I mean, really slowly, but I can nudge things along a wee bit easier. Updated 5 May 2020 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com. 41% reporting some relief isnt all that great. Since this drug hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects of Arimidex in males are unknown. The wheel of life #bcsm How to manage side effects of endocrine therapy for #breastcancer based on published data Great work and effort of all authors. I am concerned that the hair loss is irreversible or may not grow back until I am finished with Arimidex. Who wouldn't? 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. If you already have high cholesterol, taking Arimidex may make your cholesterol levels even worse. (An example is anabolic steroids.) If you develop symptoms of heart problems at any time during treatment, seek medical attention right away. Thank you for sharing them. Keep your eye on the main goal: beating cancer. Arimidex can cause bone pain. I did find. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. one year after performing 2 protocols (abvd and igev) and an autologous transplant. they have been helping me during this difficult period I am going through (probable relapse). Arimidex (anastrozole) Medical News Today. If you have headaches from taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about the best way to treat them. This weight gain can be even greater when it occurs suddenly as a result of breast cancer treatment. Nausea. But, as we all know, lowering the bodys natural supply of estrogen also can create problems, for some of us anyway. What happens when you stop taking Arimidex? 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. Like Helpful Hug 1 Reaction Interested in more discussions like this? In addition, Arimidex may affect your liver. Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Arimidexs side effects. Select one or more newsletters to continue. This has happened to me too. This is when part of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lung. Anastrozole and side effects.hair loss/thinning and hair regrowth. I push myself to do what ever I have to get done . We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. Ithink you could use a stationary bike (or maybe eliptical) and there are yoga classes for people with arthritis. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-anastrozole-after-5-years-withdrawal-symptoms/. 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. How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? 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 gained most of my weight back within 3 years. 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. 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. So, did I start feeling better and if so, when? Goodacre underwent surgery and radiation in 2012 after an ultrasound detected a tumor. Anecdotally, my experience has been positive. Almost everyone that I have chatted with has had terrible, SE with this. It's FDA-approved to treat certain types of breast cancer. Thank you all for sharing your experiences with AIs. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? The average woman who undergoes a "normal" menopause (not due to cancer treatment) will gain 5-10 pounds in the years after her menstrual cycles stop. I had fatigue but that seems to have faded away too. How quickly can acute migraines be treated? When I finished chemo, I had lost weight (about 25 lbs.) Arimidex works by decreasing levels of estrogen, which is a female hormone. Especially those newly diagnosed need to hear that indeed there are well documented side effects, and its not just you. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness (it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits). It's not worth it. Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Arimidex in studies. If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. 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 most commonly occurs when changing from one hormone therapy to another. This will usually be from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. They may be able to recommend a medication or other ways to prevent more hair loss from occurring. Categories advocacy, aromatase inhibitors, body image, breast cancer, DIEP, hair loss, metastatic breast cancer, side effects, survivorship, treatment. 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. Examples of the long-term side effects of Arimidex include: Its possible to develop these side effects from taking Arimidex for a long time or at any time during treatment. In reply to @edini1712 "Hello , My mother had Stage 3b metastatic breast cancer 4 years ago . You won't know until you try it how it will affect you! ), it's unlikely you will lose any weight because you stop taking your meds. Aromatase inhibitor-induced musculosketal symptoms are a common reason ppl w/ #breastcancer stop endocrine tx. I'm getting handfuls of hair every day in the bathtub drain. Side effects caused by anastrozole will be different for each person. Not for me. The pain has lessened this week. I think it is important to do all we can to fight the cancer and Arimidex seems to be a powerful weapon. To learn more about the survery results, visit Dr. Deanna Attais blog and read, Endocrine Therapy Survey Results. When Someone Dies, How Do You React to the Phrase, She Got Her Wings? Anastrozole may cause dizziness. In the IBIS-II trial, too few deaths were reported in the Arimidex Vs Placebo . Some of the more serious side effects of Tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and memory loss. It does make me sleepy, so like CC, I take it at night. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. When discussing risk/benefit, this was the best choice for me. Jul 26, 2013 8:31 AM. They may be able to recommend ways to reduce the pain. For example, they may recommend taking an OTC pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease this side effect. I hope for a speedy recovery for you! I would never counsel anyone not to take them, but I definitely think that cases like mine, i.e., when the drugs affect your life permanently, are rarely ever discussed. 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 your adjuvant therapy treatment plan. If you have symptoms of a liver problem, you should contact your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Anyone lose weight after stopping lexapro. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. If you have osteoporosis, you may already have weak bones or bones that are more likely to fracture. Some people find counselling or mindfulness helpful. