How did you wean off or stop Anastrozole? Any problems?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago this week. My oncologist insisted I do either Prolia or Reclast infusions. I've had 7 infusions and thankfully no side effects. My osteoporosis reverted back to osteopenia. As a former RN, I was very reluctant to have either Prolia or Reclast. Was very concerned about side effects...if you have any, what then? The drug is in your body and there's nothing to be done about it. But, I knew I had to take the risk. I'm done with Anastrozole next month and my osteoporosis specialist said no more Reclast, unless I would need to go back on an AI. I'm going to celebrate...Anastrozole has been the worst part of my treatment...so many side effects that have impacted my quality of life. Anyway...good luck to you. Stay strong!

I got as much feedback from medical advisors in stopping taking Anastrozole as I did starting it - Not much. I felt like I got the same info that an adult gives a child - what is going on is no big deal and offer a bandaid (Tylenol and Bengay). In their effort to get us to the 5 year plus goal, our ability to analyze and determine what is best for our added quality of life consideration is insignificant or at the very best of limited consideration. It is a hard and lonely decision to make and not made casually.

Having said that each of us experience some form of side effect(s) that bring us to the point of deciding not to take Anastrozole. My stop date was April 3, 2023. Many of the more manageable side effects stopped within a couple of weeks. However my most problematic side effects (brain fog and muscle/joint knee pain) continued which caused me confusion and concern. My research gave me a very welcomed perspective that said these particular side effects can take 2-3 months to recover. I am so happy to say i am sharing this comment feeling relieved of these last two side effects and celebrating g every day.

I found side effects are associated with starting on Anastrozole. When you stop taking it you experience the recovery at different instances. I would not call those side effects. It is more the timeframe of recovery.
I want to emphasize the burden of arriving at this decision. I don’t think any of us make it casually. In the end I would hope that pharmaceutical companies and medical prescribers will, going forward, consider that we hopeful users have their quality of life as a reasonable side effect to mention up front!

I came off this medication in 12/22 after 5 years and I too, am worried about a relapse but dread taking Anastrozole again. It took several months after I was off it to start to feel better. Amazing what a little pill can do to our bodies.

Yes. I had osteoporosis in my hip before taking anastrozole my doc has me on alendronate 70 mg tables. I take once a week and still do my calcium’s every day. I have a done scan Aug 2.

I came off this medication in 12/22 after 5 years and I too, am worried about a relapse but dread taking Anastrozole again. It took several months after I was off it to start to feel better. Amazing what a little pill can do to our bodies.

I was taking it fir nearly 2 years, will b 2 years in sept, and I’ve spent months fighting to get off it. I succyand have started exemestane from ladt Saturday. I’ll give it a try for 6 months and if my back
Pain persists , I’ll stop taking it altogether. I’m 71. X

Was on Anastrozole and stopped because of joint pain in knee that totally interfered with walking. I was concerned that it would lead to osteoporosis.

@ginip. How is the joint pain now that you are off the AI? Just interested in time it takes to get back to normal. How long did you take Anastrozole?