Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Have you tried taking vitamin D? Keep reading and note the graphs within the Tweets below. Anecdotally, my experience has been positive. The side effects are very severe in the short and long term, as others have noted. Over the last three years I've gained 40 pounds. Now I'm experiencing some weight gain. Arimidex can affect your liver and may cause increased liver enzyme levels. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. In fact, although I know any med can make some gain weight, I have not heard many complain about that. I too am experiencing extreme fatigue. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. Sounds like you made the best decision for you. Many people feel low or depressed. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. My body fat has reduced by 3.2. How do I take anastrozole on a cycle and how much? Also I wonder if anyone else has grappled with the question and how did you decide: at what point does the AI, with its bone demineralization side effect, actually hurt more than help my quality of life? 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. Arimidex lowers estrogen levels by preventing the synthesis of estrogen from adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone). I am now, like Suzanne, consciously and conscientiously losing it. Hugs back and thank you for taking time to comment. So at the end, I wonder net net how much bone do I keep? Studies didnt look at the occurrence of side effects when Arimidex was used with other medications to treat breast cancer. All three trials demonstrate that weight gain occurs primarily within the first 12 months of active treatment in a subset of patients. Let me repeat, I am not endorsing stopping early or not starting, for that matter. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. Your doctor will try to find out the cause of your symptoms. Enjoying what I'mdoing is an added bonus. But this use of Arimidex is illegal, and the drug may be tested for prior to sporting events or competitions. I have 4 friends who are between 7-20+ year breast ca survivors who also refused Tamoxifen or an AI. How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex? For example, it may be possible to switch to another aromatase inhibitor to see if your pain improves, or some people might be offered the drug tamoxifen as an alternative. I've done personal training, nutritional counseling, meal prepping, cardio, HIIT workouts, and my blood work is all in the green. Anastrozole may cause dizziness. I am concerned that the hair loss is irreversible or may not grow back until I am finished with Arimidex. and told myself I would not gain it back. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking anastrozole. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? 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. This made me and my oncologist very happy as we were worried the bone loss might have been permanent. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Great news! Support you can use. 4. React. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts these androgens into estrogen. If you have additional questions about possible side effects that can occur after 5 years of treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. At all. I am going through a similar thing and am taking a three week break from Anastrozole as I had such severe knee and leg pain, wrists, hands, etc. I realized I was no longer experiencing quite as much joint pain, which for me, had been one of my worst side effects. If Im surmising correctly, who benefits from these assays might be more nuanced. You won't know until you try it how it will affect you! Last updated on April 25, 2022. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However I'm am on Afinitor now and I have lost weight and now . My Dr took me off it for two weeks and I restarted it in September. 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. I started going to Curves a couple years ago and lasted for about 2 weeks and could not use the machines anymore because severe joint pain. 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. This is when part of the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lung. Nothing seems to work and she's very unhappy . To clarify, in each color category on the wheel, the darker the color the more data there is to support the recommendation. Is it worth it do this to our bodies for a 4 percent increase~~~they like to tell you, this doubles your survival but if you you push them on the stats its only from 2 to 4 percent! 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. I have MBC, diagnosed in Nov 2021. Trials have been underway looking at genomic assays such as Breast Cancer Index Test (BCI) and researchers presented results (thus far) at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference (#ASCO21). The same goes for low-carb if you're eating bacon every day, says . Soooooooooooooo, is this all in my head? Arimidex may be used as a long-term treatment option for breast cancer. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. You kick some too!!! Although not common, its possible to have liver problems from taking Arimidex. 41% of respondents noted relief from side effect management strategies that were tried. anyone else have "withdrawal symptoms"? Thank you for sharing what you decided to do. 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. Studies looked at side effects that occurred in females* for 5 years after starting Arimidex treatment. When are the effects of Arimidex finally gone? How to maintain your dignity when youre a cancer patient 6 tips. If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. Nausea. Arimidex (anastrozole) Medical News Today. This medicine interferes with the production of estrogen in the body. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. What research-backed updates about these drugs did I miss? Almost everyone that I have chatted with has had terrible, SE with this. Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping arimidex; however, some may persist long term. I too just finished taking Anastrazole after years and having incredible fatigue. Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. 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. 3. Regalhank. If you develop symptoms of heart problems at any time during treatment, seek medical attention right away. I was on Arimidex for 5 years gain a few pounds but I really had a hard time losing weight I worked with a trainer at a gym and followed weigh watchers diet I tried so hard but would lose and gain the same 10 pounds no matter what I did. My blood pressure was sort of creeping up and my pcp was frowning at me and threating more meds. Nonetheless, Ive been able to keep it off. Its not known if Arimidex is safe to take during pregnancy. I am starting arimidex in a few days. I am just now experiencing some dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. I am not. Although rare, its possible to develop hair loss while taking Arimidex. What are the serious side effects of Arimidex? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Were any of them prior to/when you were still taking the drug? What are the mild side effects of Arimidex? Stopping abnormal, heavy bleeding. Had CT scan 2 weeks ago which showed significant inflammation in terminal ileum and old pancreatitis with calcification. Your side effect notes can include things such as: Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Arimidex affects you. Anastrozole can sometimes cause headaches. Yes, Arimidex may cause some long-term side effects. 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. 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. 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. 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). anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara) and exemestane (Aromasin). The side effects made my life miserable so although I certainly understand why I should be taking something, I need to have a quality of life. However, there is no data at this time which suggests that taking aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex for more than 5 years has added benefit. Anastrozole and side effects.hair loss/thinning and hair regrowth. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? Thank you for sharing them. 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. However, the very best defense against the joint pain is staying active. 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. I don'tfeel like an old woman any more. What happens when you stop taking Arimidex? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex. My experience so far is my oncologist refers to me to the metabolic bone specialist, and the bone specialist refers me to the oncologist! 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. 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. This medication may be used by males to decrease their estrogen levels if theyre taking other drugs that increase estrogen. Changes In Your Mood Perhaps you're aware of the mounting evidence that links low levels of testosterone and depression. In studies, females* taking Arimidex had increased levels of liver enzymes (a type of protein). Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Increase estrogen treatment in a subset of patients and caregivers for support and answers my pcp was frowning at and... Mood Perhaps you & # x27 ; re aware of the cancer itself and some for! Androstenedione and testosterone ) been able to keep it off for two and. Medical attention right away how much bone do I keep with the of! In studies, females will i lose weight after stopping arimidex for 5 years of treatment, talk with your doctor will try find. 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