Arimidex

Generic Name: anastrozole (an AS troe zole)
Brand Names: Arimidex

What is Arimidex?

Arimidex (anastrozole) lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.

Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).

Arimidex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Arimidex

Do not use Arimidex if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

You may need to take a pregnancy test before using Arimidex, to make sure you are not pregnant.

You should not use Arimidex if you are allergic to anastrozole, if you are breast-feeding a baby, or if you have not yet completed menopause. Arimidex is not for use in men or children.

Before using Arimidex, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, circulation problems, a history of stroke or blood clot, severe liver disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density.

Arimidex may not work as well if you take it together with tamoxifen or an estrogen medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you also take tamoxifen or estrogen.

You may need to keep taking Arimidex for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Before taking Arimidex

You should not use Arimidex if you are allergic to anastrozole, if you are breast-feeding a baby, or if you have not yet completed menopause. Arimidex is not for use in men or children.

To make sure you can safely take Arimidex, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease;

• circulation problems;

• a history of stroke or blood clot;

• severe liver disease;

• high cholesterol; or

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.

Arimidex can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Your bone mineral density may need to be tested before and during treatment with this medicine.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Arimidex if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether anastrozole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Arimidex.

See also: Arimidex pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

You may need to take a pregnancy test before using Arimidex, to make sure you are not pregnant.

How should I take Arimidex?

Take Arimidex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Arimidex is usually taken once per day. You may need to keep taking this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may take Arimidex with or without food.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Arimidex dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Arimidex?

Arimidex may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Arimidex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Arimidex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• a bone fracture;

• swollen glands;

• feeling short of breath;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• swelling in your hands or feet; or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Arimidex side effects may include:

• numbness, tingling, cold feeling, or weakness in your hand or wrist;

• problems with your fingers while gripping;

• hot flashes;

• joint pain or stiffness;

• depression, mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);

• cough, sore throat;

• thinning hair;

• mild nausea, vomiting; or

• back pain, bone pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Arimidex side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Arimidex?

Arimidex may not work as well if you take it together with tamoxifen or an estrogen medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Before you start taking Arimidex, tell your doctor if you also take tamoxifen or estrogen.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Arimidex. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Arimidex.