Arimidex

Common Name: anastrozole

How does Arimidex work?

Anastrozole belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It fights breast cancer by inactivating an enzyme known as aromatase. This prevents the enzyme from supplying the estrogen that allows certain types of breast cancers to grow and survive. Tamoxifen is an antineoplastic drug that is often used first for treatment of breast cancers that are dependent on estrogen for growth and survival. Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women who are past menopause and are no longer responding to the beneficial effects of tamoxifen. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Arimidex?

The recommended dose of anastrozole is 1 mg once daily, at the same time each day, taken with or without food. Ypu can reduce your risk of nausea or vomiting by taking your daily tablet after a meal. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have taken more than your normal dose, contact your doctor or nearest hospital. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one above, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. You should keep your tablets in the package they came in and store them at room temperature in a dry place.

What form(s) does Arimidex come in?

Anastrozole is available as a white, film-coated tablet containing anastrozole 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include lactose, macrogol 300, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, polyvidone, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide. This product does not contain yeast.

What should I NOT take with Arimidex?

Anastrozole should not be used by anyone who is: allergic to any of the ingredients breast-feeding pregnant

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Arimidex?

Pre-menopausal women: Women who have not entered menopause should not take this drug unless potential benefits outweigh risks. Kidney or liver disease: It is not known whether moderate or severe kidney disease or liver disease increases the chances of side effects during treatment. Caution should be exercised. Pregnancy: Although anastrozole has not been studied with pregnant women (it is intended for use only in women who have reached menopause), it is suspected that it could cause serious problems, possibly including miscarriage. Therefore it should not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking this drug and have not reached menopause, practice effective birth control, and tell the doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether anastrozole is excreted in breast milk. Because of the risks associated with this drug, women using this medication should not breast-feed.