, so it works great for some. My BP is now creeping up again, and I am not sure what replacement drug will work best for me.

I'm sitting here in tears reading all of your posts because I've also been on prednisone and have horrible side effects. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in my lungs in June of 2002 and, after starting at 60 mg/day then, I have been on 20 mg/day for years now. The very first posting that I read mentioned problems with the femur bone. Besides all of the other problems associated with this devastating drug, in December, 2007, I broke a bone in my left foot with no known cause for it. Then I started experiencing pain standing or walking in my left leg and was diagnosed with a fractured femur bone and after several months of trying to get it to heal (including an ultrasonic bone healing system), it just kept getting worse until an orthopedic surgeon recommended that I have a 16 inch rod put into my leg which I did and it ended up to be one of the worst decisions that I have ever made. After experiencing all of the prednisone side effects for almost seven years including depression, severe fatigue, weight gain, moon face, thin skin, cataract surgery on both eyes, hump on my back, mood swings, etc., the pain and suffering that were caused by that operation brought me to seriously consider suicide. I was also diagnosed with chemical neuropathy in both of my legs also which makes my legs so weak that I have to crawl up any steps and have trouble just standing. I actually have an appointment for this evening to have an x-ray done to see what is wrong with my knees and did not realize that this also is yet another side effect. I never make it through the night without waking up in pain and getting a pain pill and then getting up in the morning is almost unbearable with that "burning" pain. I am now on Cymbalta for depression, Xanax for anxiety, Percocet for pain, and of course 20 mg of Prednisone. I was told that I would have to remain on Prednisone for the rest of my life because of the lung scarring and COPD. After reading all of your comments, I have decided that I would rather put up with any breathing problems (and I don't even know how slight they may be at this point) than to remain on the Prednisone. I have tried weaning off several times but get so fatigued that I can't move and that's dropping one mg every week. I'm affected by the decrease but it gets out of hand when I get to 14 mg and I get so frustrated and depressed at not being able to do anything that I just go back up to the 20 mg/day. If you have been able to wean off of it, would you please let me know how you did it and what you had to go through? I'm 65 years old now but I have two wonderful granddaughters (ages 4 and 6) who I can't do any normal "Grammy" things with anymore at this point and I have to change this condition for them and for me. Obviously, the doctors don't recognize the severity of the drug because they just keep prescribing it and out of a regular doctor, an oncologist, an orthopedic surgeon and a neurologist, they can't seem to get together to come up with a solution. I have to say that I haven't considered suicide lately but I do wish that I would just die and be out of this pain. My family and definitely my granddaughters and wanting to see them grow up are the only things that keep me going. There are probably things that I'm forgetting but I'm sure that one of you have covered it in our posting. Although my family is so supportive, no one and I really mean not one of them, realizes knows what we all go through because of this drug. How could they know that something that is supposed to help you could cause these problems? My life is a living hell, all because a pulmonary doctor prescribed prednisone seven years ago and I trusted him to only do what was right without informing me of what was to come. I more than sympathasize with all of you. I sincerely appreciate the time that you took to post to this site and so thankful to know now that this knee pain is not something new that I have but another side effect of the prednisone. I wouldn't have known that if it wasn't for this site because I'd be willing to bet that after I would have had this x-ray done, one of my doctors would have just prescribed another medication to take. Please feel free to contact me directly with any comments or especially any help that you can give me. I know that all of you are going through the same thing so if I can do anything for you, even just listen and understand, please contact me also. Sometimes that's the only thing that people can do is to listen and someone who is in the same situation can always understand. I'm here for anyone who needs a hug for the day.

I've had the Mirena since Oct. 2008. It was recommended by my doctor who stated that it would be great for me since I had PMS, heavy periods, cramping and I needed birth control. I told the doctor I didn't want anything with hormones due to side effects I've had before and the fact that my mother died from breast cancer. My doctor assured me that the progesterone would not be systemic, it would only be in the uterus. So I had it inserted. It was great for about 4 months, then I started to get the bloating, sore and swollen ankles (pitting edema), irritability. Same symptoms I had when I took the Mini Pill (which is progesterone). And now I'm getting cramps! I just made an appointment to get this thing out of my body! No more hormones!

