{"id":5547,"date":"2020-12-21T15:32:26","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T15:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=5547"},"modified":"2021-07-18T17:06:04","modified_gmt":"2021-07-18T17:06:04","slug":"arimidex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/arimidex\/","title":{"rendered":"Arimidex &#8211; Anastrozole uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\n\n1 mg&nbsp;film-coated tablets&nbsp;<br>anastrozole<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What Arimidex is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex contains a substance called anastrozole.&nbsp;It belongs to a group of medicines called &#8220;aromatase inhibitors&#8221;.&nbsp;Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in women who have passed menopause.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex works by reducing the amount of a&nbsp;hormone&nbsp;called&nbsp;estrogen, which is produced in the body.&nbsp;It does this by blocking a natural substance (an&nbsp;enzyme&nbsp;) in the body called &#8220;aromatase&#8221;.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What you need to know before using Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to anastrozole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>if you are pregnant or breast-feeding (see section \u201cPregnancy and breast-feeding\u201d).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take Arimidex if any of the above apply to you.&nbsp;If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Arimidex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before taking Arimidex<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are still menstruating and have not passed menopause.<\/li><li>if you are taking a medicine that contains tamoxifen or medicines that contain&nbsp;estrogen&nbsp;(see section \u201cOther medicines and Arimidex\u201d).<\/li><li>if you have ever had a condition that affects the strength of your skeleton (&nbsp;osteoporosis, ie osteoporosis).<\/li><li>if you have liver or kidney problems.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Arimidex if you are not sure if any of the above applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your healthcare provider that you are taking Arimidex if you go to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines.&nbsp;This also applies to over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines.&nbsp;This is because Arimidex can affect the way some other medicines work, and some medicines can affect Arimidex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take Arimidex if you are already taking any of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Certain drugs used to treat breast cancer (selective estrogen receptor modulators), e.g.&nbsp;medicines containing tamoxifen.&nbsp;This is because these medicines can prevent Arimidex from working properly.<\/li><li>Drugs that contain&nbsp;estrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy (&nbsp;HRT&nbsp;).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if this applies to you.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A drug called an &#8220;LHRH analog&#8221;.&nbsp;These include&nbsp;gonadorelin, buserelin, goserelin, leuprorelin, and triptorelin.&nbsp;These drugs are used to treat breast cancer, certain gynecological diseases (gynecological conditions), and&nbsp;infertility.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take Arimidex if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.&nbsp;If you become pregnant, stop taking Arimidex and talk to your doctor.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use any tools or machines.&nbsp;However, some people may sometimes feel weak or sleepy when taking Arimidex.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if this happens to you.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires increased attention.&nbsp;One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\/or&nbsp;side effects.&nbsp;Descriptions of these effects and&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;can be found in other sections.&nbsp;Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.&nbsp;If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arimidex contains lactose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex contains&nbsp;lactose, which is a kind of sugar.&nbsp;If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take Arimidex exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is one tablet once a day.<\/li><li>Try to take the tablet at the same time each day.<\/li><li>Swallow the tablet whole with water.<\/li><li>It does not matter if you take Arimidex before, with, or after food.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue to take Arimidex for as long as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.&nbsp;It is a long-term treatment and you may need to take it for several years.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use for children and adolescents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex should not be given to children and adolescents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you forget to take a&nbsp;dose, just take your next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;as usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;(two&nbsp;doses&nbsp;at the same time) to compensate for a missed&nbsp;dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop taking the tablets unless your doctor tells you to.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause&nbsp;side effects, although not everybody gets them.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stop taking Arimidex and seek&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;care if you experience any of the following serious but very rare side effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A very severe skin reaction with sores or blisters on the skin.&nbsp;This is called &#8220;Stevens-Johnson syndrome&#8221;.<\/li><li>Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions with swelling in the throat that may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.&nbsp;This is called &#8220;angioedema&#8221;.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(affects more than 1 user in 10)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Headache<\/li><li>Hot flashes<\/li><li>Nausea<\/li><li>Rash<\/li><li>Pain or stiffness in the joints<\/li><li>Arthritis (&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;)<\/li><li>Feeling weak<\/li><li>Bone tissue loss (&nbsp;osteoporosis&nbsp;).