Generic Name:anastrozole (ah NA stra zole)
Brand Names: Arimidex
Arimidex: Important Information
- Before taking Arimidex (anastrozole) drug, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take Arimidex drug, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
What is Arimidex
- Arimidex (anastrozole) drug blocks the use of estrogen by certain types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.
- Arimidex drug is used to treat breast cancer.
- Arimidex drug may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What to discuss before treatment
- Before taking Arimidex (anastrozole) drug, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take Arimidex drug, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Arimidex drug is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Arimidex drug is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Arimidex drug if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether Arimidex (anastrozole) drug passes into breast milk. Do not take anastrozole if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Arimidex Dosage Method
- Take Arimidex drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- Arimidex drug is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Arimidex (anastrozole) drug can be taken with or without food.
- Store Arimidex drug at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
- Take the missed dose of Arimidex as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Arimidex Overdose?
- An overdose of Arimidex (anastrozole) drug is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison control left for advice if you suspect that a very large dose of anastrozole has been ingested.
Avoid During Treatment
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Arimidex (anastrozole) drug unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Arimidex Side Effects
- Stop taking Arimidex (anastrozole) drug and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to anastrozole.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Arimidex drug and talk to your doctor if you experience
- diarrhea;
- nausea or vomiting;
- constipation;
- weakness;
- muscle or bone pain;
- headache;
- hot flashes;
- shortness of breath or coughing;
- dizziness;
- swelling or water retention;
- loss of appetite;
- vaginal dryness;
- weight gain; or
- rash.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- There are no known interactions between Arimidex drug and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with anastrozole.
Arimidex (anastrozole) drug is used to treat breast cancer. Arimidex drug blocks the use of estrogen by certain types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.
Arimidex drug must be swallowed whole. One should not chew them, crush them or break them up before taking. Arimidex drug is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Arimidex drug is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Arimidex drug if you are pregnant. Learn more here about Arimidex drug side effects, usage and dosage method. Before starting Arimidex (anastrozole) medication, consult with your doctor first.