I've been searching for answers on LONG TERM side effects of Lupron hoping that it could give me answers as to what's going on in my body now!
23 yrs ago my fertility dr. gave me Lupron to inject MYSELF EVERY DAY (experimental back then). I had SEVERE endo since the age of 16 and was fighting that as well as trying to get pregnant thru invetro. I was 26. At 29 I had an emergency hysto. Now at 48plus I have chronic tendonitis where the tendons will shred off of the joints. I have been diagnosed with C spine and T spine disease, osteoarthritis and a mystery that I'm going to have to go to the Mayo to figure out (hopefully). I have tumors that are growing in my lower back...growing around nerves, tendons and bone, They aren't sure why they are there, why they are growing, or even what they are. Surgery removed 2 of them...but pathology shows foreign matter other than tissue/bone. All they DO know is that it is not cancer. One year ago I started losing weight (25 pds) for no reason. I'm now holding my own at 112 and hoping to figure all of this out. I can't help but wonder if Lupron or any other experimental drugs I was on has something to do with this. Is there anyone out there that used this drug so long ago??

I was 54 at the time (2007) and in good physical health, however, after having my first round of chemotherapy as a result of breast cancer, I developed a severe throat yeast infection and my white blood count plummeted. I had ceased taking my many vitamins that have kept me in reasonably good health for the past 25 years because of nausea and generally just not feeling good. The doctors prescribed Levaquin.

Almost immediately, I developed heart palpitations and continued to have fever, nausea, and a rushing feeling throughout my body that was draining me of all energy. I could tell I was fading fast. Upon calling the doctors I said then that I thought it was the Levaquin but they insisted I stay on it otherwise they would put me in the hospital.

After the 4th day on it and with my blood pressure sinking (80/30) my husband called the doctor and they said to go to the ER. I again said to the ER doctor that I thought it was the Levaquin and he scoffed at that. After several hours and many tests, the ER doctor released me and said I could stop taking the Levaquin and he prescribed something to help me to sleep.

By the next day, I already started feeling better and within 3 days I was back taking my vitamins and feeling much better. I never took chemo again after this experience. Unfortunately since then, I have experienced severe ankle and leg cramps in the middle of the night, muscle spasms in my legs. I don't trust my ankles, they feel weak. I assumed it was linked to the chemo and never guessed it could be tied to Levaquin.

I went to my internist doctor who prescribed Flexeril which has helped with the cramps. My massage therapist has noted many times that my tendons and ligaments seem twisted and she has to really work on them which ultimately feels better. I never thought any of these symptoms were tied to Levaquin until last night when I saw the ad on TV regarding Levaquin and tendinitis. I will show this info to my Internist the next time I see him. How does one know if what I am experiencing is linked to Levaquin.

Hi, I've been diagnosed PCOS at the beginning of 2007. Since then I'm on Yasmin and Metformin, but I've been reading so many terrible side effects... they say PCOS is a genetic disease and there is no cure for it, so I find it quite frustrating the idea of being under medicaments until menopause... I'm only 28, I would like to have a child or two and I am quite concerned about the risks of cervix and breast cancer. I am living in Italy and they seem to have the same view of doctors in the UK and US about PCOS. I have never had any particular problems before being diagnosed PCOS, no big pain before period, no acne, I just gained weight during university studies in the UK, but I do not think it is the only cause of this illness. I had also a lot of trouble at the beginning and I cannot tell if it was the combination of Yasmin and Metformin: I had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc... It's my 3rd year under this treatment, I think I will do it till the end of 2009, then I might stop. Anyone knows of any alternative method, such as acupuncture, or homeopathy or something natural?
You can contact me for anything at: ******.it, as I'm not often on this website.

I am a 46 yr. old woman diagnosed with breast cancer last April 2008. I had left mast. a month after and then had chemo on June till Sept. My last PET scan was inconclusive so my oncologist put me on femara. I have been taking it for 5 mos. now. I experienced slight pain in my right arm early December of 08 and told my onco that it might be the femara causing it. He dismissed that and said that I have arthritis. Now the pain is also in my other arm which extends to both shoulders. I have problems with my range of motion in both arms now and is thinking of just quitting Femara. I have also pain in my inner thigh muscles and have spasms cause by sudden movements. Occasional insomnia and frequent hot flashes are other side effects I have to suffer. I don't know if it is worth continuing with the little percentage of advantage in the long run and at present live with a diminished quality of life.

