Info on (anti-estrogen) Arimidex

Arimidex comes under the class of anti-estrogen drugs and inhibitors. Arimidex is considered very effective for the treatment of breast cancer in women. It is given as a front-line treatment to postmenopausal women who have breast cancer. However, it does not help in the complete recovery from breast cancer, because it facilitates in slowing down the growth of advanced cancer. It is also commonly used by the steroid users for the prevention of edema and Gynaecomastia.

Arimidex is reliable because it is approved by FDA, and there are various treatments that can be undertaken by using it. Most doctors prescribe the drug in combination with other drugs. In addition to that, it stops cancer from spreading into various parts of the body. In this way it prolongs the survival of cancer patient. There are very few conditions for which the use of the drug is prohibited, such as hypersensitivity to anastrozole. Moreover, the conversion of oestrogen is facilitated with the help of an enzyme, known as aromatase. Arimidex suppresses the activity of this enzyme, and in this way it helps to control the level of oestrogen in blood.

The effectiveness of Arimidex can be improved by taking the regular and right dosage of the drug. The effective dosage of the drug is 0.25 - 1.0 mg/day. If you missed a dose, then take it within 12 hours. If 12 hours have passed then do not take two doses, but skip it and wait for the next time to take it.

Arimidex is considered good for minimising oestrogen levels as well. It is better to have a blood test, to check the level of oestrogen, after taking Arimidex for a week. In fact, it functions to block the conversion of aromatisable steroids into oestrogen. Unlike other such drugs, it completely blocks the conversion in any tissue of the body.

Like other drugs, there are a few side effects of Arimidex, which can be minimised by the recommendations of a doctor. For example, it results in shortness of breath. The patient may feel dizziness and tiredness. Sometimes it can result in vomiting and diarrhoea. A mild feeling of weakness and headache are other common side effects of Arimidex. Most people complain that they feel abdominal and bone pain after taking Arimidex. One thing that is very important about Arimidex is that it can be toxic to your liver if taken in high doses. If you take a high dose then you should visit your doctor immediately.
Therefore Arimidex is a good inhibitor and anti-oestrogen drug. Through its regular and proper dosage, you can avoid a number of concerns.

Do not use Arimidex if:

•you are allergic to any ingredient in Anastrozole
•you are taking estrogen or tamoxifen
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Arimidex:

Some medical conditions may interact with Anastrozole . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

•if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
•if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
•if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
•if you have liver problems or high cholesterol or lipid levels
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anastrozole . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

•Estrogen or tamoxifen because they may decrease Anastrozole 's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Anastrozole may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Arimidex (Anastrozole):

Use Anastrozole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

•Take Anastrozole by mouth with or without food.
•If you miss a dose of Anastrozole , 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. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anastrozole .

Important safety information:

•Anastrozole may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Anastrozole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
•Lab tests, including blood cholesterol or bone mineral density, may be performed while you use Anastrozole . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
•Anastrozole should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
•PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Anastrozole has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anastrozole while you are pregnant. It is not known if Anastrozole is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anastrozole , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Arimidex:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; back, bone, breast, joint, or pelvic pain; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; flu-like symptoms (tiredness; muscle aches); headache; hot flashes; loss of appetite; nausea; skin numbness or tingling; sleeplessness; stomach pain or upset; sweating; vaginal dryness; vomiting; weakness; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bone fracture; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; chest pain; depression; frequent or painful urination; infection (chills; fever; sore throat); mental or mood changes; one-sided weakness; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headache; swelling of the hands or feet; vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge; vision or speech changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Overdose:

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

How to store Arimidex:
Store Anastrozole at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anastrozole out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Note:

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anastrozole. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.