Temporary break from Anastrazole anyone?

Hi Bunty500 welcome to the forum and I am so sorry to hear about the side effects that you are experiencing. It is not unheard of to take breaks from these medications but I wonder if you should speak first to your Breast Nurse or Oncologist as they may not be happy for you to have a break or alternatively they may be ok with this bets to check with them. I do hope you manage to get this all sorted out for you and can enjoy a much needed break away, relax and recover.   

Thanks Granny, thanks for the reply, it’s not so easy getting to see your doctor these days. What I’d like to know from anyone who’s done it, is how long it takes for side effects to subside and are there any issues starting up again. Good luck on your journey too. Xxx

Hi, I have been taking Anastrazole for 2 years 9 months. Like Granny59, I would definitely check with your breast nurse and/or oncologist. At my breast clinic, we can email in and the BCN calls back if necessary, or passes the query onto the Consultant or Oncologist, and then gets back with the response. I haven’t taken a break, despite having very bad joint pain that has affected my mobility. My oestrogen score was 8/8, and so Anastrazole is important for me. However, I have changed the brand of tablets. This came by chance when the one I had been taking for over two years was unavailable. After a while I noticed that I felt better, but didn’t think much about it until I returned back to the original brand. Within a few weeks my poor mobility, and the pain in my joints, was back again. I thought that this must be more than a coincidence. Anyway, a month later I spoke to the chemist and they very helpfully sourced the ‘replacement’ brand for me so I could change. Just under three weeks later, my joints improved again (by a lot), and the chemist has agreed to dispense this brand for me when they can. I don’t know how long it would take for any side effects to improve if you stopped completely, but again, perhaps a question for the oncologist. 

I'm on Tamoxifen, my oncologist said I could have a Tamoxifen holiday for 1 month annually. To do it before a flight and up to 5 days after. I was only told this after I asked because I knew someone who got a DVT after travelling. He said it was in the leaflet when I queried why I wasn't told before. 

Anyway that's what I'll do. The risk of recurrence is too high I feel. I am fatigued at times. But hey ho I can live with that. Xx

I have been on Anastrizole for 14 months and recently developed severe pain in my wrists having had a different brand.  I had an oncology appointment and have been given a 3 week break to see if it improves.  I can't feel any difference at the moment, but another 5 days to go, fingers crossed.  I agree with other comments speak to your oncologist or BCN.  Best of luck. Xx