Generic Name : Anastrozole
Brand Names : Arimidex
Arimidex (Anastrozole) is the medicine used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex (Anastrozole) works by lowering estrogen [A female hormone that can help breast cancer tumors grow] hormone levels to help shrink tumors and slow their growth. It is often given to those patients whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen
Arimidex (Anastrozole) is indicated to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often prescribed to patients whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen. Arimidex (Anastrozole) may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
The patient should take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by the doctor. This medication should be used regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. The patient should try and remember to use it at the same time each day. The patient should not increase the dose or take this medication more often without the doctor's approval. This drug can be absorbed through the skin; pregnant women or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication.
The various reported side effects of Arimidex (Anastrozole) are: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, headache, dry mouth, scratchy throat, increased cough, dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness/weakness, flushing and sweating (hot flashes/hot flushes), vaginal bleeding, hair thinning, and weight change can occur. The serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, persistent cough, unusual vaginal discharge/burning/itching, unusually stiff muscles, pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs, vision changes, bone pain, bone fracture, chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.
Before using Arimidex (Anastrozole), the patient should tell the doctor about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products one is using. This drug should not be used with the following medications as serious interactions may occur: estrogens, tamoxifen.
If overdose is suspected, local poison control center or emergency room should be contacted immediately.
Before using Arimidex (Anastrozole), the doctor should be consulted if the patient is suffering from: