What is Arimidex?
Arimidex reduces the levels of estrogen in women who are postmenopausal. This can reduce the development of certain kinds of breast tumors, which require estrogen for growth in the body.Arimidex is a treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal females.
Arimidex is frequently prescribed to patients who have had cancer that has advanced after they have taken Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).
Warnings
Arimidex can reduce the flow of blood into your heart. This is particularly true in the event that you've had coronary artery disease (clogged the arteries). Get medical attention in the event of recent or escalating chest pain or if you're feeling short of breath.Don't use anastrozole if you are expecting. It may harm your unborn baby.
Arimidex might not work in the same way if you take it with estrogen medications (such as estrogen-based creams, hormonal replacement therapy, birth hormone control pills, injections, skin patches, implants, or vaginal rings).
Arimidex can increase the chance of bleeding from a blood clot or stroke. Consult your physician immediately if you experience sudden numbness or weakness (especially on the opposite side of your body), sudden headaches, or slurred speech. You may also have issues with balance or vision.
Before You Take This Drug
It is best not to take Arimidex if you have an allergy to anastrozole or are not yet through menopause.Arimidex is not a drug approved for use by men or children.It is not recommended to take anastrozole in conjunction with tamoxifen.
To ensure this medicine is appropriate for you, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
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Heart-related problems;
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Coronary arterial disorder (clogged arterial disease);
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High cholesterol
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Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density.
Treatment for hormonal cancer may weaken your bones. It is possible to break a bone when you are taking Arimidex. Discuss with your doctor ways to ensure your bones are healthy.
Although it is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman will become pregnant, anastrozole may harm the newborn baby. You may need to undergo a pregnancy test before beginning this treatment. Make sure you are using birth control that is effective if you're not yet past menopause. Use birth control for a minimum of 3 weeks following the most recent dose of Arimidex. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant.Don't breastfeed while taking this medicine or for at least 2 weeks following the last dose.
How to Take Arimidex?
Follow the exact dosage as recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and study all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Arimidex is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's dosage instructions extremely carefully.You can take Arimidex either with or without food.
It is possible that you will need to continue the medication for as long as 5 years. Follow the instructions of your physician.Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details On Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:
Initial dosage 1 mg taken orally at least once per day
Therapy duration: Until the cancer progresses (treatment for advanced cancer of the breast) or until the treatment is not known (adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer).
Uses:
Adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women who have hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer
First-line treatment for postmenopausal women who have hormone receptors that are positive or with hormone receptors with no known local and metastasizing tumors of the breast;
Second-line treatment for tumors of the breast in postmenopausal women who have cancer progression after Tamoxifen treatment.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should Be Avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects this medication will have on your body. The way you react could be impaired.
Side Effects Of Arimidex
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Arimidex (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling in your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, ache, and a red or purple skin eruption with peeling and blisters),
Anastrozole can reduce the flow of blood to your heart, particularly if you have had any coronary artery diseases (clogged arteries). Get medical attention when you experience an increase or recurrence of chest pain or are feeling tired.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
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Shortness of breath (even when exerting only a little) swelling rapidly and gaining weight;
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Numbness, prickly sensation, discomfort, or weakness in your wrists and hands;
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Indications of a fractured bone: swelling, bruising, and tenderness that gets worse as you move;
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Liver issues: problems with the liver (right-sided stomach discomfort, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and not feeling well);
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Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness (especially on the opposite side) and sudden extreme headaches or slurred speech issues with balance or vision.
Common side effects of Arimidex include:
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Sensation of numbness, tingling, or a tickling sensation in your skin
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Hot Flashes;
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Weakness;
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Joint stiffness or pain;
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Bone pain, the risk of fracture
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Swelling in your legs, arms, or feet;
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Sore throat, cough, breathlessness;
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Headache, back pain;
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Depression, sleep problems (insomnia);
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High blood pressure;
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Nausea, vomiting,
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Rash.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Arimidex might not work equally well if you take it along with an estrogen-based medication (such as hormone replacement creams for estrogen, as well as birth control pills, injections, implant skin patches, vaginal rings, or vaginal suppositories).
Other medications may interfere with anastrozole. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
