Arimidex

The active ingredient in Arimidex is anastrozole, which is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which turns the hormone androgen into small amounts of estrogen in the body. This decreases the amount of estrogen in your body that is available to stimulate the growth and spread of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Arimidex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Arimidex:

• Typically, Arimidex is taken once daily. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.
• Arimidex can be taken with or without food.
• For up to five years, you might need to continue taking this medication. Observe your physician's advice.

The most common side effects of Arimidex seen in clinical trials include:

• Early breast cancer:
• Bone pain or joint pain.
• Tiredness.
• Mood changes.
• Bone fractures.
• Hot flashes.
• Cataracts.
• Vaginal bleeding or vaginal dryness.
• Advanced breast cancer:
• Hot flushes.
• Depression.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Swelling in the body.
• Blood clots.
• Weight gain.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Back pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Arimidex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Increased risk of heart disease: chest pain, trouble breathing, and dizziness.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, blisters, ulcers, skin reactions, hives, or swelling of the face, throat, and tongue.
• High cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Arimidex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Arimidex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you have ever had coronary artery disease (clogged arteries), Arimidex may reduce blood flow to your heart. If you experience shortness of breath or if your chest pain gets worse, you should see a doctor.
• Arimidex may cause your blood cholesterol levels to rise. Severe heart disease may result from excessive cholesterol. To ensure that your cholesterol levels remain within a healthy range, routine blood tests may be required.
• Combining Arimidex with estrogen-containing medications (e.g., hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may make Arimidex less effective.
• If you also take tamoxifen, you should avoid taking anastrozole.
• Men and children are not permitted to use Arimidex.
• This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
• Arimidex may make blood clots and strokes more likely. If you experience sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of your body, a severe headache, slurred speech, or issues with vision or balance, you should contact your doctor right away.
• Anastrozole may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist.

If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, Arimidex might not be the best course of treatment. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to anastrazole or any of the inactive ingredients in the product. You should also avoid Arimidex if you are pregnant.

Within 24 hours, Arimidex begins to lower your body's estrogen levels, but it takes weeks or months for it to fully take effect. As your body adjusts to having less estrogen, you may experience menopausal symptoms during this time. You should expect to take Arimidex for at least 5 years or longer.

When Arimidex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Combining Arimidex with an estrogen medication (e.g., birth control pills, estrogen creams, hormone replacement therapy, injections, implants, skin patches, vaginal rings, or vaginal suppositories) may make Arimidex less effective.

The typical dosage of Arimidex is 1mg by mouth per day. If you happen to miss a dose and your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store your Arimidex at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and ANI Pharmaceuticals are the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Arimidex.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Arimidex.

Because it's essential to effectively manage your breast cancer treatment, you should never stop taking Arimidex without first talking to your doctor. They will advise you on the best way to stop the medication, which usually means stopping it completely once your treatment plan is over without tapering down the dose gradually.

Anastrozole may be harmful to an unborn child, even though it is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman would become pregnant. Before beginning this treatment, you might need to have a negative pregnancy test. If you have not gone through menopause, use an effective form of non-hormonal contraception. After your last Arimidex dose, continue taking birth control for at least three weeks. If you become pregnant, let your doctor know.

While taking this medication and for at least two weeks following your last dose, avoid breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed.