Anastrozole
Description
Generic Name: anastrozole
Drug Class: aromatase inhibitor
Arimidex Uses
Arimidex is an oral prescription drug prescribed to postmenopausal women as an adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer or as first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is also prescribed for advanced breast cancer with disease progression following tamoxifen.
Arimidex Dosage Forms
This drug is available as Arimidex 1 mg tablet.
Arimidex Mechanism of Action
This type of drug primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme that is responsible for converting adrenal androgens into estradiol and estrogen. It suppresses estrogen biosynthesis and decreases serum estradiol concentrations. This leads to slowing or reversing the growth of breast cancer cells.
How to Take Arimidex
Before starting to take Arimidex, it is necessary to read the information leaflet or medication guide given by a healthcare professional. You must not take this drug or any other medications unless you have understood the uses and directions. Ask your doctor for further medical advice or additional details.
Arimidex tablet is only meant to be taken by mouth with or without a meal and is usually prescribed once a day. Splitting or chewing this drug is not recommended.
Make a dosing schedule. Do not increase or decrease your dosing. You should not take this oral drug more frequently than advised. Additionally, do not discontinue this drug abruptly. It is necessary to taper your doses.
Side Effects of Arimidex
Mild & Common Side Effects:
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Hot flashes
-Stomach upset
-Constipation
-Diarrhea
-Loss of appetite
-Weakness
-Tiredness
-Trouble sleeping
-Weight gain
-Sore throat
-Increased coughing
Severe Side Effects:
-Easily broken bones
-Bone pain
-Joint pain
-Muscle pain
-Tingling sensation
-Swelling of the extremities
-Shortness of breath
-Unusual bleeding
-Vision changes
-Persistent nausea and vomiting
-Chest pain
-Weakness on one side of the body
-Confusion
-Mental or mood changes
Note that this is not a full/complete list of the side effects of Arimidex.
Should you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should contact your doctor.
Warnings and Precautions
Do not take this prescription drug if you have a known allergy to anastrozole or any inactive ingredients it may contain. Watch for any signs of serious allergic reactions, including trouble breathing, swelling of the face and neck, severe dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, hives/itchiness, and skin rashes. If this occurs, stop taking this oral medication and seek emergency medical help immediately.
This medication may be contraindicated for people with a history of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, blood clots, heart disease, and liver disease. Due to possible drug interactions, it is important you discuss all prescription medications, nonprescription medications, supplements, and herbal products that you are presently taking.
Dizziness and drowsiness are among the adverse effects of this oral drug. Safety precautions should be taken when doing tasks that require alertness, especially while driving. This medication can interact with alcohol and worsen your symptoms or adverse effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while on this treatment.
This tablet should not be handled by pregnant moms or those who are planning to get pregnant, as this drug can be absorbed through the skin. Because of its undesirable effects, this medication should not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How much does Arimidex cost in Canada?
Get the best deals when you purchase your medication from PharmaPassport. Both brand and generic Arimidex are cheap and affordable.
Check the top of this page for the list of prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Arimidex used for?
Arimidex (anastrozole) is being prescribed to treat breast cancer among postmenopausal women. It is mostly used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
What is the difference between Aromasin and Arimidex?
Aromasin vs Arimidex – both these oral medications are aromatase inhibitors. Even so, they contain different active ingredients.
Does Arimidex cause weight gain?
Yes, this oral medication may cause weight gain. Around 9% of patients taking this drug experience gain in weight,
Does Arimidex cause hair loss?
This aromatase inhibitor can possibly cause hair loss. However, this is a rare occurrence and is only evident among patients with advanced breast cancer.
Do doctors prescribe Arimidex for men?
This drug is sometimes being given to men on testosterone therapy. It reduces the breakdown of testosterone while reducing the production of estrogen.
How much does Arimidex lower estrogen?
You may purchase this product from physical drugstores and online pharmacies. Please present a valid prescription when buying this medication.