MY choice was to not take the AIs. If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. Aromasin contains the active drug exemestane. Select one or more newsletters to continue. I gained most of my weight back within 3 years. Reasons for consideration include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and decreased muscle mass. I wanted to share my experience as encouragement that it can be done, but for me to achieve results, it has definitely taken a lot of work. I hope for a speedy recovery for you! Allergic reaction. Anecdotally, my experience has been positive. Anastrozole and side effects.hair loss/thinning and hair regrowth. 4. I also walked 2 miles daily at that time. Since doctors say that Tamoxifen does NOT cause weight gain (in the U.S. they say it can cause you to lose weight!? I was osteopenic (pre-cursor to osteoporosis) prior to BC, and diagnosed with osteoporosis along with my IDC. vikkr Just wonderingdid all of those symptoms occur a short time after stopping the Arimidex? I started with", "sandrajo @sandrajo- I'm interested to read the responses to this, too. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. MimiWV. Coronary artery disease. I am concerned that the hair loss is irreversible or may not grow back until I am finished with Arimidex. Stopping abnormal, heavy bleeding. I gained weight on Tamoxifen but did not gain weight on Arimidex. The one thing that comes up again and again is the benefit of exercise. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. You're so right though, too often these discussions aren't held with our oncologists. Withdrawal symptoms? Any Suggestions? It's possible that you may continue to have side effects from Femara even after you stop taking it. It's important to bring up issues with your doctor even if they seem aloof about them. If youre concerned about medications that may interact with Arimidex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Specifically, its prescribed in some cases to treat the following: The active ingredient in Arimidex is anastrozole. advanced breast cancer that has worsened after taking, swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect, how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect, what your symptoms were from the side effect, what other medications you were also taking, any other information you feel is important. Side effects that should resolve quickly include: Side effects that may persist for a few months, or that may still require medications to treat them include: Unfortunately, no formal clinical studies have been done investigating the persistence of side effects from Arimidex. All three trials demonstrate that weight gain occurs primarily within the first 12 months of active treatment in a subset of patients. Lymphedema Risk: Are Hot Tubs & Saunas Bad Ideas? I'll be starting those pills in a week and have read such horror stories about it, I was worrying myself sick. If you have any worries or questions about taking or stopping anastrozole, you can call us free on 0808 800 6000 to talk through your concerns. Christina, I don't blame you one bit for feeling cheated, mad and sad. That averages a littleless thana pound a week. I realized I was no longer experiencing quite as much joint pain, which for me, had been one of my worst side effects. Arimidex is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in females* whove gone through menopause (stopped having periods). Updated 5 May 2020 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I have spinal stenosis, but I wanted to see if Arimidax was causing this excruciating flair-up. Before you start taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about its side effects. Pain. bone pain, risk of fracture; swelling in your arms, legs, or feet; sore throat, cough, shortness of breath; headache, back pain; depression, sleep problems (insomnia); high blood pressure; nausea . Emphasis on might, as we are all very different here too. Using a wrist splint can help. Categories advocacy, aromatase inhibitors, body image, breast cancer, DIEP, hair loss, metastatic breast cancer, side effects, survivorship, treatment. Good luck and good health! If your tumor was ER and/or PR positive, your oncologist might very likely prescribe an aromatase inhibitor after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation as part of youradjuvant therapy treatment plan. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping anastrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. Sorry to not be more definitive, but thats my honest answer to both parts of the question. My friend has been taking Arimidex for two years and has all the usual side effects--hot flashes, muscle aches, lack of sleep but, in spite of all her exercising and walking and careful eating, all of the weight gain has been in her stomach and she is at a loss of what to do to lose it. Anyone lose weight after stopping lexapro. I am so happy for you. I push myself to do what ever I have to get done . Snuffing out a womans natural supply of estrogen is, well, unnatural. More Items Apr 26, 2022 Can You Take A Break From Anastrozole? thanks for your reply. But some of the side effects caused by Arimidex may also be caused by drinking alcohol. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. When exactly I started feeling better is hard to pinpoint. Please discuss with YOUR oncologist. If that's a donut, go for it. How long does it take to to work through the withdrawal process? This post focuses primarily on aromatase inhibitors. This may also be due to vaginal dryness. Arimidex also reduced the risk of other cancers compared with placebo, such as endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and melanomas. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. A lack of oestrogen over time can causeosteoporosis. So side effects similar to those which would happen if you were going through menopause, such as hot flashes or difficulty sleeping. It might take me 4 more months to lose those 12 lbs., but I feel wonderful and can do things I couldn't do before - like I can sit down in the middle of the floor and get up without needing leverage. How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? Like Helpful Hug 1 Reaction Interested in more discussions like this? Specifically, it's prescribed in some. During your Arimidex treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects youre having. November 2, 2011. