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Arimidex Information

Arimidex (Anastrozole) is used for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer and in advanced breast cancer. In hormone sensitive breast cancer, estrogens stimulate tumour growth. Following menopause, estrogens continue to be produced in small amounts in other body tissues such as the breasts, muscle and fat. Arimidex belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors and works by blocking the action of aromatase, an enzyme needed in the production of estrogens. This may help reduce the growth of breast cancer and delay the breast cancer from recurring.

Arimidex Side Effects

The most common side effects of Arimidex may include hot flushes; joint pain, joint stiffness or broken bones; weakness; carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling, pain, coldness, weakness in parts of the hand); tickling, tingling or numbness of skin, loss or lack of taste; vaginal dryness; hair thinning (alopecia); rash; nausea; diarrhea; headache; changes in liver function; bone pain; muscle pain; loss of appetite; vomiting; sleepiness or tiredness; trigger finger; high blood cholesterol. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Depression (feeling sad, sleeping a lot more or a lot less than usual, changes in weight, withdrawal from social situations, family gatherings and activities with friends, reduced sex drive, and thoughts of death or suicide);
• Hepatitis or inflammation of the liver (general feeling of being unwell, with or without yellowing of the skin and eyes, and pain in the upper abdomen on the right side);
• Osteoporosis (bone loss, thin and fragile bones) • Reduced blood flow in the vessels of the heart (chest pain); • Tendon disorders including inflammation of the tendon and inflammation of the tissue around the tendon;
• Vaginal bleeding (usually in the first weeks of treatment).

Arimidex Precautions

Do not use Arimidex if you are allergic to Anastrozole or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any disorder or disease which affects your heart, liver or kidneys; have a disorder or a disease which affects bone density. Arimidex lowers the level of female hormones which may cause a loss of mineral content of bones. This might make the bones weaker and lead to a broken bone. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Arimidex and other medications. Arimidex may cause joint stiffness, arthritis or muscle pain. If you feel weak or sleepy while taking Arimidex, avoid driving or using machinery. Arimidex may decrease blood flow to your heart, especially if you have ever had coronary artery disease (clogged arteries). Seek medical attention if you have new or worsening chest pain, or if you feel short of breath. Arimidex may increase your risk of a stroke or blood clot. Call your doctor at once if you have sudden numbness or weakness, (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance. Arimidex is not approved for use in men or children. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Do I need a prescription to order Arimidex?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Arimidex.