Generic name: Anastrozole
Brand names: Arimidex
General Information
Arimidex 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 of 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 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 of osteoporosis increasing the chance of fractures.
The cholesterol level may increase during Arimidex treatment. Allergy, skin reactions, changes in blood tests of liver function may also take place if you use Arimidex.
What are precautions before taking Arimidex?
It is important to report to a physician if you have or had the following conditions:
- liver disease
- any allergies
- other illnesses
- pregnancy, breast-feeding
Provide your medical practitioners 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 medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s prescription. 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 during 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?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. 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 you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
What are Arimidex side effects?
When taking Arimidex following symtoms may occur:
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness, headache
- vomiting, nausea
- loss of appetite
- hot flashes
- dry mouth
- back pain
- vaginal dryness
- cough
Side effects in the 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, sore throat
Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen nausea and vomiting. In some cases, 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 be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all 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.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.