Common side effects I'm almost at the end". And I have not changed my diet and exercise habits. Source: Tweet below from recent #ASCO21 Conference. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. I know I am going to have to change my eating habits because I am already obese. It is a place to learn, discuss and share experiences and information. The names in parentheses are brand names. I have been consistent. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. How much does Arimidex increase survival? If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic. Amy, Everyone is different in what they are willing/able to tolerate. 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. However, the very best defense against the joint pain is staying active. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. I was Dxd with an early stage breast ca. Well , I will start on my arimides in a few days and see what happens. However, I decided to stop a wee bit early. I had fatigue but that seems to have faded away too. Something about cancer connects us, no matter what sort or type we have. Calorie counting. However, access and cost come into play here for many of us. Some people find anastrozole produced by one manufacturer seems to suit them better than another. Interested in more discussions like this? Soooooooooooooo, is this all in my head? The same goes for low-carb if you're eating bacon every day, says . Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. Had CT scan 2 weeks ago which showed significant inflammation in terminal ileum and old pancreatitis with calcification. I'm sure you did that though. vikkr Just wonderingdid all of those symptoms occur a short time after stopping the Arimidex? This medication has not been studied for use in females who havent gone through menopause. Some physical therapy places will let you work out there for a monthly fee after they're finished with their sessions with you. To hear from us, please sign up below. Also, have your primary check your vitamin d level as low levels may make the pain worse. I hope this is some encouragement. 41% of respondents noted relief from side effect management strategies that were tried. I have gained 8 pounds. Although rare, its possible for Arimidex to cause cardiotoxicity or liver toxicity. You might want to read and/or download, Endocrine Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to Managing & Making Decisions about Your Aromatase Inhibitor Medication. I wish you all the best as you move forward and deal with what comes next. Stephanie L. Graff, MD, FACP summed up those results succinctly: Researchers presented results from several studies looking at genomic assays, tests that look at the genes of the tumor itself. I'm almost at the end of a trial period of going off Arimidex for two weeks. 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. Anastrozole may cause dizziness. Have you tried taking vitamin D? Okay, mostly off. But its important to note that this side effect wasnt seen in studies of Arimidex. Arimidex may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. I hope that eases as the weather improves and I can get outside more. I even started out slow knowing that this would happen. No lymph node, involvement. Ive heard seven is more commonly the goal these days. These are just a few of the side effects Arimidex may cause. If you have any worries or questions about taking or stopping anastrozole, you can call us free on 0808 800 6000 to talk through your concerns. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression . Keeping it real. Actually, they would never have been there in the first place. What are the serious side effects of Arimidex? I did find. Your health care professional may also. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients (for example preservatives). How much does Arimidex increase survival? Its noteworthy, too, that AIs are used to treat some types of metastatic breast cancer, usually, in combination with another drug. Unfortunately, I cant say Ive noticed better hair. I am starting arimidex in a few days. 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). Some of the more serious side effects of Tamoxifen include blood clots, stroke, endometrial cancer and memory loss. Among the participants, 1,920 were randomly assigned to anastrozole for five years and 1,944 to placebo. 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. How soon do the side effects of Arimidex start? We need less harsh drugs that cause fewer side effects to begin with! If your levels become too high, they may recommend that you take another medication to lower your cholesterol. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. Some side effects are mild while others are more severe. 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. If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. Nancy, you are so great for starting this blog and helping so many people. Plus, there's the whole probably will die young too thing. I still take it off slowly. Arimidex is a tablet that is taken by mouth. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The intent, of course, is to prevent recurrence. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. The worst side effect I had was hot flashes, but I was undergoing radiation and it was a particularly hot summer here. Generally it takes four to five half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from the body, so in the case of Arimidex this would be 150 to 300 hours, or six to 12 days. We avoid using tertiary references. I've done personal training, nutritional counseling, meal prepping, cardio, HIIT workouts, and my blood work is all in the green. "A Woman's Guide to Living with Heart Disease" by Carolyn Thomas - My Review. Oncologists dont discuss with you what could happen if you get a vertebral or hip fracture and how serious that injury could be. Some of you might remember a survey I shared about a while back about said side effects. Thank you and your lovely readers for sharing their experiences. Arimidex is selective too which means that it only affects blood estradiol concentrations, and has no effect on the formation of adrenal corticosteroids or aldosterone. Now I'm experiencing some weight gain. In some rare cases, side effects can result in permanent damage, even after you stop treatment with Arimidex. So, it appears our speaking up about these side effects is starting to pay off. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Arimidex. I'm getting handfuls of hair every day in the bathtub drain. I feel a little cheated. I gained weight on Tamoxifen but did not gain weight on Arimidex. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. anyone else have "withdrawal symptoms"? Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. 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 . Its related to the drug and it may take time to get energy back but it will come back . I also am doing my part by eating very healthy/high plant-based diet. 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. (2018). I am now, like Suzanne, consciously and conscientiously losing it. 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. Anecdotally, my experience has been positive. 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. Anyone lose weight after stopping lexapro. Arimidex is only approved to be used in females whove gone through menopause (stopped having periods). Arimidex can cause bone pain. Christine, what symptoms are you experiencing? 4. Its a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. Athletes or bodybuilders may use Arimidex for this purpose. All three trials demonstrate that weight gain occurs primarily within the first 12 months of active treatment in a subset of patients. Thank you, Dr. Attai, for listening to us and thank you for heading up that survey. I am so happy for you. xoxoxo Lynn, lynn, Thank you so much for your response. Some people find counselling or mindfulness helpful. is incredible. However, there is no data at this time which suggests that taking aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex for more than 5 years has added benefit. 1 Lifestyle Changes That Will Help You Lose Weight After Your Operation. Yes, it was approved by my doc. Suzanne, thank you so much for your response. It amazes me with all the encouragent and ideas that you give everyone. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you. For more information, see Liver problems in the Side effects explained section above. If youre concerned about medications that may interact with Arimidex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Women were considered high risk if they had two or more blood relatives with breast cancer, a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before the age of 50, or a mother or sister who had breast cancer in both breasts. Nothing alleviated the side effects, not exercise, not additional drugs, not acupuncture. If you think you have fatigue, tell your GP or treatment team. So give it a try. 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. 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. But, as we all know, lowering the bodys natural supply of estrogen also can create problems, for some of us anyway. If youre experiencing any or all of these, its not fun. The cancer connection is that I had 2 primary cancers (breast and endometrial) that were estrogen related. You're so right though, too often these discussions aren't held with our oncologists. Source for above: Takeaways from American Society of Clinical Oncology 2021 (ASCO) via Dr. Susan Love Foundation. I mean, really slowly, but I can nudge things along a wee bit easier. Arimidex (anastrozole) Drugs.com AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. 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. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex. 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. It's important to be aware of your bone density if you are taking an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex. The joint pain and hot flashes were much worse as well. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. Source: Tweet (below) from recent #ASCO21 Conference. Arimidex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Just because a tool is there, doesnt mean its usable for everybody. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. Since Nov. 1 I have been to the gym 5 days a week, missing only an occasional day here and there (maybe a total of 5). 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). Osteoporosis. Can't win!! The one thing that comes up again and again is the benefit of exercise. No one seems to know. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 13 Tips to Help Manage Side Effects from Aromatase Inhibitors. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. Arimidex reduces the risk of breast cancer by 53% after 7 years follow up and 50% after 10.9 years follow up. Side effects after stopping anastrozole. Examples include chest pain or shortness of breath. You may find eating small frequent meals or snacks helps keep up your food intake. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Your doctor may monitor your liver more often throughout treatment, or they may recommend a different medication for you. You did fine! Your doctor may monitor your bone mineral density or may recommend a different treatment option for you. It will be seven years in October! The last time I took my blood pressure, it was 117/70. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Nothing seems to work and she's very unhappy . Arimidex may increase your cholesterol. Emerging: Stories from the Other Side of a Cancer Diagnosis, Loss, and a Pandemic Coming Soon! A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting anastrozole. anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara) and exemestane (Aromasin). We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. What research-backed updates about these drugs did I miss? Over the last three years I've gained 40 pounds. 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. and told myself I would not gain it back. There are CDs, podcasts and phone apps that can guide you through these techniques. Emphasis on might, as we are all very different here too. Anastrozole is made by a number of different manufacturers. But I know I have to take this for BC. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. Please discuss with YOUR oncologist. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Breast cancer can cause breast pain, but its not common. I have, hard time controlling my bladder, and memory is definitely been affected along with mild hot flashes. 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 would love to walk but have a bad knee. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the hormone. What are the new treatment options for migraines? No new side effects have been reported in clinical trials after stopping Arimidex. If that's a donut, go for it. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a prescription drug thats used to treat breast cancer. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. Allergic reaction. 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. Once you finish your treatment your liver will usually go back to normal. Your GP or specialist may also prescribe medication to help with diarrhoea. Interested in more discussions like this? It does make me sleepy, so like CC, I take it at night. Thinking about that is part of the reason I stayed on mine. Hi Nancy, my name is julliany, I'm Brazilian, and I recently discovered your blog. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Available for Android and iOS devices. That was about a year and a half ago. (& other questions you might be wondering about). Pain. I was unable to take any of the AI's due to side effects but I'm just curious about your situation..?? Arimidex can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Femara can stay in your. If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Arimidex, they may have you switch to a different treatment. If you have coronary artery disease, also known as ischemic heart disease, tell your doctor before starting Arimidex. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. I should have had at least 10-20 more years without hot flashes, fatigue, and sexual disfunction. Breast cancer incidence among post menopausal women at high risk for breast cancer continued to be significantly reduced 5.9 years after stopping five years of the Arimidex (average of 10.9 years post breast cancer treatment). Any Suggestions? 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). Coping with the side effects of anastrozole 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. Like Helpful Hug 1 Reaction Interested in more discussions like this? This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. 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? I was osteopenic (pre-cursor to osteoporosis) prior to BC, and diagnosed with osteoporosis along with my IDC. You may also want to eat more foods that are rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and cereals. I'm glad some of my posts are meaningful for you. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. 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. I allow myself to fall off the wagon if I feel like it on the eating, but I have changed my eating habits consistently and I maintain the exercise routine 5 days a week. When are the effects of Arimidex finally gone? Thats it. In some cases, this may be a sign of liver damage. Learn more. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. Has Cancer Treatment Accelerated the Aging Process for You? Aromasin is a brand-name prescription medication. Glad benefit is durable. It is possible to lose weight if you don't eat dinner, however, it does not necessarily mean that you should stop eating dinner altogether. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. Other side effects Withdrawal symptoms? Anastrozole may also make you feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting). I don't know what changed in my little brain, but something did and I've stuck to it and have lost28 lbs.