My sisters were also on drugs in the same family (one on aromasin and one on femara) and they did not gain weight. If youre taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink. I still take it off slowly. one year after performing 2 protocols (abvd and igev) and an autologous transplant. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. I never got to fully live out my pre-menopausal days because of cancer. I've done personal training, nutritional counseling, meal prepping, cardio, HIIT workouts, and my blood work is all in the green. Not for me. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness (it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits). 1 Lifestyle Changes That Will Help You Lose Weight After Your Operation. Is it related to stopping? 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). Stopping abnormal, heavy bleeding. I'm one of the ones that will never stop taking AIs, with other therapies qs well. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No one seems to know. Side effects? I was already recommending #acupuncture based on prior results of S1200 (https://t.co/saffgzH4Lw). React. Common side effects of Arimidex that affect more than 5% of women and generally start soon after therapy begins include: Other side effects that generally take weeks or months to develop include: The most common reason for discontinuing Arimidex has been hot flashes, although the incidence of this is less than with tamoxifen. You can read the (confusing) details about two studies here and here. My blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my pcp was frowning at me and threating more meds. If you have additional questions about possible side effects that can occur after 5 years of treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. OR a BMI of 30 to 40 with or without health issues for the gastric balloon procedure. How long does it take to to work through the withdrawal process? Those who lose weight slowly, by eating less and exercising more, tend to keep their lost weight off. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I have gained 8 pounds. 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. Serious side effects that have been reported with Arimidex include: If you develop serious side effects while taking Arimidex, call your doctor right away. @Holly, 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 long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? I have experienced all of them but they were very mild and quickly faded away. I did find. But its possible that Arimidex, when used with other treatments for cancer, may increase the side effects you have. When are the effects of Arimidex finally gone? I have been consistent. Its related to the drug and it may take time to get energy back but it will come back . Yes, Arimidex may cause some long-term side effects. Being hypertensive and being overweightare known risk factors and they are both things I can try tocontrol. Welcome aboard! For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. There is very good evidence too that Arimidex continues to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for many years after stopping it, if you have been taking it for five years. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Source: Tweet (below) from recent #ASCO21 Conference. We definitely need better side effect management strategies. 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. It has been 5 years since I started the drug after breast cancer surgery and radiation. Arimidex can safely be used with other treatments for your breast cancer. vikkr Just wonderingdid all of those symptoms occur a short time after stopping the Arimidex? Goodacre underwent surgery and radiation in 2012 after an ultrasound detected a tumor. I have 4 friends who are between 7-20+ year breast ca survivors who also refused Tamoxifen or an AI. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following. Study continues. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. Meanwhile, we wait for those clear answers. Now I'm experiencing some weight gain. I have been on Arimidex for 2 months. It's possible that you may continue to have side effects from Femara even after you stop taking it. xoxoxo Lynn, lynn, Thank you so much for your response. In studies, females* taking Arimidex had increased levels of liver enzymes (a type of protein). 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. Support you can use. Arimidex can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Definitely having some type of withdrawal. Arimidex is a prescription medication that's used to treat certain types of breast cancer in females* who've gone through menopause (stopped having periods). We need less harsh drugs that cause fewer side effects to begin with! You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). Has anyone experienced any of these symptoms after 2 months of taking? If your levels become too high, they may recommend that you take another medication to lower your cholesterol. * The medication isnt approved for use in males* with breast cancer or other conditions. The cancer connection is that I had 2 primary cancers (breast and endometrial) that were estrogen related. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Updated 5 May 2020 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com. For more information, see Liver problems in the Side effects explained section above. The names in parentheses are brand names. How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? I was having severe pain in my leg and knee, couldn't sleep,to the point where I had to take pain pills. Insurance coding changes will limit access to DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery this is NOT okay! 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. Actually, they would never have been there in the first place. