Arimidex (anastrozole) For Treatment of Breast Cancer
Arimidex (anastrozole) is prescription medicine approved the initial treatment of breast cancer on postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or those with unknown hormone receptor. It is also given to those who have been unresponsive to other breast cancer treatment specifically tamoxifen (Solmatox, Nolvadex). Active ingredients in Arimidex slow down growth of some types of tumors in the breast that needs estrogen to be able to grow inside the body.
For best results, usually doctors would prescribe taking the pill for a maximum of five years at one tablet a day. Follow instructions carefully as overdosage can cause serious effects on the body.
Side Effects:
Some of the mild side effects of Arimidex include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Weakness,
- Hot flashes, sore throat
- Depressions and mood swings
- Nausea
- Back pain
It is best to go to your doctor right away of you feel serious side effects such as the following:
- Swollen hands and feet
- Bone fracture
- Swollen glands
Patients might not get effectiveness of anastrazole if taken with tamoxifen or with an estrogen medication. Keep your doctor informed if you are taking OTC medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines and supplements as they may interfere with Arimidex. It is also advised to lessen or stop drinking alcoholic beverage as it may increase the occurrence of side effects. It is also recommended that patients who are taking this kind of drug should not drive or engage in activities that need rapid thinking and alertness as anastrazole may impair one's thinking and reactions.
Warnings:
Do not take this medicine together with estrogen medication. Those women who have completed menopause should not use anastrozole. Talk to your doctor before using this drug if you have the following condition: history of stroke, liver or kidney disease, circulation problems, or heart disease.
Arimidex is FDA pregnancy category D rated. It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use without talking to your doctor if you pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should not use this drug, period.
Prior to taking Arimidex, make your doctor aware of your allergies to any form of drugs as well as if you have not yet completed menopause, if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Such information are necessary so your doctor can adjust your dosage as well as be able to know if anaztrazole is safe for you to use.