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Anastrozole: How long do side effects last once you've stopped?

Posted by pnnyh @pnnyh, Feb 11, 2023

I was on anastrozole 1 mg. for 28 months. Clear mammograms last 2 years. (Had cardiac bypass surgery 20 years ago. Have dealt with blood pressure issues for 50 years. I'm 82 . )Had side effects (carpal tunnel syndrome/ slowed urination/hair loss/etc. etc .Unfortunately there was a pharmacy error and I took 2 mg. for 3 months. Blood pressure spiked (203/102) . When I realized error, of course I quit medication. I'm now on twice my usual cardiac meds. No anastrozole for 8 weeks. Blood pressure remains elevated. Most side effects remain.
For those of you who quit anastrozole because of side effects, how long did they remain? Oncologist wants me to restart anastrozole. I'm reluctant.

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chaya242424 | @chaya242424 | Aug 28, 2023
In reply to @celestebradham "I am new to taking anastrozole, been on it for two months. Having a few symptoms:..." + (show)
@celestebradham

I am new to taking anastrozole, been on it for two months. Having a few symptoms: stiffness in hand joints, tiredness, and off/on dull headache. Ibuprofen has helped a bit with joints and sometimes headaches, oncologist ordered a brain MRI. Waiting for results. ( I had lumpectomy and double reconstructive in April 2023).I am able to stretch and swim which seems to help with tiredness. I’m hoping side effects go away soon.

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It's actually helping with sleeping longer. I take it at night before bedtime. My pharmacist said not to drive for 1-1 1/2 hrs after taking bc it can make one dizzy, the reason for taking it at night. The first week I was dizzy when I woke up but no problem now. Check side effects online. I think headaches are listed. Not sure.

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celestebradham | @celestebradham | Aug 28, 2023
In reply to @chaya242424 "It's actually helping with sleeping longer. I take it at night before bedtime. My pharmacist said..." + (show)
@chaya242424

It's actually helping with sleeping longer. I take it at night before bedtime. My pharmacist said not to drive for 1-1 1/2 hrs after taking bc it can make one dizzy, the reason for taking it at night. The first week I was dizzy when I woke up but no problem now. Check side effects online. I think headaches are listed. Not sure.

Jump to this post

Yes, headaches are a side effect.

REPLY
celestebradham | @celestebradham | Aug 28, 2023
In reply to @celestebradham "I am new to taking anastrozole, been on it for two months. Having a few symptoms:..." + (show)
@celestebradham

I am new to taking anastrozole, been on it for two months. Having a few symptoms: stiffness in hand joints, tiredness, and off/on dull headache. Ibuprofen has helped a bit with joints and sometimes headaches, oncologist ordered a brain MRI. Waiting for results. ( I had lumpectomy and double reconstructive in April 2023).I am able to stretch and swim which seems to help with tiredness. I’m hoping side effects go away soon.

Jump to this post

Brain MRI came back clear. Talked to oncologist today, asked about percentage that anastrozole would benefit me. They weren’t able to do an onco test due to my cancer being less then 2mm. But cancer is H+. Side effects seemed worse today, headache, fatigue, fogginess and then nauseous started. I’m going to take. 2-3 week break. To see if side effects go away- I may or may not try another drug. I know I can’t/don’t want to feel this way anymore.
I’m looking forward to feeling good again!!

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nanna1948 | @nanna1948 | Aug 29, 2023

Try voltaren it helped me. You can’t use this if you are on blood thinners. Ask doctor first. It helped me

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