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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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Gini Pariseau | @ginip | May 31, 2023
In reply to @nlb122 "I had a right breast mastectomy for IDC, stage 1, grade 1 in August 2022. I..." + (show)
@nlb122

I had a right breast mastectomy for IDC, stage 1, grade 1 in August 2022. I took letrozole prior to surgery for a few months because of the delay between diagnosis and surgery. I continue on letrozole but my most recent right hip pain and muscle spasms in that area have me concerned. The oncologist and surgeon both felt that if it is not consistent, it does not need to be evaluated. What’s consistent? Almost every day, but not all day, with certain movements, a brief painful spasm occurs. Is that consistent?. Neither doctor will order a scan because they felt it was unnecessary. I continue on the meds until something more happens. Is that the right approach or do I need to be more demanding for additional testing?

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Demand it! It’s not your car it’s YOUR body and YOUR peace of mind!

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lll3 | @lll3 | Jun 1, 2023

Can you describe your symptoms?

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jun 1, 2023
In reply to @nanna1948 "I too just finished five years of anastrazole following. 32 radiation treatments I am exhausted. Regular..." + (show)
@nanna1948

I too just finished five years of anastrazole following. 32 radiation treatments I am exhausted. Regular coffee mid afternoon is the only thing that helps. No serious side effects with anastrazole so I a. Grateful. I am 75 years old could be just that. I sleep great now

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My biggest side effect with both anastrozole and exemestane is the terrible insomnia. My 5 years is up in November. I'm looking forward to sleep without a bunch of drugs.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jun 1, 2023
In reply to @nlb122 "I had a right breast mastectomy for IDC, stage 1, grade 1 in August 2022. I..." + (show)
@nlb122

I had a right breast mastectomy for IDC, stage 1, grade 1 in August 2022. I took letrozole prior to surgery for a few months because of the delay between diagnosis and surgery. I continue on letrozole but my most recent right hip pain and muscle spasms in that area have me concerned. The oncologist and surgeon both felt that if it is not consistent, it does not need to be evaluated. What’s consistent? Almost every day, but not all day, with certain movements, a brief painful spasm occurs. Is that consistent?. Neither doctor will order a scan because they felt it was unnecessary. I continue on the meds until something more happens. Is that the right approach or do I need to be more demanding for additional testing?

Jump to this post

I was on anastrozole for 12 months before getting switched to exemestane. I had HORRIBLE joint pains - mainly in my hands, toes and shoulders. It took about 8 to 12 weeks for the joint pain go from aa 6 daily to a 0 or a 1 at the most. Every person reacts differently with each drug. I'm hoping you find one that you can tolerate for 5 years. My 5 years is up in November, They originally wanted me to take it for 10 years - I flatly refused, and I will stop at 5 years. My worst side effect now is insomnia. I turn 68 in August.

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nanna1948 | @nanna1948 | Jun 3, 2023

I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has had this. Waiting for hair to be less dry

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3 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 3, 2023
In reply to @nanna1948 "I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has..." + (show)
@nanna1948

I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has had this. Waiting for hair to be less dry

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I had a Breast Cancer Index test at the 5 year point that told me there was no benefit to extending the meds. There are so many reasons for me to feel tired, including other meds, that I really don't know. Hope you feel better!

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1 reply
auntiephil | @auntiephil | Jun 4, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "I had a Breast Cancer Index test at the 5 year point that told me there..." + (show)
@windyshores

I had a Breast Cancer Index test at the 5 year point that told me there was no benefit to extending the meds. There are so many reasons for me to feel tired, including other meds, that I really don't know. Hope you feel better!

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Hello, I’ve been a year out after anastrozole, the tiredness comes and goes. I figure, my body has absorbed this pill for five years now, it might take a while. My hair is also dry, but I’m not losing as much. I’m sure it will all improve as time goes by.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jun 4, 2023
In reply to @nanna1948 "I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has..." + (show)
@nanna1948

I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has had this. Waiting for hair to be less dry

Jump to this post

@nanna1948 I know this wasn’t easy and isn’t easy yet, but congratulations on finishing your course of treatment.
My favorite line is “it isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it”.
Things might never be physically the same but for me the “tired” did ease up, gradually. One day I just realized I had more energy and was doing more things.
How long have you been finished?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 4, 2023
In reply to @nanna1948 "I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has..." + (show)
@nanna1948

I have stopped anastrazole after five years. Very tired. Read this will resolve. Anyone else has had this. Waiting for hair to be less dry

Jump to this post

@nanna1948, I moved your message to this existing, active discussion:
- Completed 5 years of anastrozole. Withdrawal symptoms? Side effects? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-anastrozole-after-5-years-withdrawal-symptoms/

I did this so you can easily connect with others who have completed their course of anastrazole.

Nanna, how long has it been since you finished your 5 years of AI treatment?

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