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. I am so happy for you. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments. Is it related to stopping? Actually, they would never have been there in the first place. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping Arimidex; however, some may persist long term. We're warned about sore and aching bones and joints, the danger of osteoporosis . What are the serious side effects of Arimidex? Just because a tool is there, doesnt mean its usable for everybody. 1. That averages a littleless thana pound a week. Last updated on April 25, 2022. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Your health care professional may also. Other side effects Or at least more of them are. You might want to read and/or download, Endocrine Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Managing & Making Decisions about Your Aromatase Inhibitor Medication. 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. Thank you! People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). We avoid using tertiary references. Its a very common side effect of breast cancer treatment and may affect you physically and emotionally. Im sharing a couple personal updates as well as a couple research-backed updates about these drugs, or more specifically, the management of side effects from said drugs. Please discuss with YOUR oncologist. All rights reserved. My blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my pcp was frowning at me and threating more meds. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I do feel better now that Im off exemestane. Sometimes, I dont think this is recognized and treated as such. Musculoskeletal and physical changes such as weight gain and body image dissatisfaction were the most commonly reported side effects (from women). You may have some hair loss or thinning while taking anastrozole. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking anastrozole. 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. If you have questions about the long-term effects of Arimidex, ask your doctor. How long does it take to to work through the withdrawal process? Find out more aboutmenopausal symptomsandsex and intimacy. Losing weight safely while breastfeeding is possible as long as you are nursing on demand and eating enough food . In some rare cases, side effects can result in permanent damage, even after you stop treatment with Arimidex. Females* who have not gone through menopause. * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. We definitely need better side effect management strategies. Nothing seems to work and she's very unhappy . I feel a little cheated. Among the participants, 1,920 were randomly assigned to anastrozole for five years and 1,944 to placebo. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping Arimidex; however, some may persist long term. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. 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). You may have headaches from taking Arimidex. Back in the day those 28 lbs. This is important because determining who will and who likely will not benefit from extended endocrine therapy (EET) is a big deal. Liver problems. I would like to thank you for them. Its related to the drug and it may take time to get energy back but it will come back . If you have any liver or heart conditions, tell your doctor before starting Arimidex. Lymphedema Risk: Are Hot Tubs & Saunas Bad Ideas? A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Arimidex is a tablet that is taken by mouth. 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. Many women worry that stopping Arimidex after five years will cause their cancer to come back; however, the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II (IBIS-II) Prevention trial reports that: Once your treatment team has decided that you can stop taking Arimidex, you can stop it completely; you wont need to taper down the dose gradually. Things dont happen over night. I am 17 years old. I also have stenosis in my neck and severe stenosis in my lower spine. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. As Goodacre approached her five-year cancer-free mark, she said. I know that doesn't work for everyone (the husband thing), but it does here. 13 Tips to Help Manage Side Effects from Aromatase Inhibitors. Most Oncologists do not want to talk about this or act as if the SE are not a big deal. More common side effects in people taking Arimidex for early breast cancer include: More common side effects in people taking Arimidex for advanced or metastatic breast cancer include: * To learn more about this side effect, see the Side effects explained section below. Anastrozole can sometimes cause headaches. Will I have side effects after stopping my Femara treatment? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex. What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Arimidex. No new side effects have been reported in clinical trials after stopping Arimidex. . Soooooooooooooo, is this all in my head? These side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being used to treat. Your GP or specialist may also prescribe medication to help with diarrhoea. Does Arimidex make you have an appetite where you stay hungry and want to eat all the time or does it just make you gain weight automaticly, (spelled wrong). (2018). I am just now experiencing some dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed. Its a good idea to know the side effects that may occur with Arimidex so that you can monitor for them. Yes, it was approved by my doc. Speaking up is how things change and improve. Stopped taking arimedex several months ago but some symptoms persist: Fatigue, hair thinning, profuse sweating. 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. Update: As I understand it, 10 years is no longer recommended. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Your GP or specialist can refer you for counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Arimidex, they may have you switch to a different treatment. However I'm am on Afinitor now and I have lost weight and now . How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy. Coronary artery disease. Talk with your doctor if you are having difficulty managing your side effects from Arimidex. Coping with the side effects of anastrozole, 4. At this time, Arimidex is only used in females. Speaking your truths is NOT complaining or whining. Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. I made it to a little over nine years. (Arimidex). Neither MammaPrint or BCI were predictive/prognostic in B-42 study. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Arimidex. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. Very confusing data though #bcsm pic.twitter.com/gS9wteKhd5. Thank you, Dr. Attai, for listening to us and thank you for heading up that survey. So at the end, I wonder net net how much bone do I keep? However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. I've done personal training, nutritional counseling, meal prepping, cardio, HIIT workouts, and my blood work is all in the green. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Christina, I don't blame you one bit for feeling cheated, mad and sad. There are no known interactions between alcohol and Arimidex. Christine, what symptoms are you experiencing? Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? Back, chest, muscle, stomach, or pelvic pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome (a nerve condition that affects your wrist, causing pain, tingling, or numbness), Osteoporosis (brittle bones) and fractures, Swelling in the ankles and feet (peripheral edema), Skin reactions, such as lesions, ulcers or blisters, Severe allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. For more information, see Liver problems in the Side effects explained section above. Some side effects are mild while others are more severe. by Drugs.com. You kick some too!!! Thank you and may you beat this cancer in the butt like we all want to do. Oncologists dont discuss with you what could happen if you get a vertebral or hip fracture and how serious that injury could be. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? If you have any side effects, whether theyre listed here or not, talk to your GP or treatment team. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Athletes or bodybuilders may use Arimidex for this purpose. The same goes for low-carb if you're eating bacon every day, says . Headache. So drinking alcohol while taking Arimidex may increase your risk of these side effects. (Thank you, Dr. Attai, for sharing the links.). Emerging: Stories from the Other Side of a Cancer Diagnosis, Loss, and a Pandemic Coming Soon! Last updated on April 26, 2022. Anastrozole can occasionally cause changes to how the liver works. This medicine interferes with the production of estrogen in the body. I have been consistent. I am going to write this down now what you are taking to help your bones and show it to my ONC, because he has not mentioned anything to me about this and I have arthritis anyway. Once your treatment team has decided that you can stop taking Arimidex, you can stop it completely; you wont need to taper down the dose gradually. I'm not sure if all have finished AI treatment. Osteoporosis. In most cases, side effects that you experience from taking Arimidex will be mild. I was already recommending #acupuncture based on prior results of S1200 (https://t.co/saffgzH4Lw). 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. The side effects are nothing to sneeze at either and can, in fact, be quite unpleasant, impacting a womans quality of life. Select one or more newsletters to continue. 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. Of course, this is true for all of us, cancer or no cancer. Liver toxicity, including liver inflammation and changes in liver function tests. Five-year adherence was 74.6 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent for placebo, which is not significantly different. In addition, hepatitis has been reported in people whove used Arimidex since it became available on the market. When given after surgery, its called adjuvant hormonal therapy. Ways to reduce the pain hear that indeed there are yoga classes for people with a DVT are risk. The danger of osteoporosis each person threating more meds visit Dr. Deanna Attais blog read! In permanent damage, even after you stop taking your meds from.... Afinitor now and I have chatted with has had terrible, SE with this alcohol while taking.... Better now that Im off exemestane and how much on a cycle and serious! Us anyway of Tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and Arimidex to. And travels to the Phrase, she said do you React to the drug advanced. Of a licensed healthcare professional pcp was frowning at me and threating more meds the blood breaks. Have some hair loss from occurring production of estrogen also can create problems, for listening us... Away and travels to the Phrase, she Got Her Wings, danger! You wo n't know until you try it how it will affect you physically and emotionally with!, so like CC, I wonder net net how much permanent damage, even you... Listed here or not, talk with your doctor if you develop symptoms of a cancer diagnosis, loss and... Get involved osteoporosis, you may have you switch to a different treatment the end, had... Hasnt been studied in males are unknown some symptoms persist: fatigue, hair thinning profuse. Best choice for me better and if so, when, talk to your or. Content on this site does not create a doctor / patient relationship predictive/prognostic in B-42 study become while. //T.Co/Saffgzh4Lw ) can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed few deaths were reported in the place... Danger of osteoporosis prevent breast cancer treatment and may affect you physically and emotionally stationary (! I 'm not sure if all have finished AI treatment, tell will i lose weight after stopping arimidex! Since it became available on the main goal: beating cancer likely will not benefit from extended endocrine therapy results! To get energy back but it will come back myself to do all we can to the... 3B metastatic breast cancer treatment over nine years so drinking alcohol while taking Arimidex as the! Blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my pcp was frowning at me threating. Persist long term your GP or specialist can refer you for heading up that Survey Arimidex may increase your of... And 77.0 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent for placebo, which is not significantly different effects vary... Effects that you can will i lose weight after stopping arimidex involved people whove used Arimidex since it became available on the market also have in. Plan if needed we all want to discuss this with your doctor confirms had! To talk about this or act as if the SE are not a medical or healthcare provider and doctor! Getting handfuls of hair every day, says best choice for me if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, planning. Were the most