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(affects 1 to 10 users in 100)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Loss of appetite<\/li><li>Elevated or high levels of a fatty substance called&nbsp;cholesterol&nbsp;in the blood.&nbsp;This can be seen in a blood test.<\/li><li>Somnolence<\/li><li>Carpal tunnel syndrome&nbsp;(tingling, pain, cold, weakness in parts of the hand)<\/li><li>Tickling \/ stinging sensation or numbness in the skin, lost\/weakened sense of taste.<\/li><li>Diarrhea<\/li><li>Nausea (vomiting)<\/li><li>Altered blood tests that show how your liver works<\/li><li>Sparser hair growth (hair loss)<\/li><li>Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) involving the face, lips or tongue<\/li><li>Skeletal pain<\/li><li>Vaginal&nbsp;dryness<\/li><li>Bleeding from&nbsp;the vagina&nbsp;(usually in the first few weeks of treatment &#8211; talk to your doctor if bleeding continues)<\/li><li>Muscle pain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(affects 1 to 10 users in 1,000)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Changes in some blood tests that show how your liver works (gamma-GT and&nbsp;bilirubin&nbsp;)<\/li><li>Inflammation of the liver (&nbsp;hepatitis&nbsp;)<\/li><li>Hives<\/li><li>Trigger finger (a condition in which a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position)<\/li><li>Increased levels of&nbsp;calcium&nbsp;in the blood.&nbsp;If you experience nausea, vomiting, and thirst, you should talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, as your blood may need to be tested.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rare&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A rare skin inflammation that can include red spots or blisters<\/li><li>Skin rash caused by hypersensitivity (which may be due to an allergic or anaphylactoid reaction)<\/li><li>Inflammation&nbsp;of the small blood vessels, which causes red or purple discoloration of the skin.&nbsp;Very rare symptoms of joint, stomach, and kidney pain may occur;&nbsp;this is called &#8220;Enoch-Sch\u00f6nlein&#8217;s purple&#8221;.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Effects on the skeleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex reduces the level of a&nbsp;hormone&nbsp;called&nbsp;estrogen&nbsp;in your body.&nbsp;This can reduce the mineral content of your skeleton.&nbsp;Your skeleton may become weaker and more easily affected by&nbsp;fractures.&nbsp;Your doctor will manage these risks according to treatment guidelines for the care of bone health in women who have passed menopause.&nbsp;Talk to your doctor about these risks and different treatment options.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of the&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;gets serious, or if you notice any&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reporting of side effects<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.&nbsp;This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.&nbsp;You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency,&nbsp;www.lakemedelsverket.se.&nbsp;By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How to store Arimidex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not store above 30 \u00b0 C.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.&nbsp;Keep your tablets in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children.&nbsp;Your tablets can be harmful to them.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after &#8220;EXP&#8221;.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store the tablets in the original package.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is anastrozole.&nbsp;Each film-coated tablet contains 1 mg of anastrozole.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are&nbsp;lactose monohydrate, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 300, titanium dioxide.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and the contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets of approximately 6.1 mm marked with &#8216;A&#8217; on one side and &#8216;Adx1&#8217; on the other side.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pack sizes: day-marked blister packs of 28 and 98 tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca AB, 151 85 S\u00f6dert\u00e4lje<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca UK Ltd, Silk Road Business Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NA, UK<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Locations for release of batches<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca UK Ltd<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silk Road Business Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Macclesfield<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cheshire SK10 2NA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UK<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca GmbH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tinsdaler Weg 183<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D-22880 Wedel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This medicinal product is authorized under the European Economic Area under the names:<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arimidex<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arimidex contains a substance called anastrozole. It belongs to a group of medicines called &#8220;aromatase inhibitors&#8221;. Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in women who have passed menopause.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2201,2200],"tags":[10091,10094,10096,10099,10095,10100,10093,10098,10092,10097],"class_list":["post-5547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-a","category-medicines","tag-anastrozole","tag-anastrozole-tablet","tag-arimidex","tag-arimidex-tablet","tag-side-effects-of-anastrozole","tag-side-effects-of-arimidex","tag-what-anastrozole-is-used-for","tag-what-arimidex-is-used-for","tag-what-is-anastrozole","tag-what-is-arimidex"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5547"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12522,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5547\/revisions\/12522"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}