Drug Name

Arimidex (Anastrozole)

Drug Uses

This medicine is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in women after menopause.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this by mouth exactly as directed usually once a day. This is a potent medication. Do not increase your dose, or take this more often than directed.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Arimidex is brand name for anastrozole, an oral antiestrogen. Arimidex inhibits the enzyme aromatase in the adrenal glands that produces the estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and thereby lowers their levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a non-hormonal method of birth control if you are a woman capable of becoming pregnant. This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include weakness, nausea, headache, hot flashes, pain, vomiting, cough, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a sore throat or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.