Hi to you all. This is only my 2nd post - I’m so glad I found this site. Just reading your brave stories helps tremendously, so thank you all for sharing. I have been on anastrazole for 2 years and 3 months, and have decided to stop taking it after very careful consideration. My side-effects from the drug did not improve over time - they have become worse in fact. I took my last pill 3 days ago and I expect it will take some time to get feeling better. Can anyone tell me what side-effects they experienced when they came off anastrazole/arimidex? For example, I am experiencing one hell of a headache since stopping, and feeling generally **bleep**ty. If anyone can share their own experience about stopping and how they felt, I would love to hear from you. Warmest wishes ?
Hello Braveface,
I just saw you posted today on the Nurses section and so am replying to that here (as I am obviously not one of the nurses - just a fellow Anasty user). On the above Post, you sound like you are beating yourself up badly - so I thought you might appreciate a response before Monday!
Try and stop beating yourself up so much! I know it is easier said than done!! People sometimes are medically advised to have longer breaks than 7 days. As far as I understand it, and I may be wrong, research indicated (sorry I can not recall the actual reference for this), that suppression of oestrogen was maintained for up to six days after stopping the dose. I understand that the half life of the drug in post menopausal women, is approx. 48 - 50 hours.
However, and it may depend on how long a person has been taking it for and other individual circumstances, the beneficial effects (as well side effects such as joint pain etc) can continue for some time after stopping.
So bear in mind that you have been taking it for over 2 years - so that has hopefully given you protection from such a relatively short break. I read somewhere that it is the first few years of taking that can be the most important (trouble with me is I am good as reading things but not good at remembering the actual references!!).
I just read some of your other posts and this treatment has obviously taken it’s toll on you. I think it is good that you are going to discuss it with your Onco. Make sure they go through all the pros and cons for you as an individual. Perhaps some of your side effects can be alleviated or maybe changing to another treatment will work for you or maybe you will feel comfortable ending the treatment after you have had a full discussion and weighed things up.
Whatever you decide just make sue it is right for you,
all the best Braveface,
Chick x