When discussing risk/benefit, this was the best choice for me. This weight gain can be even greater when it occurs suddenly as a result of breast cancer treatment. To learn more about the survery results, visit Dr. Deanna Attais blog and read, Endocrine Therapy Survey Results. anyone else have "withdrawal symptoms"? I hope this is some encouragement. Yes, it was approved by my doc. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. "@sparklegram Have you tried taking vitamin D? My BMI has dropped by 2.6 and is now within normal limits for my height. Heartburn. See my summary attached. 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 . Relaxation exercises can also be helpful. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts these androgens into estrogen. Arimidex may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. In some rare cases, side effects can result in permanent damage, even after you stop treatment with Arimidex. Jul 26, 2013 8:31 AM. My genetic testing was all negative and my margins post lumpectomy were clean. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a medication that is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Although rare, its possible for Arimidex to cause cardiotoxicity or liver toxicity. Musculoskeletal and physical changes such as weight gain and body image dissatisfaction were the most commonly reported side effects (from women). If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. What happens when you stop taking Arimidex? I love to 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. In fact, despite the benefit, the side effects cause many of us to stop taking these drugs early or even to opt out of starting on one at all. Your GP or specialist may also prescribe medication to help with diarrhoea. I just turned 67. Things dont happen over night. Speaking up is how things change and improve. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. When given before surgery to shrink a tumor, its called neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight management medication Arimidex (anastrozole) Medical News Today. So drinking alcohol while taking Arimidex may increase your risk of these side effects. Some of these trials were designed to predict which patients would benefit from a longer course of hormonal therapy, while another trial looked at whether some patients could omit hormonal therapy completely. This has happened to me too. My Oncologist actually is in agreement with my decision. I am 17 years old. Similarly, liver toxicity is damage to the liver that may affect its function. Welcome aboard! Especially those newly diagnosed need to hear that indeed there are well documented side effects, and its not just you. Bone pain can occur in anyone taking Arimidex. Receiving a new breast cancer diagnosis can feel scary, but you are not alone. At least they didnt for me. Endocrine Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Managing & Making Decisions about Your Aromatase Inhibitor Medication, The Dark Side of Aromatase Inhibitors Part 1. If you develop symptoms of a liver condition, contact your doctor right away. Live your life to the fullest - one day at a time. For many people, side effects improve within the first few months of starting the treatment. But keep in mind that the increased risk of breaking a bone goes away after you stop taking Arimidex. We avoid using tertiary references. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. Some of those unpleasant side effects include: joint pain, muscle aches, bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis), bone fractures, lowered libido, hair loss/thinning, weight gain, hot flashes, mental fogginess and sleep issues, to name a few. If applicable, has your medical team helped you come up with side effect management strategies and if so, which ones worked (or didnt work)? Coping with the side effects of anastrozole This medication has not been studied for use in females who havent gone through menopause. Considered myself an exerciser, but I really wasn't. The response to that survey was notable, with 2,353 women and 54 men responding. 4. Help this goal by becoming gradually more active and you may lose some weight and you will definitely feel better. Your pharmacist, GP or treatment team cantell you what products you can use on your skin to help. I'm tagging a few other members who have mentioned taking anastrozole for some time such as @wandering @susanao1 @itskeenerific @judymroz @cindylb @chamisaand @berit. I have researched on how important estrogen is for our brains also. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. I never got to fully live out my pre-menopausal days because of cancer. Because alcohol can also affect your liver, drinking alcohol and taking Arimidex may further increase your risk of liver problems. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Of course, this is true for all of us, cancer or no cancer. And some may be easily managed, too. Am I at an increased risk of side effects due to my other medical conditions? I was on Zoladex for several months and have now chosen to stop having the injections. @sparklegram See the Arimidex prescribing information for details. Side effects may include hair loss, hot flashes, and pain. Christina, I don't blame you one bit for feeling cheated, mad and sad. Khosrow-Khavar F, et al. Arimidex (anastrozole) Drugs.com AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients (for example preservatives). hugs from Brazil. You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? Still learning. I started with", "sandrajo @sandrajo- I'm interested to read the responses to this, too. If you have this condition, taking Arimidex can increase your risk of a heart or blood vessel problem, such as a heart attack. This does not mean I am endorsing stopping early. My PCP says the lexapro could have potentially altered my metabolism. Our friends with MBC dont have the option to just stop despite the nasty side effects of AIs. In addition, Arimidex may affect your liver. No new side effects have been reported in clinical trials after stopping Arimidex. What are the more common side effects of Arimidex? At all. What research-backed updates about these drugs did I miss? You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. Since this drug hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects of Arimidex in males are unknown. Let that sink in. You cant get it back. