Has anyone taken a few days off Arimidex?

bjcota50

I am estrogen, progesterone, HR2 positive and been diagnosed I year ago with stage 1 grade 2 no lymph node breast cancer. Had chemo ended in August. I've been on Arimidex since sept 2015. I am generally ok but feel depressed most of the time now. When I visit out of town family, I'd love to take a few days off. Has anyone approached there Drs with this?

Manu14

I think you will find that women have had a variety of responses to that question depending on their oncologists and their cancer profile.

At my medical oncologist's suggestion, I took a month off from Arimidex due to some other health problems I had for a time not related to cancer. He told me that it was the total amount of time(how many months and years) that I took the drug that counted most - not that it necessarily had to be every single day with no interruptions. I don't know if my low risk profile played into his statement, but I don't think so. As for depression, others will be along on this thread who have dealt with that while on Arimidex or one of the other anti-hormonals. There are meds that can be taken along with Arimidex so that daily depression isn't something you should have to live with.

Anonymous

Hi bj, sorry you are faced with this. SE's of this drug usually take days/weeks/months to subside so I'm not sure taking a few days off during a trip/visit will be effective. Usually when our friends post they note their MO okayed weeks or months off. You should always talk with your MO.

All that being said, living with depression is not fun and you should not have to stay in that place just because you are taking this med. Please talk with your MO or PCP about an antidepressant to improve your QOL while on this pill as you will be doing yourself a favor. We need not feel we are weak or embarrassed about being on a med that will help us cope. (this all supposes you are not against meds/big pharma/etc as some are).

Spookiesmom

Agree with Patoo. And I have taken time off, from a few days to a month. The month had my MOs permission.

BrooksideVT

Do speak with your onc. He'll probably suggest a two-week drug holiday to see if your depression lessens, or perhaps he'll suggest switching to a different AI. His (or her) job is to monitor and manage your side effects, so that you can stick with the anti hormonal plan.