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.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
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