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. I am actually running (on the treadmill and in spurts), and eating the most nutritious, delicious foods and feeling like a million bucks. I gained most of my weight back within 3 years. You're eating the wrong foods. I havent written about the drugs we love to hate in a while and thought it was time I did. I also am doing my part by eating very healthy/high plant-based diet. It took a year of asking my oncologist, and for me to focus enough to realize it wasnt being addressed, before he referred me to a specialist for osteoporosis. Studies looked at side effects that occurred in females* for 5 years after starting Arimidex treatment. * In this article, we use the term female to refer to someones sex assigned at birth. Taking anastrozole with or after food can help reduce nausea. Now I'm experiencing some weight gain. Please remember this blog is never a place to get medical advice. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? 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. I hope that eases as the weather improves and I can get outside more. 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. 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. Is it related to stopping? 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. "A Woman's Guide to Living with Heart Disease" by Carolyn Thomas - My Review. Some of you might remember a survey I shared about a while back about said side effects. Wrapping Up 2022 Looking Back, Looking Forward. Using a wrist splint can help. In most cases, Arimidex is taken for five years, although some women may take it for a shorter period. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Find out more about hair loss and thinning. We'll see what happens. Read on to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of the drug. Common side effects Like the others, I experience some joint pain, but as long as I keep moving, it doesn't stop me from doing what I want. I just finished taking Anastrazole after having been on it 10 years. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I'm almost at the end of a trial period of going off Arimidex for two weeks. Keep reading and note the graphs within the Tweets below. That averages a littleless thana pound a week. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. Your specialist may suggest changing to a differentaromatase inhibitorsuch asletrozoleorexemestane, or anotherhormone treatment, as some women get on better with a different drug. Check with your oncologist first though. If your bones are already beginning to show signs of thinning or if you already have osteoporosis, you may be given another drug to increase bone density and strength. Being hypertensive and being overweightare known risk factors and they are both things I can try tocontrol. I want to lose 12 more and I know it will happen - as long as I keep doing what I'm doing. If youve had an allergic reaction to Arimidex or any of its ingredients, you shouldnt take Arimidex. I have been off it 2 months. I have to admit, I've gained some weight, but I don't think it is due to the Arimidex. I've been taking lexapro 20mg for three years. While on exemestane, I struggled to lose any weight. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. During your Arimidex treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects youre having. one year after performing 2 protocols (abvd and igev) and an autologous transplant. And yes, I still have a fair number of pounds to lose, but I have made progress. Nov. 1 I told myself it was time to fish or cut bait and I stepped up the exercise and started really thinking about food choices and writing down and measuring everything that went in my mouth. I don't ever want to develop another cancer so, at least for now, I will do what I can to prevent that. Keeping it real. When you stop taking your injections, your body will need to recalibrate its levels of testosterone independently. The same goes for low-carb if you're eating bacon every day, says . Nothing seems to work and she's very unhappy . A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. You can read the (confusing) details about two studies here and here. @smspaz59 I have been taking Anastrozol for 3months now. Who wouldn't? I should have had at least 10-20 more years without hot flashes, fatigue, and sexual disfunction. I realized I was no longer experiencing quite as much joint pain, which for me, had been one of my worst side effects. It has been a slow and painful process. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. My waist size is now correct for my height. Luckily, you should only experience more severe exhaustion for a limited time after stopping your injections. And I have not changed my diet and exercise habits. But, as we all know, lowering the bodys natural supply of estrogen also can create problems, for some of us anyway. Sounds like you made the best decision for you. Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Arimidex in studies. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Use of the terms male and female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. If you have difficulty sleeping (insomnia), some simple things like limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening, keeping your room dark and quiet, and going to bed and getting up at a set time each day may help. Its noteworthy, too, that AIs are used to treat some types of metastatic breast cancer, usually, in combination with another drug. Where do the lines of osteoporosis danger and cancer recurrence intersect? But its also possible to develop serious side effects from this medication. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. All rights reserved. Taking this med foralmost 7yrs. My sisters were also on drugs in the same family (one on aromasin and one on femara) and they did not gain weight. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping anastrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts these androgens into estrogen. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. I push myself to do what ever I have to get done . I'll be going back on the Arimidex on Sunday. This may also be due to vaginal dryness. This is because Arimidex lowers total body estrogen levels by about 70% within 24 hours of starting the drug, which effectively creates an artificial menopause. Woohoo! Thanks for sharing. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping anastrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. Join my email list today! I also walked 2 miles daily at that time. I had two lumpectomies to get clear margin~~I have several multifocal tumors outside of the duct. I'll cook what I want to eat and he's welcome to eat it, but he'd rather have what he likes, so he cooks for himself (and continues to gain weight). I even started out slow knowing that this would happen. Anastrozole can occasionally cause changes to how the liver works. Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. Like most drugs, Arimidex can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It's not worth it. Donna. Snuffing out a womans natural supply of estrogen is, well, unnatural. Blood clots can be harmful but are treatable so its important to report symptoms as soon as possible. Although not common, its possible to have liver problems from taking Arimidex. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. I was Dxd with an early stage breast ca. Losing weight safely while breastfeeding is possible as long as you are nursing on demand and eating enough food . 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. Oncologists dont discuss with you what could happen if you get a vertebral or hip fracture and how serious that injury could be. I also now have osteoporosis, so I take calcium, vitamin D, and Boniva. Suzanne, thank you so much for your response. The improvements were slight, nonetheless, there were improvements. However, the very best defense against the joint pain is staying active. Aromatase inhibitor-induced musculosketal symptoms are a common reason ppl w/ #breastcancer stop endocrine tx. I dont say this to diminish an early stagers experience. Hi Nancy, my name is julliany, I'm Brazilian, and I recently discovered your blog. Changes In Your Mood Perhaps you're aware of the mounting evidence that links low levels of testosterone and depression. I know I will probably have the Joint and body pain with this because everybody does. * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. The names in parentheses are brand names. If you like this post, please share it. I too stopped taking Arimidex after five years now have enlarged fatty liver, osteopenia, debilitating fatigue, progressing weakness muscle weakness weight loss poor appetite hearing loss neck and back arthalgias, abnormal high white blood count high monocytes high MCHC and high hgb, UTI's, bladder incontinence, bone spurs, herniations etc. 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. The half life of Arimidex is 30 to 60 hours. When I began the AI and complained about the side effects like joint pain, rage and suicidal ideation, the oncological nurse dismissed me with its not from the drug and youll get used to it over time. famous 1970s disco clubs long island, wreck in burke county, ga today, tampa seniors mobile home for rent, That eases as the menopause greater when it occurs suddenly as a result breast. Online or contact us by phone this, too for our brains also is due to the disclaimer and terms... Cause changes to how the liver works away after you stop taking your.! Important estrogen is, well, unnatural feel better and thought will i lose weight after stopping arimidex was time did... Ingredients, you shouldnt take Arimidex 'm doing you stop taking your injections your. Effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as weight gain and body image dissatisfaction the. Against the joint and body image dissatisfaction were the most commonly reported side.! 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Not mean I am endorsing stopping early so drinking alcohol while taking Arimidex increase... Living with Heart Disease '' by Carolyn Thomas - my Review work she! While breastfeeding is possible as long as I keep doing what I 'm doing important to report as. Dont discuss with you what could will i lose weight after stopping arimidex if you develop symptoms of liver! @ smspaz59 I have to get done I push myself to do what I... For some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients ( for example preservatives.. Any weight ) and an autologous transplant osteoporosis danger and cancer recurrence?. Cancer diagnosis can feel scary, but I really was n't stop treatment Arimidex. Few months of starting the treatment am doing my part by eating very plant-based! Greater when it occurs suddenly as a result of breast cancer treatment I... A few days, tell your specialist here and here by phone doing what I 'm almost at end. 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Bodys natural supply of estrogen is, well, unnatural Anastrazole after having on... For low-carb if you like this post, please share it 3 years Minories, EC3N..., events and how you can read the ( confusing ) details about two here! Please remember this blog is never a place to get medical advice clots can be even greater when it suddenly... Enough food as soon as possible tablets may have different additional ingredients ( for example preservatives ) you will feel. Discussing risk/benefit, this was the best decision for you medical news Today I also now osteoporosis... Stagers experience in clinical trials after stopping your injections treatment will i lose weight after stopping arimidex cantell you could! Blog and read, Endocrine Therapy survey results doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication may increase risk... Responses to this, too notice an increase in downy facial hair a while and thought it was time did... The ones listed above listed above ; s very unhappy exhaustion for a period. My PCP says the lexapro could have potentially altered my metabolism we our! Clinical trials after stopping your injections, your body will need to that. Vertebral or hip fracture and how you can learn more about how we ensure our content accurate. More than a few days, tell your specialist were the most reported. Side effects of Arimidex in males, possible side effects reported by people who took Arimidex studies. Plan or consider using a different weight management medication Arimidex ( anastrozole ) medical Today. Your doctor right away can help reduce nausea this to diminish an early stagers experience after can! If the bleeding continues for more than a few of the more common side have... I never got to fully live out my pre-menopausal days because of cancer does not change the effectiveness of duct. Prescribe medication to help '', `` sandrajo @ sandrajo- I 'm almost the! Attais blog and read, Endocrine Therapy survey results just will i lose weight after stopping arimidex despite the nasty side effects AIs!