1. < Breast Cancer

What happens when you stop taking anastrozole?

Posted by kamra @kamra, May 7, 2023

I've been taking anastrozole for six months to shrink tumors in preparation for surgery. I stopped taking it about a week and a half ago as the doctor ordered since my surgery is coming up. I've felt weird and not very well since stopping. I've been tired, kind of dizzy, and just not feeling myself. Anyone have experience with side effects when stopping Anastrozole? Thank you. I go back on it after surgery.

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krisabs1127 | @krisabs1127 | Apr 17 9:55pm

Hi! I also have osteoporosis and am taking Anastrazole, but I am new to it. My doc informed me there is an alternative to Fosamax. Fosamax is not well absorbed. The alternative is a once a year, 15 minute IV drip. I have not yet had it but I understand the side effects are nearly non existent. I hope this helps.

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1 reply
meomurian | @meomurian | Apr 18 12:46pm
In reply to @krisabs1127 "Hi! I also have osteoporosis and am taking Anastrazole, but I am new to it. My..." + (show)
@krisabs1127

Hi! I also have osteoporosis and am taking Anastrazole, but I am new to it. My doc informed me there is an alternative to Fosamax. Fosamax is not well absorbed. The alternative is a once a year, 15 minute IV drip. I have not yet had it but I understand the side effects are nearly non existent. I hope this helps.

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What is the name of the medicine in the drip?

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2 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Apr 18 1:03pm
In reply to @meomurian "What is the name of the medicine in the drip?" + (show)
@meomurian

What is the name of the medicine in the drip?

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@meomurian the drip may be Reclast, which, like Fosamax, is a bisphosponate but bypasses the GI system since it is IV.

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1 reply
meomurian | @meomurian | Apr 19 8:39am
In reply to @windyshores "@meomurian the drip may be Reclast, which, like Fosamax, is a bisphosponate but bypasses the GI..." + (show)
@windyshores

@meomurian the drip may be Reclast, which, like Fosamax, is a bisphosponate but bypasses the GI system since it is IV.

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Thanks. That’s what my sister had after her year on Evenity ended. I thought she went a number of times (monthly?) to get the Reclast infusion.

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nanna1948 | @nanna1948 | Apr 19 12:28pm
In reply to @meomurian "What is the name of the medicine in the drip?" + (show)
@meomurian

What is the name of the medicine in the drip?

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I just stopped and went back to my normal self. No more hot flashes. Stopped gaining weight. Hair loss slowed down good luck. Happy I completed five years

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phlebotalot041 | @phlebotalot041 | Apr 30 7:25pm

I am taking anistrozole for another 2.5 yrs after my double mastectomy. No chemo, no radiation. Double pos.
I just had my second bone scan and am trending towards increased bone loss. "Least significant", but I'd love to not be on it at all.
I'm told my hot flashes will subside if go off it.
I believe the risk of my cancer recurring is very minimal since I wasn't recommended for chemo at all and I've had all my breast tissue removed.
Looking for some recommendations.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 2 days ago
In reply to @phlebotalot041 "I am taking anistrozole for another 2.5 yrs after my double mastectomy. No chemo, no radiation...." + (show)
@phlebotalot041

I am taking anistrozole for another 2.5 yrs after my double mastectomy. No chemo, no radiation. Double pos.
I just had my second bone scan and am trending towards increased bone loss. "Least significant", but I'd love to not be on it at all.
I'm told my hot flashes will subside if go off it.
I believe the risk of my cancer recurring is very minimal since I wasn't recommended for chemo at all and I've had all my breast tissue removed.
Looking for some recommendations.

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Hi @phlebotalot041, whether to stay on an aromatase inhibitor or not is an individual calculus weighing the pros and cons, i.e, reducing chance of recurrence vs managing side effects and quality of life. It is a personal choice best made with your oncologist. There may be other options for you that you can talk about such as trying a different aromatase inhibitor. Your oncologist can also share the realities of potential risk of recurrence according to your diagnosis specifically.

Have you tried a different aromatase inhibitor or taking a treatment break to see if the hot flashes go away?

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1 reply
phlebotalot041 | @phlebotalot041 | 1 day ago
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @phlebotalot041, whether to stay on an aromatase inhibitor or not is an individual calculus weighing..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @phlebotalot041, whether to stay on an aromatase inhibitor or not is an individual calculus weighing the pros and cons, i.e, reducing chance of recurrence vs managing side effects and quality of life. It is a personal choice best made with your oncologist. There may be other options for you that you can talk about such as trying a different aromatase inhibitor. Your oncologist can also share the realities of potential risk of recurrence according to your diagnosis specifically.

Have you tried a different aromatase inhibitor or taking a treatment break to see if the hot flashes go away?

Jump to this post

I have not tried either of those suggestions...for any length of time anyway. I did fail to take it one day and I didn't have a single hot flash that day.
I'll take a break from it for the week and see how that goes. Then I'll consult with my oncologist again next month.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer.

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