If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor about the best way to do this. Sometimes, they may recommend stopping Arimidex even after 5 years of treatment or more.
Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Arimidex “cold turkey,” meaning all at once. Its dosage doesn’t usually need to be decreased slowly over time. If you’re continuing treatment for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend switching to a different drug when you stop Arimidex.
You may want to talk with your doctor about how long side effects last after stopping Arimidex. How long they last may depend on which side effects you experience.
For example, if you have nausea, it may go away right after you stop taking Arimidex. Other side effects such as liver problems or osteoporosis (weakened bones) may remain even after you stop treatment.
You should not stop taking Arimidex without first discussing it with your doctor.