Readers ask: What happens when you stop taking arimidex?

How long do side effects last after stopping Arimidex?

Many side effects of Arimidex will improve within a couple of weeks of stopping Arimidex; however, some may persist long term. No new side effects have been reported in clinical trials after stopping Arimidex. Side effects that should resolve quickly include: Chest discomfort.

What if I stop taking Arimidex?

Stopping anastrozole

Some people worry about stopping their treatment, but there’s evidence that anastrozole continues to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. However, not taking the drug for the recommended time may increase the risk of your breast cancer coming back.

How long does it take for anastrozole to get out of your system?

Studies in postmenopausal women demonstrated that anastrozole is extensively metabolized with about 10% of the dose excreted in the urine as unchanged drug within 72 hours of dosing, and the remainder (about 60% of the dose) is excreted in urine as metabolites.

Will bone density improve after stopping Arimidex?

When aromatase inhibitors are stopped, the small amount of estrogen that is produced in postmenopausal women from peripheral aromatization returns; with it comes an increase in BMD, which is particularly robust (approaching the baseline BMD prior to starting the aromatase inhibitor) at the trabecular bone-rich lumbar

Are there withdrawal symptoms from Arimidex?

Some side effects of Arimidex, such as nausea, hot flashes, pain, chest discomfort, dry eyes, a reduced sex drive, and weakness, should resolve within a few weeks of discontinuing Arimidex.

What are the long term side effects of Arimidex?

Side effects of anastrozole (Arimidex)

• aching or pain in the joints and muscles.
• menopausal symptoms.
• low mood and depression.
• difficulty sleeping.
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• osteoporosis (thinning of the bone)

How long should you stay on Arimidex?

How long do I take Arimidex? In most cases, you’ll take Arimidex for 5 years. Doctors may recommend that some women take it for a longer or shorter period of time.

Is anastrozole worth taking?

Based on a woman’s individual circumstances regarding her breast cancer, her overall health and other medical conditions, taking a medication such as anastrozole can decrease the chance of breast cancer recurring by about 7 to 10 percent. Some people have significant side effects when taking anastrozole.

Is anastrozole a form of chemo?

Anastrozole (Arimidex^®) is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Breast Cancer – early stage.

What does anastrozole do to your body?

Anastrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

Can anastrozole affect your eyesight?

Based on analysis of OCT retinal thickness data, it is likely that anastrozole increases the tractional force between the vitreous and retina. Consequently, AI users, myopic AI users particularly, might be at increased risk for traction-related vision loss.

Why does anastrozole cause weight gain?

Weight gain may also occur because aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole) counteract the effects of estrogen. An enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) sits on the surface of cells and pulls fat out of the bloodstream. On a muscle cell it puts fat into the cell where it is used for fuel.

Does Arimidex cause joint damage?

Muscle and joint pain are common side effects of the aromatase inhibitors Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole), Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane), and Femara (chemical name: letrozole). For some women this pain can be severe. Doctors aren’t sure why aromatase inhibitors cause muscle and joint pain.

Can you rebuild bone density?

While you can never regain the bone density you had in your youth, you can help prevent rapidly thinning bones, even after your diagnosis.

Can you drink alcohol when taking anastrozole?

The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of anastrozole. Anastrozole has lactose in it. The amount is very small but may rarely cause some gastric upset in persons who are lactose intolerant.