Arimidex (Anastrozole)

General Information

Arimidex (Anastrozole) is approved for adjuvant treatment (treatment following surgery with or without radiation) of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician to learn more information.

Don’t stop treatment with Arimidex earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor, even if you notice improvements in your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery, or climbing until you are aware of how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol.

Arimidex is prescribed for postmenopausal women only. Don’t take Arimidex if you are pregnant. Birth control measures are recommended during treatment and a month after it.

Be aware that women with a history of ischemic heart disease may have a slight increase in this type of heart disease if they take Arimidex.

Arimidex may be the reason for osteoporosis, increasing the chance of fractures.

The cholesterol level may increase during Arimidex treatment. If you use Arimidex, you may also experience allergies, skin reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function.

What Are the Precautions Before Taking Arimidex?

It is important to report to a physician if you have or have had the following conditions:

• liver disease;
• any allergies;
• other illnesses;
• pregnancy, breast-feeding.

Provide your medical practitioner with an entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements, or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover, tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.

How Should Arimidex Be Used?

Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medication with others. Follow your doctor’s prescription strictly. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.

Take this orally exactly as prescribed by your medical assistant. Usually, it is taken once a day.

How Long Should You Take Arimidex?

In most cases, you’ll be prescribed to take Arimidex for five years. Doctors may recommend that some women take it for a longer or shorter period of time.

What Happens If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take the dose, take it as soon as possible. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.

What Happens If You Overdose?

Taking any medicine in large doses can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your healthcare professional instantly.

What Are Arimidex Side Effects?

When taking Arimidex following symptoms may occur:

• constipation or diarrhea;
• dizziness, headache;
• vomiting, nausea;
• loss of appetite;
• hot flashes;
• dry mouth;
• back pain;
• vaginal dryness;
• cough.

Side effects in early breast cancer:

• hot flashes, rash;
• weakness;
• joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), back pain, pain, osteoporosis, fractures;
• nausea, vomiting;
• mood changes, depression, insomnia, headache;
• high blood pressure;
• sore throat;
• swelling of arms/legs.

Side effects in advanced breast cancer:

• nausea;
• hot flashes;
• pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, joint pain/stiffness;
• swelling of arms and legs;
• decreased energy, weakness;
• increased cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat.

Changes in diet, such as eating several small meals or limiting activity, may help lessen nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, therapy with another medicine may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea.

Notify your physician if you experience:

• chest pain, breathing trouble;
•  rash;
• weight gain;
• vaginal bleeding;
• swelling of the feet or ankles;
• pain or swelling in the legs;
• tingling of the hands or feet;
• depression.

This list of side effects may not be complete; others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all the side effects you experience.

What Other Medications Will Affect Arimidex?

Arimidex may not work if you take it with estrogen or tamoxifen. Before you start taking Arimidex, inform your medical assistant if you take estrogen or tamoxifen.

Do not start or stop any drug without healthcare professional approval.

Storage

Arimidex should be stored at room temperature. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Arimidex out of the reach of children and away from animals.

Arimidex is a vital drug for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer since it efficiently blocks the synthesis of estrogen, which has a significant effect on patients. Due to its capacity to lower the chance of cancer return and enhance survival rates, it is a mainstay of adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer. Compared to conventional hormonal therapy, its advantageous side effect profile further emphasizes how important it is to provide patients with effective treatment while preserving their quality of life. Arimidex is a significant development in the battle against breast cancer, providing many people with a better prognosis across the globe.