I am 27, married, and have been on birth control continuously for four years (right before we got married). I have been on Loestrin 24 Fe for five months and just stopped three days ago. I thought there was something wrong with me. Our whole marriage I've had sex drive issues, depression, tiredness, feeling sick all the time, and headaches. All of it got even worse on Loestrin 24. In talking with a co-worker and then doing research a few days ago, it occurred to me that my these problems could be a result of the synthetic hormones I've been taking in the form of birth control. Prior to Loestrin 24, I was on Ortho-Tricyclen, Ortho-Tricyclen Lo, and Yaz. I suffer from endometriosis and have problems with severe cramps and bleeding. My Gyn thought Loestrin 24 would help, with fewer inactive pills. Since taking Loestrin, the side effects mentioned above have gotten worse. In addition, I have had cystic breakouts on my chin and neck, horrible vaginal dryness, fluctuations between nausea and ravenous hunger (I've gained 8 lbs. in five months!), chest pain, muscle and joint pain that gets to be almost unbearable, moodiness, anxiety and paranoia issues, and hot and cold flashes. I think Loestrin 24 should be taken off the market. I've only been off of it for three days and already feel a bit better. My husband and I are now researching natural family planning. No more synthetic hormones for me. Keeping your body's estrogen levels so artificially high all the time is bad news. Not to mention it is a leading cause of breast cancer.

My 13 year old daughter had her third shot on 02/16/09. Her first two shots did not seem to be a problem. She said her arm hurt really badly after the shot, and the next day she complained of leg pains she hadn't had before. Within a few days, she had a high fever with body aches like the flu, except it wasn't the flu. She felt better, but a week later she still had a low grade fever. She was tested and had strep throat, and was treated with anti-biotics. A week later she started having stomach cramps and diarrhea. It's now March 18th and she still has diarrhea. I think it's criminal this vaccination is being given to our young women. How on earth could anyone think "possibly" preventing HPV and/or cervical cancer is worth the risk of what my daughter and so many others are having to go through?

Hello All. Please see my posts on Dec. 13 & 18. I had my it removed on Dec. 18th and have never felt better!
I have a regular cycle, no more spotting or terrible, TERRIBLE cramping. The only mood swings I have are when I am PMSing and only for one day (right before I have my period) and this is supposed to happen. Very normal for us women. It is not normal to be moody all of the time, 24-7 (at least for me). My anxiety is fading away, slowly but surely. It had gotten really bad. Heart palpitations, short breaths, cold sweats... and out of nowhere. Since the removal, it may have happened one or two times but its been a while since my last episode and I am so happy for that. This was happening to me almost on a daily basis at one point. No more dizziness (which I went to the dr for), hot flashes or cold flashes. My husband has noticed a significant difference in my attitude. He notices that I am not down his throat the way I used to be when I was upset with him.
No more spotting, no more pain in lower abdomen, which was almost unbearable. No infections. My skin is glowing, though its still a little dry. No change in my low libido, but I have some other personal things going on right now, so... pray for a sistah. here is one of best parts about having this thing removed: no more of that hormonal smell! I won't attract bears or any other wildlife when I go camping. Won't attract sharks at the beach. lol. Traditional deodorant works again, however I just very recently changed to using a natural (potassium alum) deoderant stick and it works better than traditional deorderant without the possible breast cancer (please ladies, look into this). And, I just read another post where someone was having joint pains. It never even occurred to me that this was the reason for my joint pains. HAVE NOT HAD THEM SINCE THE REMOVAL! And I'm telling you guys, my hands would hurt so bad, I would be near tears. I thought it was from doing to much (your know us women do everything... clean house, children, work, cook, etc.), but now I realize it was the IUD! And I am now pissed about that. I've gotten over everything else, but this is a new revelation that is going to take a bit of time for me to forgive!
For alternatives to hormonal BC, check out the Billings Ovulation Method. If done right, it is more reliable than hormonal birth control. Get on amazon.com and get an old used copy for a few bucks and check it out.

I do have bowel problems because of radiation enteritis (had abdominal radiation 17 years ago). On Fosamax I had stomach problems so bad that I had to be put on IV's to rehydrate. My problem now is last summer I had breast cancer, and my doctor is running me through aromatase inhibitors; two of which have already caused the same reaction (pain, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) Both times ended with me back on IV's. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I'd love to hear from you.

