Arimidex 1mg

Arimidex 1mg (Anastrozole Tablet)

Arimidex 1mg tablets contain Anastrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibiting drug approved for treatment of early-stage breast cancer as well as for metastasis in post-menopausal women. The medicine decreases the amount of estrogen that the body makes. It is a hormone therapy. Anastrozole is on the WHO list of essential medicines, a list of the most important medicines required in a basic health system.

What is Arimidex used for?

Arimidex 1mg is used for the treatment of breast cancer in hormone receptor, positive post-menopausal women. It is used as an adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received two to three years of adjuvant Tamoxifen. The medicine is also indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

How does Arimidex work?

Arimidex contains Anastrozole, which belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. Anastrozole as a third-generation aromatase inhibitor selectively adheres to and reversibly hinders aromatase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme complex found in premenopausal ovary, breast, and liver; aromatase causes the aromatization of testosterone and androstenedione into estradiol and estrone, final step in the biosynthesis of estrogen. The drug may inhibit the growth of tumour in estrogen-dependent breast cancers.

 What does Arimidex contain?

Arimidex contains the active ingredient Anastrozole that fights cancer as an aromatase inhibitor. Each Arimidex tablet contains 1 mg of Anastrozole.

Effects of alcohol on Arimidex

Arimidex tablets may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment with Arimidex. 

What are the side effects of Arimidex?

Arimidex 1mg may cause serious side effects including:

• Heart disease. Women with early-stage breast cancer who have  a history of ischemic heart disease and who take Arimidex may have a slight increase in heart problems compared to similar patients who take Tamoxifen
• Osteoporosis. The administration of the medicine lowers estrogen in your body that may cause your bone to become weaker. This condition may increase your chance of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. Your physician will perform bone mineral density test before you take Arimidex and during treatment as needed
• Skin reactions. Stop taking the medicine and inform your physician if you get any skin lesions, blisters, or ulcers
• Liver problems. The drug may cause inflammation of the liver. Your doctor may monitor you for mild to moderate liver problems.

Common side effects in women taking Arimidex 1 mg tablets include:

• Sore throat
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Rash
• Depression
• Back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Weakness
• Thinning of the hair

What medications interact with Arimidex?

Tell your physician if you are consuming any other drugs, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Especially, tell your physician if you take:

• Tamoxifen. You should not take Arimidex 1 mg with Tamoxifen. Taking Tamoxifen with Arimidex may lower the amount of Arimidex in your bloodstream and may cause the drug not work as well.
• Estrogen-containing drugs. The active ingredient Anastrozole may not work if taken with one of these medicines:

1. Birth control pills
2. Estrogen creams
3. Vaginal suppositories
4. Hormone replacement therapy
5. Vaginal rings

Keep a list of medicines you take and show it to your physician every time you get a new medicine.

When should Arimidex not be used?

Do not take Arimidex if:

• You have not finished menopause
• You are a man or child
• You are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. This medicine may harm your unborn child. If you get pregnant while taking Arimidex, tell your physician right away.
• You are allergic to any of the components in Arimidex 1 mg tablets.

How should Arimidex be taken?

• Take one Arimidex tablet every day. The medicine can be taken with or without food.
• If you have taken more Arimidex tablets than your physician has prescribed, contact your physician straight away. Remember do not take any additional tablet until instructed to do so by your physician.

Talk to your physician about any health changes you have while taking the medicine.

How long should you take Arimidex?

Take Anastrozole arimidex 1mg exactly as prescribed by your physician. Keep taking the medicine for as long as your doctor prescribes it for you.

Missed dose of Arimidex

If you miss the dose take it as soon as you remember, but if it is too late, then skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the correct scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

How should Arimidex be stored?

• Store it at room temperature.
• Keep the tablets in its original packet until it is time to take them.
• Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Also, do not leave your tablets on a windowsill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some drugs.
• Keep the medicine where children cannot reach.