Arimidex (Anastrozole)

What is Arimidex?

Arimidex (anastrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It reduces the number of estrogens in postmenopausal women. It helps to slow down the growth of certain kinds of breast tumors. Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

What is Arimidex used for?

Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in women who have completed their menopause. It is usually given to women whose cancer has advanced even after taking tamoxifen (Soltamox, Nolvadex).

How does Arimidex work?

Arimidex works by lowering estrogen hormone levels in postmenopausal women. Lower levels of estrogen help in slowing down the growth of certain kinds of breast tumors (which need estrogen to grow in the body).

How to use Arimidex

Arimidex should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once everyday. Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely. You may need to keep taking the medicine for 5 years.

Arimidex warnings and precautions

Do not use Arimidex if you are allergic to anastrozole. Prior to taking Arimidex, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, history of stroke or blood clot, liver disease, circulation problems or if you have not yet completed menopause.

Pregnant women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors. Use effective birth control treatments. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. You may be required to stop taking the drug. Consuming the drug during pregnancy can cause harm to an unborn baby or may even result in loss of pregnancy.

It is not known whether the drug passes into (human) breast milk or if it could harm the nursing baby. Lactating women must consult their doctors before taking the medicine.

Arimidex’s side effects may impair your thinking. Be careful while driving or doing anything that requires alertness.

What do I do if I have missed a Arimidex dose?

If you have missed your Arimidex dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Arimidex overdose?

Consequences of an overdose of the drug are not known. If you think that you have taken an Arimidex overdose you should seek medical attention.

Arimidex interactions

Before taking Arimidex, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like tamoxifen or an estrogen medicine. Arimidex may not work well if taken along with these medicines.

Tell your doctor about all other drugs including minerals and vitamins that you use. Also, do not start using a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Arimidex side effects

Arimidex side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; sudden headache; sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body; problems with speech, vision or balance; confusion; bone fracture; swelling in hands, feet or glands and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Arimidex, contact your doctor.

Mild nausea, pain in bones or joints, hot flashes, back pain, sore throat, weakness, depression or changes in mood are some less serious side effects of Arimidex.