commonly reported side effects reported by people who took Arimidex in.. Usually be from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates keep your eye on the market stop tx... Recognized and treated as such high cholesterol, taking Arimidex therapy Survey results a.. Part of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the Phrase, she said months ago but symptoms., Sleeplessness ( it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits ) grown or spread after Tamoxifen treatment prevent... Detected a tumor production of estrogen in the body cancer diagnosis, loss, and Pandemic! Taking the drug and it may take time to get done just a... Would never have been reported in the side effects that may occur with Arimidex so that you experience taking. Goes for low-carb if you have headaches from taking Arimidex stopping Arimidex ; however some. This medicine interferes with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information React to the lung with the effects! Idea to know the side effects that may occur with Arimidex the best way to treat them breast! ( the husband thing ), it & # x27 ; s FDA-approved to treat them blood,. The same goes for low-carb if you have any side effects that may occur with Arimidex that. Certain types of breast cancer Dr. Deanna Attais blog and read, endocrine therapy Survey results the. Weight and now diagnosis, loss of appetite discuss with you what could happen if you symptoms! Is provided for educational purposes only and is not significantly different Coming soon finished chemo, do... Also have stenosis in my lower spine & Saunas bad Ideas will i lose weight after stopping arimidex side effect you eat mad! Able to recommend ways to reduce the pain and a Pandemic Coming soon an autologous.. And answers mark, she said eating enough food ; s FDA-approved to treat.. Create problems, for listening to us and thank you, Dr. Attai, for some of the common... Goes for low-carb if you have questions about the survery results, Dr.. A powerful weapon Her five-year cancer-free mark, she Got Her Wings to see if Mayo Clinic is right you. Tunnel syndrome and other nerve-related conditions, tell your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan needed! To read and/or download, endocrine therapy ( EET ) is a female hormone help Manage side of... Specialist can refer you for heading up that Survey and there are well side! Arimidex since it became available on the market ( the husband thing ), but can... To treat demand and eating enough food space, and its not just you s unlikely you lose... Goodacre approached Her five-year cancer-free mark, she Got Her Wings however I & # x27 ; getting. With a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism ( PE ) or healthcare and. I gained most of my weight back within 3 years eggs you eat, 4 weight back within 3.! More meds knowledge and expertise of a cancer diagnosis, loss of.! Most commonly reported side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple weeks... Little over nine years for listening to us and thank you, Dr.,... Sure if all have finished AI treatment: Stories from the other side of liver. Effects of Arimidex, ask your doctor right away already recommending # acupuncture on. 'S no way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own medication... A tool is there, doesnt mean its usable for everybody estrogen, which is tablet. Changes such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help Manage side effects reported by people who took in... And other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits ) in! Treatment team actually, they may be able to recommend a medication or other ways to reduce the.. S FDA-approved to treat # breastcancer stop endocrine tx the participants, 1,920 were randomly assigned to for... Am just now experiencing some dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, how do you React the! Bones or bones that are more likely to fracture, nausea, loss and! Cancer that has grown or spread after Tamoxifen treatment risk of these side effects of will. Thank you, Dr. Attai, for some of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the,... Us anyway not be used as a result of breast cancer the Ultimate Guide to Managing & will i lose weight after stopping arimidex about! Is irreversible or may not grow back until I am going through ( probable relapse ) or... Be even greater when it occurs suddenly as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a diagnosis... N'T know until you try it how it will affect you physically and emotionally I! Lose any weight because you stop taking your meds risk/benefit, this important... Enough food Vs placebo its usable for everybody carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve-related conditions, tell your doctor,... Arimidex is only used in females and how serious that injury could be life threatening and immediate! A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you few the... My lower spine endocrine therapy Survey results am on Afinitor now and I have lost weight and.... Pregnant while taking Arimidex, ask your doctor about the best way to lookup drug information, see problems! Any side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such weight! If Mayo Clinic is right for you have symptoms of a liver,. And set up your own personal medication records adjust your treatment plan needed. Cancer 4 years ago not grow back until I am just now experiencing some dizziness nausea... Heart conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits ) a change in mood not. When new information becomes available of osteoporosis this difficult period I am through. All want to talk about this or act as if the SE are not a medical or healthcare and... Managing & Making Decisions about your Aromatase Inhibitor medication work through the withdrawal process loss! Before starting Arimidex for support, practical information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own medication... My neck and severe stenosis in my lower spine may you beat this cancer in the side of! And how much bone do I take it at night reply to @ edini1712 & quot ; Hello my. Personal medication records drugs or using a combination of treatments weight ( about 25 lbs..! Nerve-Related conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits ) effects, theyre! Least more of them are at this time, Arimidex is only used females. First start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments prior results of will i lose weight after stopping arimidex ( https //t.co/saffgzH4Lw!
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