Arimidex belongs to class of drugs known as nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors, which slow or stop the growth of breast cancers that are stimulated by estrogen by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes after menopause.
If a post-menopausal woman has early stage breast cancer, a doctor may prescribe Arimidex in addition to surgery or radiation therapy.
Arimidex is also used when Soltamox (tamoxifen) stops working for postmenopausal women with late-stage breast cancer.
Doctors may also prescribe Arimidex as a preventive for postmenopausal women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer, or to treat infertility in women with difficulty ovulating.
Arimidex was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 and is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Arimidex for Men
Arimidex is sometimes used to treat male breast cancer, but it has not been well studied in men.Arimidex been studied for use by infertile men to balance testosterone levels and maintain a healthy sperm count.
Some male athletes and bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids to build muscle also take Arimidex to reduce the estrogen production that is a side effect of steroid use.
An increase in estrogen levels is responsible for the female characteristics-a high-pitched voice, shrinking of the testicles or penis, and breast enlargement-that occur in bodybuilders who take steroids.
Arimidex Warnings
You should not take Arimidex if:- You're allergic to Arimidex or any other ingredient found in the medication
- You're pregnant
- You have breast cancer but haven't entered menopause
- Ischemic heart disease, a condition in that may block blood flow to your heart muscle
- Osteoporosis or are prone to bone breaks
Pregnancy and Arimidex
Arimidex is an FDA Pregnancy Category X drug, meaning it causes birth defects.You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medication.
The drug is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, though whether or not it is safe remains unclear.
You should tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed before taking Arimidex.
Arimidex (Anastrazole) Side Effects
Common side effects of Arimidex include:
- Hot flashes
- Stomach, bone, and joint pain and arthritis
- Pain in other areas of the body
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache
- Throat infection
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Infection
- High cholesterol levels
- Weight gain
- Swelling
- Bone breaks
- Abnormal sensations or tingling in the hands and feet
- Swollen lymph nodes
Serious side effects of Arimidex include:
- Weak or broken bones
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
- Blood clots or chest pain
- Stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure
- Low red blood cell count
- Low white blood cell count
- Erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- Cataracts
- Liver inflammation
Arimidex (Anastrazole) Interactions
This includes all of your prescriptions medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, etc.), herbal remedies and any illegal or recreational drugs.
You should avoid taking the following drugs with Arimidex:
- The supplement DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone)
- Soltamox (tamoxifen)
- Any drugs that contain estrogen like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy medications
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Arimidex and Alcohol
Both Arimidex and alcohol can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. You should avoid or limit drinking alcohol while taking this drug.Arimidex and Grapefruit
Both Arimidex and grapefruit slow the body's ability to process certain drugs. You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Arimidex.Arimidex (Anastrazole) Dosage
Arimidex comes as 1 milligram (mg) tablets and is usually taken once a day for cancer.
If you're a woman taking Arimidex for infertility, your doctor may prescribe 1 mg to 5 mg for up to five days, beginning on the third day of your period.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of the medication at the same time.
If you're a woman taking Arimidex for infertility, your doctor may prescribe 1 mg to 5 mg for up to five days, beginning on the third day of your period.
Arimidex Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.Missed Dose of Arimidex
If you miss a dose of Arimidex, try to take it as soon as you remember.If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of the medication at the same time.
Arimidex Pictures
