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Completed 5 years of anastrozole. Withdrawal symptoms? Side effects?

Posted by christinej @christinej, Jul 24, 2018

Monday, July 23rd, after consulting with Dr. Loprinzi, we decided to have me stop taking anastrozole. (Arimidex). It has been 5 years since I started the drug after breast cancer surgery and radiation. Has anyone stopped this drug and had any withdrawal symptoms? The nurse from Blue Group sent me an email today saying that there are no withdrawal symptoms after stopping this drug. Soooooooooooooo, is this all in my head? Definitely having some type of withdrawal.

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judeann20 | @judeann20 | 1 hour ago
In reply to @motormama59 "It's not in your head! I had joint pain and fatigue, brain fog while taking anastrazole..." + (show)
Profile picture for motormama59 @motormama59

It's not in your head! I had joint pain and fatigue, brain fog while taking anastrazole for 6 months. Went off it and joint pain majorly increased and developed trigger thumb in both thumbs. Been off 7 weeks and overall pain has lessened but still wake up with stiff fingers in the morning and trigger thumbs continue. The nurse said I may need an injection to loosen the tendon in my thumbs. Everyone reacts differently and it frustrates me that the medical doesn't acknowledge that.

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@motormama59
Dear Mm, I had a double mastectomy in 2024. I was diagnosed with Pagets disease. It is rare and only affects one breast. I had the other removed "just in case". Luckily it did not spread (DCIS).
I read enough and did research on all AI'S.
A 5 year regimen of Anastrozole seemed to be what so many Oncologists put their patients on after surgery.
For me? NO WAY. I was 71 at the time and to have 5 years of side affects was not my choice.
Doctors do down play the side affects as maybe hot flashes or just some night sweats. Unfortunately, you wind up on another drug to counter those side affects.
AGAIN, I say not for me. As with all things in life you need to make your own choices.
I spoke to my oncologist and she respected my wishes and because of the type of cancer I had it wasn't imperative to take it.
So, ask the questions get answers and then read, research and speak to other women.

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