Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Anastrozole (Arimidex) is a first-line treatment of breast cancer in post menopausal women. It slows the growth of advanced cancer within the breast and cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer in post menopausal women whose disease has spread to other parts of the body following treatment with Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate), another anti-cancer drug. Anastrozole can also be prescribed along with other drugs to treat the early stages of breast cancer in post menopausal women.
Anastrozole Dosage
Take Anastrozole only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of Anastrozole, and do not use Arimidex more often than your doctor ordered.
Anastrozole sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.
The dose of Anastrozole will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of Anastrozole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For breast cancer:
Adults — 1 mg once a day. Your doctor will determine how long you need to take this medicine.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Anastrozole
If you do miss a dose of this medicine, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
Storage — How to store Anastrozole
- Keep Anastrozole out of the reach of children.
- Store Arimidex away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Anastrozole in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the Arimidex to break down.
- Keep the Anastrozole from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated Anastrozole or Arimidex no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Anastrozole
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects of Anastrozole occur:
More common side effects of Anastrozole:
Chest pain; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or lower legs.
Less common side effects of Arimidex:
Cough or hoarseness; difficult or painful urination; dizziness, severe; fever or chills; headache, continuing; increased blood pressure; lower back or side pain; pain, tenderness, bluish color, or swelling of foot or leg; sore throat; sudden shortness of breath; unusual tiredness or weakness; vaginal bleeding (unexpected and heavy).