Ladies (and that is not a sexist greeting. This forum better be women only ;-)---thank you for your contributions!! My oh my. I had a Mirena put in shortly after the birth of my daughter. No pain from insertion, but afterwards, dizzy, nausea, headaches...and CRAZY. I would fly off the handle. We weren't sure if it was postpartum or the Mirena. So, out it came and I straightened out within 24 hours! Now, you may think I'm stupid, BUT I cannot do traditional pills because of the breast cancer history. I spoke with my new physician (switched insurance plans--new doctor) and we decided to try the Mirena one more time (now that I couldn't possibly be post partum). Insurance pays for it, so we will try it. Well, guess what. It has been three weeks. This time around, the doctor PAINFULLY inserted the device. In three weeks, I've been dizzy, nauseated and CRAZY again. Oh--non stop bleeding. So, I'm getting it out as soon as they can give me my appt time. I don't know if this reaction is to a foreign device in my body OR to the chemical. Either way...we have to do what we have to do. Prayers to all of you and do not hesitate to take care of YOU. God bless!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, age 53. I had excellent medical care at NW Cancer Specialists, Dr. D. G., Portland, Oregon. I endured Chemo (8 treatments) I had a lumpectomy and 36 radiation treatments. I also took Arimidex from 2004 - 2009. My doctor suggested exercise would lessen the side-effects and he was right. I followed everything my doctor told me to do, it was very difficult at times, but we are talking about my life and the quality of my days, his suggestions worked. I began a regime of walking, up to 3+ miles a day, water aerobics 3 times a week and I joined Curves. I also took vitamins: Costco multiple vitamin, vitamin E & C, Calcium + D(Viactive), Melatonin (natural sleep aid), probiotics, and fish oil. I also drank up to 6 glasses of water a day. I am now "cancer free" and not taking any RX.

my ob/gyn recommended this IUD highly..said she had it in herself and it was great for all her patients...i read the physicians brochure on the mirena website and i think that should have been provided to me...if i had known that this thing causes blood pressure, anemia and blood sugar problems...i never would have gotten it since i already had those problems to begin with...i wasn't given enough info..i wish i had researched this better beforehand...the nurse wrote me last night and said it needed to come out as it has caused a pelvic infection from the insertion...this wasn't put in for birth control..as i haven't had anyone to be with in over a year anyway..it was put in to stop heavy bleeding...sounded like a great idea...i have every symptom you guys have had except fot the acne and hair loss issues...the anxiety and pain is the worst ever ..and sweating...geez...how long after it comes out does one get back to normal...i'd rather hear it from your experience...than listen to the "experience" of my doctor...i used to have the copper T and if it's still avail..i'm getting it back...i don't like the idea of hormones running loose that don't need to be...also if you read that brochure it increases breast cancer rates for some...and lots and lots of other symptoms...i expected the breast and abdominal tenderness and maybe some mood issues considering it was a hormone...but this is ridiculous....i'm 43 and feel 143! if i had the nerve i'd pull it out myself...but with my luck...something i need might come with it..lol ..don't need the reproductive junk anymore since that did it's job and there are no returns...i checked..lol...thanks for listening

I've been taking Alesse for up to a month now and all I've been wanting to do is sleep. I sleep through classes all the time and have been falling behind in school. I've fallen asleep before during school which is why I thought it wasn't caused by anything except maybe stress over marks but then I've started getting hot and cold flashes, my face has been breaking out a lot more, and I've been a bit more emotional. Also my family has had a history of breast cancer and I read online that it might affect it. But anyways what I was wandering is how long before it gets better and if anyone has dealt with it affecting the whole breast cancer thing? I asked my doctor but all he said was awhile and I don't know if I can fall behind in school anymore. Any suggestions? Tips? Maybe recommend a new light birth control? Would be very much appreciated please and thank you.

I have had my mirena in for almost 2 years now and after reading all of these posts, its really been an eye opener! I bled for 3 months straight, my doc convinced me to keep it in and I did. From then it seemed great. Barely had a period and when I did I would just spot. But now I get headaches frequently and cramping from my abdomen all the way around to my back. I have also had to make 2 trip to general surgery because of severe breast pain and thinking that I had breast cancer. Now, I'm thinking all of this is from the mirena. I have an appointment to have it taken out this month and I cant wait. I have had a decrease in sex drive and have been really tired all the time. I have two children who are 2 and 4 and thought it was due to that, but now I'm thinking its not.