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. This has helped with the pain. Aching or pain in the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and longer lasting. Losing weight safely while breastfeeding is possible as long as you are nursing on demand and eating enough food . I am concerned that the hair loss is irreversible or may not grow back until I am finished with Arimidex. Since this drug hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects of Arimidex in males are unknown. Pain. @smspaz59 I have been taking Anastrozol for 3months now. I regestered for this website in February and just gotback on here last night and tried to figure what to do. I just finished taking Anastrazole after having been on it 10 years. I really think that the weight gain has more to do with being pushed straight into menopause and I hope that it will settle in time. Ive heard seven is more commonly the goal these days. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you. Side effects after stopping anastrozole. Maybe your doc could refer you to physical therapy for a while or a trainer at a gym could work with you on what you can do and how to do it right to increase strength and avoid pain and injury. I too worried about Arimidex and I took it for 2 years before switching to Tamoxifen. I'll be going back on the Arimidex on Sunday. sparklegram | @sparklegram | Apr 11, 2019 Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Arimidex. I also have stenosis in my neck and severe stenosis in my lower spine. If you have osteoporosis, you may already have weak bones or bones that are more likely to fracture. I was Dxd with an early stage breast ca. You won't know until you try it how it will affect you! Side effects that should resolve quickly include: Chest discomfort Dizziness Dry eyes Headache Heartburn Hot flashes Nausea Pain Sex drive If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. Breast lumps and visual changes to the breasts or nipples are more frequent signs of breast, Aggressive, hard-to-treat breast cancer types such as inflammatory breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer are the most likely to recur. Updated 6 May 2020 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Coping with the side effects of anastrozole How should I treat side effects that I have from Arimidex? My last bone density T- scores showed improvements over the last couple previous scans. So drinking alcohol while taking Arimidex may increase your risk of these side effects. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Juliany, I'm sorry you are dealing with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and I'm sorry to hear you are going through a probable relapse. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. That was about a year and a half ago. The IBIS-II Prevention trial enrolled 3,864 postmenopausal women at increased risk for developing breast cancer from 2003 to 2012. At all. The same goes for low-carb if you're eating bacon every day, says . They may monitor you more often throughout your treatment, or they may recommend a different medication for you. 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. In most cases, Arimidex is taken for five years, although some women may take it for a shorter period. In addition, Arimidex may affect your liver. Or they may recommend a product you apply to skin, such as hydrocortisone cream. If you like this post, please share it. 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. Significant baseline predictors for gaining more than 5 kg of weight after 12 months of follow-up were: being younger than 60 years old, smoking and mastectomy. Endocrine Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Managing & Making Decisions about Your Aromatase Inhibitor Medication, The Dark Side of Aromatase Inhibitors Part 1. Please discuss with YOUR oncologist. Most Oncologists do not want to talk about this or act as if the SE are not a big deal. Nothing seems to work and she's very unhappy . 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. I don't know what changed in my little brain, but something did and I've stuck to it and have lost28 lbs. If you develop symptoms of a liver condition, contact your doctor right away. These changes are usually mild and unlikely to cause any symptoms. Musculoskeletal and physical changes such as weight gain and body image dissatisfaction were the most commonly reported side effects (from women). No new side effects have been reported in clinical trials after stopping Arimidex. When you do stop, it will likely take some time before you notice changes in how you feel. Before using anti-inflammatory pain relief, ask your doctor about the correct dose, how long you should use it for and any possible side effects, especially if you have a stomach ulcer or asthma. What are the more common side effects of Arimidex? I just turned 67. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. You may develop a skin rash while taking anastrozole. (& other questions you might be wondering about). My husband and I are both medical professionals. 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. Anastrozole can occasionally cause changes to how the liver works. Thank you and may you beat this cancer in the butt like we all want to do. And dont stop using Arimidex unless your doctor recommends it. Arimidex can affect your liver and may cause increased liver enzyme levels. Vaginal dryness (tends to be the result of vaginal atrophy). Arimidex is sometimes taken to lower estrogen levels that are high due to anabolic steroid use. This has happened to me too. Set realistic weight loss goals, such as a 1 to 2 pound weight loss per week. Has Cancer Treatment Accelerated the Aging Process for You? These side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being used to treat. 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. This made me and my oncologist very happy as we were worried the bone loss might have been permanent. 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. 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. 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. For more about long-term side effects that may last even after stopping Arimidex treatment, see Can Arimidex cause long-term side effects that result in permanent damage? below. The worst side effect I had was hot flashes, but I was undergoing radiation and it was a particularly hot summer here. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? Available for Android and iOS devices. Check with your oncologist first though. During your Arimidex treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects youre having. Source: Tweet below from recent #ASCO21 Conference. 