Stopping Anastrozole

Hi Dawn

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community.

That’s a tremendous achievement as the side effects can be quite tough, can’t they. Very well done.

It’s quite correct that there is no evidence that taking the anti-hormone treatment for more than 10 years is beneficial. That’s because clinical trials compared 5 years against 10 years; so you have had completed the optimal treatment.

That being said, its rather unnerving stopping a medication that has provided protection or been that ‘comfort blanket’, as you rightly call it. It’s not unusual to feel nervous, Dawn - many women do. But you might be pleased to learn that the treatment you have taken will continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you've finished. This is known as the ‘carryover effect’ and may last for five years or longer.  

There is no need to ween yourself off the medication such as you might with a long-term steroid prescription, for example. If you experience anything it is most likely to be a gradual cessation of those menopausal-type symptoms.  

I hope you find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there is anything else we can support you with.

Best wishes, Helen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref HM/FM 

Hi Helen,

Many thanks for your response, you made my day by just simply acknowledging the difficulties I have faced while enduring my 10 year stint on this drug. I now feel much more positive about coming off it and looking forward to returning to some kind of new 'normal'! 

Thanks 

Dawn