I have been taking Arimidex since April of 2005. I have two more years before I can be taken off of the medication. I had breast cancer, diagnosed Oct. 2004. I had a lumpectomy following with chemo and radiation before I started taking Arimidex. I have severe hot flashes, can't sleep at night. I am up and down all night long. I can't remember things I am always having to make list and writing dates down and sometimes I get confused. I have joint pain, leg cramps and hair loss. My biggest problem is I can't sleep. I am always tired.
A. from Florida

I have been taking Ambien off and on for 10 years, I first used it after the death of my father, went to it again years later during my divorce and again when my sister was told she had breast cancer, now again while I am out of a job. My doc gives me 10 mg which I split in half, it seems to be enough for me. We did try the Ambien CR...omg my hubby found me walking around the house naked after setting off the alarm system. So now I stick with the regular Ambien. For those of you who have problems, find what med works for you, "one size" does not fit all!

Sorry the link does seem to work so you can click on the main site and the go to search , then type MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS , if not here is what it says

Adverse effects
Serious side effects
If a pregnancy occurs in the case of method failure, the risk that it may be ectopic (located outside the womb) is increased. This requires immediate medical attention (see symptoms listed in the section "What else you should know"). Pelvic inflammatory disease, which may be serious, can occur during the use of the IUS. Enlarged ovarian follicles may require medical attention. MIRENA may pierce the wall of the womb. In addition, cases of breast cancer have been reported (frequency unknown).

Other possible side effects
It is perfectly normal for you to experience changes in menstrual bleeding patterns during the use of MIRENA. The changes may include spotting, shorter or longer menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, prolonged interval of bleeding or no bleeding at all, heavy flow and menstrual pain.

Ovarian cysts have been detected in 12% of women during the use of MIRENA.

Allergic skin reactions may be due to the IUS.

In addition, the following undesirable effects that may be associated with MIRENA have been reported. These side effects have been listed by the parts of the body that they may affect and how common they are.

The following definitions apply when the words "common", "uncommon" and "rare" appear in this leaflet relating to adverse effects:

"very common" means more than 1 in every 10 patients may experience these.
"common" means between 1 and 10 in every 100 patients may experience these.
"uncommon" means between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 patients may experience these.
"rare" means between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 patients may experience these.

Nervous System and Psychiatric Disorders
Common - headache
- depression
- nervousness
- decreased libido
Uncommon - migraine
- altered mood
Digestive System
Common -abdominal pain
- nausea (feeling sick)
Uncommon - abdominal bloating
Skin and Subcutaneous Disorders
Common - acne
Uncommon - excessive body hair (hirsuitism)
- hair loss
- severe itching (pruritis)
- inflammation of the skin (eczema)
Rare - rash
- hives (urticaria)
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders
Common - back pain
Reproductive System Disorders
Very Common - uterine or vaginal bleeding including spotting, infrequent periods
(oligomenorrhea), and absence of bleeding (amenorrhea)
- benign ovarian cysts (see the section called "Enlarged ovarian follicles")
Common - pelvic pain
- painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- vaginal discharge
- inflammation of the external genital organs or vagina (vulvovaginitis)
- breast tenderness
- breast pain
- expulsion of MIRENA
Uncommon - pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female upper genital tract, the female structures above the neck of the womb)
- inflammation of the lining of the womb (endometritis)
- inflammation of the neck of the womb (cervicitis/Papanicalaou smear normal, class II)
Rare - perforation of the womb
Investigations
Common - weight gain
General Disorders
Uncommon - swelling (edema)

Similar side effects have been reported when MIRENA has been used for hormone replacement therapy in combination with estrogen preparations.

These side effects are more common during the first months after insertion, and subside during prolonged use.

If you are concerned about any of these side effects or notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the package.

Store all medicines properly and keep them out of reach of children.

Further information
MIRENA contains:
active substances (per implant)
levonorgestrel (52 mg)

other substances
polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, silica (colloidal anhydrous), polyethylene, barium sulphate, iron oxide

If you have any further questions please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sponsor
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This leaflet was last revised on 29th May 2007