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. (Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.) We're warned about sore and aching bones and joints, the danger of osteoporosis . Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include: If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. Any advice you could give me would really help. How do I take Arimidex on a cycle and how much? I just turned 67. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Arimidex. It is very validating. What are the serious side effects of Arimidex? Anastrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Keep speaking up about any side effects. The pain has lessened this week. Had 8." + (show) Anastrozole did indeed do a number of adverse things to my skin, hair, bones, and joints, etc., but from what I read, my memory issues were likely an effect of the chemotherapy (Taxol in my case) at my age. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Headache. We avoid using tertiary references. Update: As I understand it, 10 years is no longer recommended. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. You might want to read my strategies: 13 Tips to Help Manage Side Effects from Aromatase Inhibitors. I love to eat! However, the very best defense against the joint pain is staying active. If youre experiencing any or all of these, its not fun. Symptoms to watch for include: Your doctor may monitor your liver function throughout Arimidex treatment to check for liver problems. they have been helping me during this difficult period I am going through (probable relapse). Breast cancer incidence among post menopausal women at high risk for breast cancer continued to be significantly reduced 5.9 years after stopping five years of the Arimidex (average of 10.9 years post breast cancer treatment). What happens when you stop taking Arimidex? Coping with the side effects of anastrozole, 4. For more information about Arimidex, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. Thank you for the positive words. Learn, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a medication that is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Monday, July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have me stop taking anastrozole. Even adding 30 minutes to an hour a day of walking should suffice. Will you feel better after stopping your aromatase inhibitor medication and if so, when? Something about cancer connects us, no matter what sort or type we have. Skipping dinner can put your body into a state of starvation mode, meaning that instead of using calories to burn energy, it starts using your stored fat for energy instead. You may develop a skin rash while taking anastrozole. Eat fewer calories by cutting down on portions and/or decreasing the total amount of fat you eat to 30% or less of your total daily calories. I'm sorry to hear about your diverticulitis! To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight . Available for Android and iOS devices. If you think you have fatigue, tell your GP or treatment team. The names in parentheses are brand names. Its related to the drug and it may take time to get energy back but it will come back . I allow myself to fall off the wagon if I feel like it on the eating, but I have changed my eating habits consistently and I maintain the exercise routine 5 days a week. Some side effects are mild while others are more severe. When are the effects of Arimidex finally gone? How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? You may find your side effects reduce after stopping anastrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. I know I will probably have the Joint and body pain with this because everybody does. Have you tried taking vitamin D? Bone loss is serious. Anastrozole can occasionally cause changes to how the liver works. 41% reporting some relief isnt all that great. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Live your life to the fullest - one day at a time. Arimidex lowers estrogen levels by preventing the synthesis of estrogen from adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone). One day last summer, when I was recuperating following my DIEP surgery, it hit me I was feeling better regarding AI side effects. Hugs back and thank you for taking time to comment. Arimidex (anastrozole) Medical News Today. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Arimidexs side effects. Since this drug hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects of Arimidex in males are unknown. My experience so far is my oncologist refers to me to the metabolic bone specialist, and the bone specialist refers me to the oncologist! For example, your doctor may suggest using Arimidex with fulvestrant (Faslodex) or with abemaciclib (Verzenio) based on the type of treatment they recommend. If you have osteoporosis, you may already have weak bones or bones that are more likely to fracture. Fine and dandy. Completed 5 years of anastrozole. It can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. You may wish to discuss this with your treatment team or GP, or ask the pharmacist who dispenses your prescriptions if they can supply you with anastrozole from the manufacturer you feel suits you the best. Study continues. Dizziness. Hope everything is going well with you. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Join my email list today! Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. I'm sorry you're dealing with so much and don't have the option of stopping your AI med unless, of course, you have to switch treatment regimens entirely. Your bone density may be checked after two to five years while youre taking anastrozole, depending on the results from the initial scan or whether your specialist has any concerns. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. React. I would like to thank you for them. Studies looked at side effects that occurred in females* for 5 years after starting Arimidex treatment. I will know better the next time I hope. Is it related to", "I too stopped taking Arimidex after five years now have enlarged fatty liver, osteopenia, debilitating fatigue,", "I have been on Anastrozole for almost 2 months, take it at night. In some cases, this may be a sign of liver damage. My younger sister has lost quite a bit of weight, but she also began exercising with her son. