What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Arimidex is a medication used as a treatment after surgery with or without radiation for early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It's also used as a first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown breast cancer that has spread to other tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Further, it's used as a second-line treatment of breast cancer that has advanced, grown, or has spread despite tamoxifen therapy in postmenopausal women.
Arimidex comes in a 1 mg oral tablet.
Directions
Take Arimidex exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you have about your prescription.
The recommended dose of Arimidex is one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. The duration of treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider.
Ingredients
Each Arimidex tablet contains anastrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
Fact Table
Formula
C17H19N5
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
Unknown (but well-absorbed in animals)
Legal status
US: RX Only
Chemical Name
Anastrozole
Elimination half-life
40-50 hours
Dosage (Strength)
1mg (84 tablets)
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Arimidex
Protein binding
40%
PubChem CID
2187
MedlinePlus
a696018
ChEBI
2704
ATC code
L02BG03
DrugBank
DB01217
KEGG
D00960
Routes of administration
By mouth (tablets)
Contraindications
Do not take Arimidex if you are allergic to the medication or to any of its ingredients.
Cautions
- Before you start treatment with Arimidex, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about:
- All the medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your health history and current health problems
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Ischemic cardiovascular events can occur, especially in women with pre-existing ischemic heart disease.
- Bone mineral density may decrease with Arimidex therapy.
- Cholesterol may increase with Arimidex therapy.
- Arimidex can cause harm to an unborn baby; therefore, women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while being treated with Arimidex and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose of the treatment course.
Side Effects
Common Arimidex side effects include hot flashes, weakness, joint pain, pain, high blood pressure, depression, nausea, vomiting, rash, osteoporosis, fractures, back pain, sleep problems, headache, bone pain, swelling, cough, shortness of breath, pharyngitis, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Serious side effects include skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters; allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; and changes in liver function tests and liver problems.
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away if you have side effects that bother you or won't go away.
Reference:
- Arimidex. ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arimidex (Anastrozole)
What is Arimidex used for?
Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women by lowering estrogen levels which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.
How should Arimidex be taken?
It's important to follow the prescribed dosage by a healthcare professional. Common questions arise around taking Arimidex on a cycle and the amount to take which should be clarified by a medical professional.
What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?
The specifics of discontinuing Arimidex should be discussed with a healthcare professional as it may have implications on the treatment plan.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Arimidex?
Information regarding the interaction of Arimidex and alcohol should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What are the side effects of Arimidex?
Some side effects include sore throat, cough, headache, back pain, high blood pressure, and nausea. It's important to report any unusual side effects to a healthcare professional.
Is there a generic version of Arimidex available?
Yes, the generic name for Arimidex is Anastrozole.
What class of drug is Arimidex?
Arimidex belongs to a class of drugs known as Hormonal Therapy.
Can Arimidex be used for early-stage breast cancer?
Queries regarding the use of Arimidex for early-stage breast cancer should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Is Arimidex a prescription medication?
Yes, Arimidex is a prescription medication.
What should be considered while taking Arimidex?
Considerations such as the cost, potential interactions with other drugs, and adherence to the dosage and administration schedule should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1348
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