* Generic Name: anastrozole
* Brand Name: Arimidex
* What is anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* What are the possible side effects of anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* How should I take anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Arimidex)?
* What happens if I overdose (Arimidex)?
* What should I avoid while taking anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* What other drugs will affect anastrozole (Arimidex)?
* Where can I get more information (Arimidex)?
What is anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women,
which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need
estrogen to grow in the body.
Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after
taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).
Anastrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid
weight gain;
* a bone fracture;
* swollen glands;
* liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
* signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on
one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech,
problems with vision or balance; or
* severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects may include:
* weakness, hot flashes;
* numbness or tingly feeling in your skin;
* swelling in your ankles or feet;
* joint pain or stiffness, problems with your fingers while
gripping;
* sore throat, headache, back pain, bone pain;
* depression, mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);
* high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, pounding
in your neck or ears);
* nausea, vomiting; or
* mild rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about anastrozole
(Arimidex)?
Anastrozole may not work as well if you take it together with estrogen
medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or
birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal
rings).
Anastrozole may increase your risk of a stroke or blood clot.
Call your doctor at once if you have sudden numbness or weakness,
(especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred
speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Arimidex Patient Information including How Should I Take
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking anastrozole
(Arimidex)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to anastrozole,
if you are breast-feeding a baby, or if you have not yet completed
menopause. Anastrozole is not for use in men or children.
To make sure anastrozole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* heart disease;
* circulation problems;
* a history of stroke or blood clot;
* severe liver disease;
* high cholesterol; or
* osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
Anastrozole can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your
risk of developing osteoporosis. Your bone mineral density may need to
be tested before and during treatment with anastrozole.
Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be
pregnant, anastrozole could harm an unborn baby. Do not take this
medicine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Use effective
birth control if you are not past menopause, and tell your doctor right
away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether anastrozole passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are
using anastrozole.
You may need to take a pregnancy test before using anastrozole, to
make sure you are not pregnant.
How should I take anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Anastrozole is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on
your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller
amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take anastrozole with or without food.
You may need to keep taking this medication for up to 5 years. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Arimidex Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Breast Cancer Slideshow
RxList
Take the Breast Cancer Quiz
Breast Cancer Pictures Slideshow: 10 Things Young Women Should Know
Breast Cancer Screening
What happens if I miss a dose (Arimidex)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Arimidex)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking anastrozole (Arimidex)?
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
linens separately from other laundry.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
What other drugs will affect anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Anastrozole may not work as well if you take it together with an
estrogen medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen
creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and
vaginal rings). Before you start taking anastrozole, tell your doctor
if you also take tamoxifen or estrogen.
Other drugs may interact with anastrozole, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Arimidex)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about anastrozole.
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