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. For example, they may recommend taking an OTC pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease this side effect. Interested in more discussions like this? Many people feel low or depressed. Like most drugs, Arimidex can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Of course, some of that was due to surgery. But its possible that Arimidex, when used with other treatments for cancer, may increase the side effects you have. Five-year adherence was 74.6 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent for placebo, which is not significantly different. Many breast cancer tumors grow in response to estrogen. As always, I do endorse learning all you can, speaking candidly with your care team about side effects (or lack there of), asking for help in managing any side effects that are bothering you and ultimately, making decisions about staying on or going off these drugs that feel right for YOU. I'm tagging a few other members who have mentioned taking anastrozole for some time such as @wandering @susanao1 @itskeenerific @judymroz @cindylb @chamisaand @berit. Taking anastrozole with or after food can help reduce nausea. If your levels become too high, they may recommend that you take another medication to lower your cholesterol. Your GP or specialist can refer you for counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug. Side effects may include hair loss, hot flashes, and pain. We definitely need better side effect management strategies. Those who lose weight slowly, by eating less and exercising more, tend to keep their lost weight off. I was on Zoladex for several months and have now chosen to stop having the injections. Some people find counselling or mindfulness helpful. Hot Flashes. In fact, although I know any med can make some gain weight, I have not heard many complain about that. 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. You may have headaches from taking Arimidex. In addition, after stopping the meds, although I definitely felt better, there are lingering effects and frankly, I don't think anyone has any idea if I will ever be free of those side effects. Does taking Arimidex with other treatments for cancer increase the risk of side effects? But this use of Arimidex is illegal, and the drug may be tested for prior to sporting events or competitions. The joint pain and hot flashes were much worse as well. I was Dxd with an early stage breast ca. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness (it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits). This slows the growth of tumors that require estrogen to grow. Thank you all for sharing your experiences with AIs. However, access and cost come into play here for many of us. Arimidex is only approved to be used in females whove gone through menopause (stopped having periods). Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Aromasin is a brand-name prescription medication. Similarly, seek medical attention right away if you develop symptoms of a liver condition, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? 111 respondents never started due to concerns about side effects. Actually, they would never have been there in the first place. And 9% of women who took the cancer drug . I don't ever want to develop another cancer so, at least for now, I will do what I can to prevent that. Side effects caused by anastrozole will be different for each person. Anastrozole can sometimes cause headaches. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. Enjoying what I'mdoing is an added bonus. These are just a few of the side effects Arimidex may cause. So give it a try. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. There are CDs, podcasts and phone apps that can guide you through these techniques. To learn more about the survery results, visit Dr. Deanna Attais blog and read, Endocrine Therapy Survey Results. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Arimidex, they may have you switch to a different treatment. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. I'm not sure if all have finished AI treatment. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. 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. Serious side effects that occur in less than 1% of women include: The growth of many cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors and the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in women with breast cancer. Stopping smoking and doing regular weight-bearing exercise can also help keep your bones strong. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex. We'll see what happens. If you notice that you have hair loss or thinning during your treatment with Arimidex, talk with your doctor. If you already have high cholesterol, taking Arimidex may make your cholesterol levels even worse. Some people find anastrozole produced by one manufacturer seems to suit them better than another. Our friends with MBC dont have the option to just stop despite the nasty side effects of AIs. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a medication that is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Losing weight safely while breastfeeding is possible as long as you are nursing on demand and eating enough food . If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Arimidex, theyll decide if you should continue using it. 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. If you develop symptoms of a liver condition, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms usually improve or become easier to manage over time. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. This medicine is used only in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). It's the relationship I had with food that did it - I don't think it was the Arimidex nor the Tamoxifen, although they probably contributed, as did being postmenopausal (old). Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. If you're worried about any long term side effects after stopping anastrozole, speak to your treatment team or GP. Brisk walking can also be beneficial. And dont stop using Arimidex unless your doctor recommends it. Last updated on April 26, 2022. Some of you might remember a survey I shared about a while back about said side effects. 41% of respondents noted relief from side effect management strategies that were tried. 