The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Taking a vacation from AIs?

Derbygirl
Derbygirl CSN Member Posts: 198
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've been taking Arimidex (and Femara before that) with lower back aches and leg stiffness. Side effects are relieved by over-the-counter drugs, especially Aleve, if taken on a daily basis. My Oncologist said I could take a "vacation" from taking Arimidex - 2 days off Rx each month. He said there is a residual effect from AIs and that some of his patients have seen a benefit of less side effects. Has anyone tried this or Oncologist recommended? If so, was there a change in side effects?
Like Care

Comments

  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D CSN Member Posts: 1,867
    #2
    Derbygirl, I am not on any
    Derbygirl, I am not on any hormone therapy as of yet, so, I can't answer your question using my own experience. But, I have read on here where others took a break from some of their hormone therapy drugs. I am sure they will post and give you more information. If you trust your oncologist, you might give it a try. Hugs, Jeanne
    Like Care
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy CSN Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #3
    Arimidex
    I have been on Arimidex for 18 months. The only side effects that are noticeable are the hot flashes and bone pain. Have not had anything that is bad enough to quit. Sorry I can't help!
    =^..^=
    Like Care
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 CSN Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #4
    cats_toy said:

    Arimidex
    I have been on Arimidex for 18 months. The only side effects that are noticeable are the hot flashes and bone pain. Have not had anything that is bad enough to quit. Sorry I can't help!
    =^..^=

    I am not on Arimidex, but,
    I am not on Arimidex, but, wanted to say that you need to do what is best for you. It might be worth a try to take a break to see if that is what is causing it, which it probably is. Good luck to you!
    Like Care
  • dmc_emmy
    dmc_emmy CSN Member Posts: 549
    #5
    Vacations
    As per my onc's compromise with me: Yes, I have been on med "vacations" and am currently taking another one. I have been 3 months on and 1 month off for the past 2 years approx and, for the summers, I have taken the entire 3 months off (so I can enjoy my summer without aches, pains, depression, mood swings, and all the other side effects).

    Since it takes about a month, as per my understanding, for the meds to leave your body, when I return to taking them I have just finished cleansing my system. Of course, this means more years on meds.

    My onc has also suggested every other day, but my memory is so bad that I doubt if I would be able to remember if it's an "on" day or an "off" day.

    I went a straight 9 months this past year, and that was a really bad idea for me-I had EVERY se.
    dmc
    Like Care

Discussion Boards