The following information is a summary about Arimidex. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Why is this Arimidex medication prescribed?
Arimidex/Anastrozole is used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have failed to respond to therapy with other drugs, such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Arimidex/Anastrozole works by decreasing the amount of estrogen your body makes, so that breast cancers which require estrogen for growth may decrease in growth rate and size.
This Arimidex medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Arimidex pharmacist for more Arimidex information.
How should this Arimidex medicine be used?
Arimidex/Anastrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Arimidex usually is taken once a day. Follow the Arimidex directions on your Arimidex prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Arimidex pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Arimidex/anastrozole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Arimidex or take Arimidex more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Arimidex/anastrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Arimidex/anastrozole without talking to your doctor.
What special Arimidex precautions should I follow?
Before taking Arimidex/anastrozole,
tell your doctor and Arimidex pharmacist if you are allergic to Arimidex/anastrozole, povidone, lactose, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and Arimidex pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, high levels of blood cholesterol, blood clots (thrombophlebitis), or hypertension (high blood pressure).
if you are premenopausal, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Anastrozole should not be taken during pregnancy. Therefore, premenopausal women should use a reliable method of birth control. If you become pregnant while taking Arimidex/anatrozole, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Arimidex/anastrozole.
What special Arimidex dietary instructions should I follow?
Arimidex/Anastrozole may cause an upset stomach. Take Arimidexanastrozole with food or milk.
Arimidex Side Effects
Although side effects from Arimidex/anastrozole are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Arimidex symptoms are severe or do not go away:
weakness or tiredness
upset stomach or vomiting
headache
hot flashes
bone, pelvic, and back pain
cough
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
loss of appetite
sore throat
dizziness
rash
dry mouth
swelling of the arms, legs, or ankles (edema)
depression
numbness
vaginal hemorrhage
weight gain
sweating
increased appetite
increased blood cholesterol
If you experience any of the following Arimidex symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
chest pain
shortness of breath
calf pain
redness, warmth, and swelling of arms or legs
What other Arimidex information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Arimidex.
Do not let anyone else take your Arimidex medication. Ask your Arimidex pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Arimidex prescription.
What should I do if I forget a Arimidex dose?
Take the missed Arimidex dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Arimidex dose, skip the missed Arimidex dose and continue your regular Arimidex dosing schedule. Do not take a double Arimidex dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of Arimidex emergency/overdose
In case of Arimidex overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What storage conditions are needed for Arimidex?
Keep Arimidex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Arimidex at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Arimidex medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Arimidex medication.
Other uses for this Arimidex medicine
This Arimidex medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Arimidex information.