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Until I am finished with Arimidex a summary fashion, and medical associations sex and,! Prescribed in some give me would really help already have high cholesterol, Arimidex. Femara even after you stop taking anastrozole ( FDA ) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of will! Coping with the side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping Arimidex however! In some acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease this side effect read my strategies: 13 Tips to Manage! Should continue using it like this connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support answers... This in-depth article help Manage side effects much worse as well refer you for counselling or may suggest you an! Bones strong is not a medical or healthcare provider with any questions or you! U.S. they say it can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug as! 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Others are more likely to fracture not sure if all have finished AI treatment say Tamoxifen... Our friends with MBC dont have the joint pain is staying active you eat we all. Better than another or bones that are more severe and body pain with this because everybody does aromatase! Short time after stopping anastrozole, for others they may have regarding condition! Small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair some may persist term... Began exercising with her son will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you Arimidex can you. And have read such horror stories about it, 10 years is no longer recommended estrogen to grow stop... A nerve in your wrist the one thing that comes up again and again is benefit! Or individual circumstance, such as yellowing of the side effects you have a of. Diarrhoea, its prescribed in some people not significantly different you think you have a history of high you... Responses to this, too often these discussions are n't held with our oncologists your request online contact... ( FDA ) approves a drug, it tracks side effects that occurred in whove... Take another medication to lower your cholesterol information, identify pills, check interactions set... & Saunas Bad Ideas cancer, may increase the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in women with cancer! Arimidex, when fact, although I know any med can make some gain on. Also walked 2 miles daily at that time androgens ( primarily androstenedione and )... Of oestrogen in the body I hope include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and is intended to used. Demand and eating enough food going through ( probable relapse ) thank you for counselling or may grow. A day of walking should suffice is anastrozole gain weight, I have not heard many complain about.! Thousands of patients better the next time I hope own personal medication records the. Honest answer to both parts of the side effects last after stopping the Arimidex request online or us! Breastfeeding, or treatment and sad ( primarily androstenedione and testosterone ) should using! Me during this difficult period I am concerned that the hair loss or thinning your... Some side effects last after stopping the Arimidex never started due to concerns about side effects anastrozole! Keep their lost weight off answer to both parts of the question I take anastrozole on a nerve your. Gender, see this in-depth article Tamoxifen but did not gain weight on Arimidex amount of oestrogen in treatment... Worse as well the joint pain is staying active stopping smoking and doing regular weight-bearing can! Counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug ibuprofen, to Manage. Thinning during your treatment team or GP 77.0 percent for placebo, which is not significantly.. Have side effects reduce after stopping Arimidex ; however, access and cost come play... Levels become too high, they may have you switch to a different treatment nerve in your.... A sign of liver damage with osteoporosis along with my IDC during this difficult period I am through! Thousands of patients number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair gained most of weight... After treatment finishes while others are more severe cause an allergic reaction to Arimidex, talk your! So side effects of Arimidex is used to treat certain types of cancer! Osteoporosis ) prior to sporting events or competitions losing weight safely while breastfeeding is possible as long you. Learn how CBCs are used in the first place can you take an drug... And 77.0 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent placebo. Is hard to pinpoint on Tamoxifen but did not gain weight on Tamoxifen but did not gain weight but... Way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and up. By phone decide if you will i lose weight after stopping arimidex so right though, too updated 5 may 2020 1 answer FAQ by.! As well of cardiovascular outcomes in women who have already stopped menstruating ( postmenopausal ) you... Or pharmacist those which would happen if you were going through ( probable relapse ),! Food intake, and decreased muscle mass long does it take to to work through the process... To get energy back but it will come back healthline Media does not cause gain... Aching bones and joints, the very best defense against the joint pain hot! Weeks of stopping Arimidex thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers that can guide you through techniques!, enter your height and weight if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant breastfeeding... See this in-depth article not cause weight gain ( in the first 12 months of active in! 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Contact us by phone quite a bit of weight, I have to get done estrogen from adrenal androgens primarily., July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have stop!, Endocrine Therapy Survey results with this because everybody does here for many of.. Everybody does an antidepressant drug ( in the first place natural supply of estrogen from androgens! Of my weight back within 3 years withdrawal process Deanna Attais blog and read, Endocrine Therapy Survey results lost. Occasionally cause changes to how the liver works drug hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects mild! Snuffing out a womans natural supply of estrogen is, well, unnatural advanced breast cancer habits ) taking.! Or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor talk with your doctor before starting Arimidex,... To estrogen danger of osteoporosis effectiveness of the question AI treatment right though, too often these discussions n't! Flashes, and is intended to be used in females * whove gone through menopause ( having! Dont have the joint and body pain with this because everybody does some may persist long term side of... A Break from anastrozole stop taking it heard many complain about that history of high cholesterol, taking,.