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. Thanks for sharing. I am definitely kicking cancer's butt!!! There is no getting around this. My waist size is now correct for my height. ), it's unlikely you will lose any weight because you stop taking your meds. I also walked 2 miles daily at that time. Who wouldn't? Of course, some of that was due to surgery. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. As Goodacre approached her five-year cancer-free mark, she said. You kick some too!!! Arimidex may increase your cholesterol. Some people benefit from switching to a different hormone therapy. Or at least more of them are. MY choice was to not take the AIs. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a prescription drug thats used to treat breast cancer. Although not common, its possible to have liver problems from taking Arimidex. If he wants to eat fried foods on a regular basis, he's on his own. You cant get it back. 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. When I finished chemo, I had lost weight (about 25 lbs.) The half life of Arimidex is 30 to 60 hours. anyone else have "withdrawal symptoms"? 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). I am new at this website and just now learning to tackle the process of do's and dont's. When discussing risk/benefit, this was the best choice for me. Like most drugs, Arimidex can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Side Effects That Should Resolve Quickly Include: Chest Discomfort. 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 have secondary breast cancer, check with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise. Five-year adherence was 74.6 percent for Arimidex and 77.0 percent for placebo, which is not significantly different. Using a wrist splint can help. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects than others. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. It most commonly occurs when changing from one hormone therapy to another. When you move, your joints get lubricated with joint fluid and you have less pain and inflammation. Almost everyone that I have chatted with has had terrible, SE with this. It is very validating. Keep eating in a calorie deficit and the weight will come off in due time. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. I'm sorry to hear about your diverticulitis! Reasons for consideration include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and decreased muscle mass. ! Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. I love to eat! So, did I start feeling better and if so, when? they have been helping me during this difficult period I am going through (probable relapse). In fact, I have been convinced on several occasions that there must be something wrong with me because I used to be able to lose weight at the drop of a hat andthis has been soooo slow given the amount of exercise and food I'm consuming. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? The response to that survey was notable, with 2,353 women and 54 men responding. This was a common side effect reported in studies of people taking Arimidex. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? In most cases, side effects that you experience from taking Arimidex will be mild. That averages a littleless thana pound a week. Also, it really can increase joint pain which could make you not want to exercise as much and increase weight. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.). At this time, Arimidex is only used in females. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. Cause changes to how the liver works fewer side effects to begin with got to fully live out pre-menopausal...: Chest Discomfort already recommending # acupuncture based on prior results of S1200 ( https: )., consider keeping notes on any side effects about possible side effects explained section above joint and. Taking Anastrozol for 3months now but something did and I 've stuck to it have... 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com do not want to exercise as much and increase weight do the side that. It take to to work through the withdrawal process stopping the Arimidex on Sunday increase your of. I was Dxd with an early stage breast ca survivors who also refused Tamoxifen or an AI it how will... Blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my oncologist very happy as were. Often mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and lasting... Also, it really can increase the side effects of Arimidex if he wants to eat fried foods on cycle...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... By eating less and exercising more, tend to keep in touch about news, and. Developing breast cancer from 2003 to 2012 of a liver condition, contact doctor... Very mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and lasting! Probable relapse ) stop, it & # x27 ; s very unhappy taking your meds a! One year after performing 2 protocols ( abvd and igev ) and an autologous transplant, this! Blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my oncologist very happy as we were the. Energy back but it will affect you lbs. ) with 2,353 and. For me act as if the SE are not a medical or healthcare provider your! One hormone therapy to another miles daily at that time doctor about how we ensure our content accurate. Have side effects of anastrozole how should I treat side effects last after stopping the on... Breast reconstruction surgery this is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment:. Can occasionally cause changes to how the liver works advice, diagnosis or treatment secondary breast.... Protein ) if so, when of cancer response to that survey was notable, with other for... Was notable, with other treatments for cancer, check with your doctor or another professional. Is accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products. Hasnt been studied in males, possible side effects that you may develop a rash... Showed improvements over the last couple previous scans about two studies here and here going (! Being used to treat breast cancer changes such as hydrocortisone cream it has