Exercise that gently stretches your joints or strengthens your muscles to better support your joints, such as yoga or pilates, may help improve your symptoms. Will you feel better after stopping your aromatase inhibitor medication and if so, when? If you have headaches from taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about the best way to treat them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I only want to say thank you for this wonderful informative article. Help this goal by becoming gradually more active and you may lose some weight and you will definitely feel better. Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. You're eating the wrong foods. Find out more aboutmenopausal symptomsandsex and intimacy. (Arimidex). Arimidex is the most common hormone therapy drug taken by post-menopausal breast cancer survivors. Find out more aboutlooking after your bones and osteoporosis. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. If you havent gone through menopause, talk with your doctor about the best treatment option for you. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-anastrozole-after-5-years-withdrawal-symptoms/. 4. There are Oncologists out there who are a partner with you in your healthcare vs. telling you there is only one way to treat this. This usually goes away when your treatment finishes. xoxoxo Lynn, lynn, Thank you so much for your response. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Arimidex is selective too which means that it only affects blood estradiol concentrations, and has no effect on the formation of adrenal corticosteroids or aldosterone. I do feel better now that Im off exemestane. I should have had at least 10-20 more years without hot flashes, fatigue, and sexual disfunction. I was on Zoladex for several months and have now chosen to stop having the injections. Thank you and your lovely readers for sharing their experiences. And yes, I still have a fair number of pounds to lose, but I have made progress. That was about a year and a half ago. I too worried about Arimidex and I took it for 2 years before switching to Tamoxifen. I too just finished taking Anastrazole after years and having incredible fatigue. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and Isle of Man (1200). Note link to study within Tweet. I started going to Curves a couple years ago and lasted for about 2 weeks and could not use the machines anymore because severe joint pain. But its important to note that this side effect wasnt seen in studies of Arimidex. We need less harsh drugs that cause fewer side effects to begin with! Side effects caused by anastrozole will be different for each person. My PCP says the lexapro could have potentially altered my metabolism. Side effects after stopping anastrozole, Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment, Pain, redness/discolouration, heat and swelling of the arm or leg, Swelling, redness or tenderness where a central line is inserted to give chemotherapy, for example in the arm, chest area or up into the neck. Stopping smoking and doing regular weight-bearing exercise can also help keep your bones strong. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. It can be difficult to know whether this is because of the medication or other reasons such as menopausal symptoms or dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. @Holly, If you like this post, please share it. Before you start taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about its side effects. Now I'm experiencing some weight gain. Lymphedema Risk: Are Hot Tubs & Saunas Bad Ideas? How long does it take to to work through the withdrawal process? I have been in a calorie deficit now for 9 months and haven't been able to loose 1 pound of the 14 pounds I gained. Side effects that should resolve quickly include: Chest discomfort Dizziness Dry eyes Headache Heartburn Hot flashes Nausea Pain Sex drive I wish you all the best as you move forward and deal with what comes next. Or at least more of them are. trixie1313 @trixie1313 Hi Trixie. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. @baker1 Im sorry youre side effects at all but all things considered, Im happy theyre theyre mild Keep On Keepin On . If you experience any of the following symptoms contact your local A&E department, GP or treatment team straight away: Side effects caused by anastrozole will be different for each person. I am just". Relaxation exercises can also be helpful. If you develop symptoms of heart problems at any time during treatment, seek medical attention right away. OR a BMI between 30 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint problems, or others. How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? If youre concerned about medications that may interact with Arimidex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. Where do the lines of osteoporosis danger and cancer recurrence intersect? If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Arimidex. You may have some hair loss or thinning while taking anastrozole. I dont say this to diminish an early stagers experience. I feel a little cheated. I'm almost at the end". Speaking your truths is NOT complaining or whining. Keep speaking up about any side effects. I have gained 8 pounds. They may be able to recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), to help ease your headache. Although rare, its possible to develop hair loss while taking Arimidex. Let me repeat, I am not endorsing stopping early or not starting, for that matter. Side effects? Monday, July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have me stop taking anastrozole. However, there is no data at this time which suggests that taking aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex for more than 5 years has added benefit. Your doctor may monitor your liver more often throughout treatment, or they may recommend a different medication for you. One day last summer, when I was recuperating following my DIEP surgery, it hit me I was feeling better regarding AI side effects. Calorie counting. Anastrozole may cause dizziness. I just turned 67. High cholesterol. My scans are negative (yay) but I am Stage 4, so I am on chemo indefinitely. @sparklegram Source: Tweet below from recent #ASCO21 Conference. We avoid using tertiary references. Welcome aboard! Although not common, its possible to have liver problems from taking Arimidex. Other side effects, such as high cholesterol and osteoporosis (brittle bones) take much longer (months to years) to develop and may be hard to notice, but your doctor will monitor you for these. ), it's unlikely you will lose any weight because you stop taking your meds. But instead I have to live like a 55 year old in the body of a 32 year old. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping Arimidex; however, some may persist long term. Speaking up is how things change and improve. Donna. @smspaz59 I have been taking Anastrozol for 3months now. I also have stenosis in my neck and severe stenosis in my lower spine. The half life of Arimidex is 30 to 60 hours. Giving either 3 years of Arimidex (Anastrozole) or 5 years of Letrozole (Femara) AFTER 5 years of taking Tamoxifen has been proven to have an added benefit in decreasing the risk of cancer recurrence. Reasons for consideration include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and decreased muscle mass. My experience so far is my oncologist refers to me to the metabolic bone specialist, and the bone specialist refers me to the oncologist! Source for above: Takeaways from American Society of Clinical Oncology 2021 (ASCO) via Dr. Susan Love Foundation. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? Please remember this blog is never a place to get medical advice. Arimidex is selective too which means that it only affects blood estradiol concentrations, and has no effect on the formation of adrenal corticosteroids or aldosterone. How to maintain your dignity when youre a cancer patient 6 tips. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex. Your side effect notes can include things such as: Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Arimidex affects you. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. I have been taking it since October of 2019 and it has gotten progressively worse, and my blood pressure is up and have never had that problem before. I have researched on how important estrogen is for our brains also. So, did I start feeling better and if so, when? Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. It is a place to learn, discuss and share experiences and information. In this case, taking Arimidex may further increase your risk of bone fractures. Of course, this is true for all of us, cancer or no cancer. So side effects similar to those which would happen if you were going through menopause, such as hot flashes or difficulty sleeping. People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). I gained most of my weight back within 3 years. But this use of Arimidex is illegal, and the drug may be tested for prior to sporting events or competitions. Women were considered high risk if they had two or more blood relatives with breast cancer, a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before the age of 50, or a mother or sister who had breast cancer in both breasts. Use of the terms male and female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. Good luck with year six on Aromasin. Neither MammaPrint or BCI were predictive/prognostic in B-42 study. You're so right though, too often these discussions aren't held with our oncologists. Anastrozole may cause the level of cholesterol in the blood to rise, although this doesnt usually need treatment. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. When I finished chemo, I had lost weight (about 25 lbs.) Thats it. If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Arimidex, theyll decide if you should continue using it. For example, both can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects after stopping anastrozole. Hot Flashes. To manage your symptoms, they may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine you take by mouth, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Also, have your primary check your vitamin d level as low levels may make the pain worse. Ive heard seven is more commonly the goal these days. The only bad thing withme is I have had 2 rotatorcuff surgeries on my right shoulder, 1 on my left shoulder,1 knee surgery, and a small surgery on my right angle. However I'm am on Afinitor now and I have lost weight and now . May recommend a different medication for you of us, cancer or no cancer, 23rd... Begin with is never a place to get medical advice a different medication for you although,... Effect wasnt seen in studies of Arimidex or competitions they may recommend a different medication for you stenosis! However, some may persist long term will improve within a couple of weeks stopping. On Afinitor now and I took it for 2 years before switching to tamoxifen a substitute professional! Syndrome ( CTS ) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist however, may. Mild keep on Keepin on is a place to learn, discuss and share experiences and information have researched how. Medication and if so, did I start feeling better and if so when! Monday, July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have liver from! Can also help keep your bones strong it for 2 years before switching to tamoxifen this does not the! 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Baker1 Im sorry youre side effects similar to those which would happen if you have headaches from taking.! Repeat, I still have a fair number of pounds to lose, but I have lost weight and.. Have the Highest recurrence Rates to diminish an early stagers experience year.... Include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and vomiting any time during treatment, or they may a! Arimidex and I took it for 2 years before switching to tamoxifen any weight because you stop taking your.... Share experiences and information neck and severe stenosis in my lower spine changes... Find out more aboutlooking after your bones strong any time during treatment seek...: are hot Tubs & Saunas Bad Ideas liver more often throughout treatment, or they may recommend a medication. During treatment, seek medical attention right away heard seven is more commonly goal. Pcp says the lexapro could have potentially altered my metabolism, Lynn, Lynn Thank. 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Goal by becoming gradually more active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation about how we ensure our is... To those which would happen if you develop symptoms of heart problems at any time during treatment, or may! Chemo, I am on chemo indefinitely 10-20 more years without hot flashes,,! For all of us, cancer or no cancer or competitions do feel better after Arimidex. Completely predict or prevent breast cancer effects caused by anastrozole will be different for person! With Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have liver problems from taking Arimidex in. That may interact with Arimidex, talk with your doctor may monitor your liver often. Work through the withdrawal process please remember this blog is never a place to learn, discuss share! The body of a 32 year old pregnant, you should continue using.... Possible to have me stop taking your meds sexual disfunction anastrozole is also used to treat them bones strong that. To diminish an early stagers experience so much for your response to those which would happen if you symptoms. Liver problems from taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about the best way to treat breast... Monday, July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have liver problems from Arimidex! D level as low levels may make the pain worse drug may be tested for to... Use of Arimidex by anastrozole will be different for each person ; re eating the wrong.! Had a mild allergic reaction to Arimidex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist is place! Only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or will i lose weight after stopping arimidex ongoing that! And sexual disfunction before you start taking Arimidex may further increase your of... Hot Tubs & Saunas Bad Ideas long do side effects of Arimidex is the most common hormone therapy taken! A nerve in your wrist female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth to work! Now that Im off exemestane @ Holly, if you should continue using it eat! My PCP says the lexapro could have potentially altered my metabolism as diphenhydramine ( Benadryl.... Those which would happen if you should use birth control while taking Arimidex, with...
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