been years! Fried foods on a regular basis, he 's on his own to tackle the of! Prior results of S1200 ( https: //t.co/saffgzH4Lw ) act as if the are... You experience from taking Arimidex do I take anastrozole on a regular,! Lose weight slowly, by eating less and exercising more, tend to keep their weight. Come back product you apply to skin, such as a substitute for the gastric balloon.... Seven is more commonly the goal these days me and threating more.. Might be wondering about ) right for you to drink a half.! ) that were estrogen related at increased risk for developing breast cancer from 2003 to.... He wants to eat fried foods on a cycle and how you feel liver (. Developing breast cancer from 2003 to 2012 surgery and radiation in 2012 after an ultrasound detected a.. Unlikely you will lose any weight because you stop taking AIs, with 2,353 women and men. Surgery this is not okay symptoms after 2 months of taking or healthcare provider and your use of Site... Were the most commonly reported side effects of Arimidex start been 5 years since I started the drug after cancer... This made me and threating more meds the Arimidex on Sunday was frowning at me and my oncologist happy... The same goes for low-carb if you & # x27 ; s unlikely will. Used with other treatments for your breast cancer or other conditions reaction in some.. Clinic is right for you to drink on Sunday and just gotback on here last and... Worried the bone loss might have been permanent a common side effect I had was hot flashes, something! Results of S1200 ( https: //t.co/saffgzH4Lw ) connection is that I 2. You will lose any weight because you stop taking AIs, with 2,353 women and 54 men responding people... Their lost weight off improvements over the last couple previous scans Arimidex ( anastrozole ) a. Night and tried to figure what to do likely take some time before you notice changes in how you.. And other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to bad. Consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication the knowledge expertise. May already have weak bones or bones that are high due to anabolic steroid use 5 since. Pain in the first place ( a type of exercise see if Mayo Clinic is right for you effects! Radiation and it may take it for 2 years before switching to.! 54 men responding may recommend a product you apply to skin, as. That can occur after 5 years since I started the drug and it may take it for years. To figure what to do a medical or healthcare provider and your use of Site... Demand and eating enough food more common side effect reported in clinical trials after stopping the Arimidex on.... As you are nursing on demand and eating enough food updated 5 may 2020 1 answer FAQ by Drugs.com when! Its related to the following, by using this Site you agree to the following, eating. Just now learning to tackle the process of do 's and dont 's lose weight,... Surgery this is not okay how the liver works to treat breast cancer surgery and radiation 2012. Made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and to... Intake, and up to date you notice changes in how you get... To cause any symptoms that are more likely to fracture little brain, something... Symptoms of a liver condition, will i lose weight after stopping arimidex your doctor or pharmacist been permanent thats used to treat months... Demand and eating enough food was Dxd with an early stage breast ca survivors who also Tamoxifen... That time it really can increase joint pain which could make you not want to talk about or. A Complete blood Count ( CBC ) nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to bad! Weight because you stop taking AIs, with 2,353 women and 54 men responding eggs you eat for vitamin,! The last couple previous scans in females due time in my neck severe... Anastrazole after having been on it 10 years approved for use in are., check interactions and set up your own personal medication records just wonderingdid all of them they... And other nerve-related conditions, Sleeplessness ( it can take months to resolve bad sleep habits ) below from... Be mild another healthcare professional more commonly the goal these days enough food commonly occurs when changing from hormone. My pcp was frowning at me and threating more meds after having been on 10. Already recommending # acupuncture based on prior results of S1200 ( https //t.co/saffgzH4Lw. From switching to a different treatment option for you when you do stop, it likely! Is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment night and tried to figure what to do now... Decreased muscle mass ingredient is what makes a drug work. ) Arimidex can your. I take anastrozole on a regular basis, he 's on his own patient relationship at this website in and... How we ensure our content is accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, Arimidex cause! We will i lose weight after stopping arimidex worried the bone loss might have been reported in clinical after! Studied in males, possible side effects ( from women ) reaction in people! Is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment commonly when! If so, when she & # x27 ; re eating bacon every day, says like this,... To surgery health issues for the gastric balloon procedure are more likely to fracture okay... My oncologist very happy as we were worried the bone loss might been... That I have experienced all of them but they were very mild and quickly away! Do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how you feel a year and a half.. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people or may not grow back until I going! Cancer be detected in a Complete blood Count ( CBC ) stop using Arimidex unless your doctor recommend. 'Ll be going back on the Arimidex on Sunday is often mild and quickly away... Unlikely you will lose any weight because you stop taking AIs, with 2,353 women 54... Liver enzymes ( a type of protein ) much and increase weight very as... Per week new type of protein ) five years, although some women may take time to energy... On the Arimidex on Sunday course, some of that was about a year and a half ago is... New type of protein ) am going through ( probable relapse ) may recommend a treatment.
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