About Arimidex: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
Arimidex is a brand name for anastrozole, a pharmaceutical that belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors. It is utilised in the treatment of breast cancer in menopausal women. Arimidex reduces oestrogen levels in the body, which may limit the growth of certain types of breast tumours that require oestrogen to grow.
Uses
In postmenopausal women, Arimidex can be used to treat the following kinds of breast cancer:
Adjuvant treatment for early hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer to reduce the likelihood of the tumour returning or spreading following surgery. (Adjuvant treatment is a treatment given after the main treatment to improve its efficiency. Hormones, such as oestrogen, also promote the growth of HR+ breast cancer.)
As a first-line treatment for locally progressed or metastatic breast cancer that is either HR+ or hormone receptor-unknown (HR-unknown). (Localised breast cancer has spread to adjacent tissues or lymph nodes, whereas metastatic breast cancer has spread to other areas of the body. And hormones may or may not drive the growth of HR-unknown breast cancer.)
Breast cancer that has returned or spread after therapy with tamoxifen, a medication that limits the action of oestrogen on breast cancer cells. In this instance, Arimidex can be used to treat breast cancer that is HR+, HR-, or HR-unknown. However, if the breast cancer is oestrogen receptor-negative (ER-), which means it does not require oestrogen to grow, Arimidex is unlikely to be effective.
Arimidex is available as a pill that is taken orally once day.
Dosage
Adults typically take 1 mg of Arimidex once daily, with or without food. The doctor may alter the dose based on the patient's response to the treatment and the side effects.
Arimidex should be taken every day at the same time. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless the following dose is approaching. In that instance, skip the missing dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. To make up for a missing dose, do not take two doses at once.
Arimidex can have serious, and possibly fatal, adverse effects. Some examples are:
Arimidex can restrict blood flow to the heart, particularly in women with a history of coronary artery disease (clogged arteries). This may result in chest pain, shortness of breath, a heart attack, or a stroke. If you see any indicators of heart problems while taking Arimidex, seek medical attention straight once.
Arimidex can weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures, particularly in women with osteoporosis (low bone density) or who take certain medicines that influence bone health. Discuss with your doctor how you can keep your bones strong while taking Arimidex. You may need bone density examinations as well as calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
High cholesterol: Arimidex can elevate cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease. While using Arimidex, you may need to get blood tests and follow a low-fat diet.
Arimidex has been linked to liver damage, which can lead to liver failure or death. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or itching are all symptoms of liver disorders. If you see any indicators of liver problems while taking Arimidex, contact your doctor right once.
Arimidex has the potential to produce severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis), which can be fatal. A rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain, or dizziness are all symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you see any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Arimidex, contact your doctor right away.
Other typical Arimidex side effects include:
Hot flashes: Arimidex can induce flushing or sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck, or chest. To avoid or lessen hot flashes, avoid triggers including spicy meals, alcohol, caffeine, stress, and hot settings. To keep cool, dress in layers and utilise a fan or air conditioner. If you get hot flashes while taking Arimidex, notify your doctor. To assist relieve the hot flashes, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Arimidex can cause joint discomfort, stiffness, or inflammation, particularly in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Exercise regularly and gently, stretch your muscles and joints, use heat or cold packs to the problematic regions, and take over-the-counter pain medicines to prevent or alleviate joint pain or stiffness. If you experience joint discomfort or stiffness while taking Arimidex, notify your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to take anti-inflammatory medicine.
Arimidex can cause hair thinning or loss on the scalp and other regions of the body. To minimise or lessen hair loss, avoid using harsh chemicals, heat, or styling equipment that can harm your hair. Use a gentle wash and conditioner, and avoid brushing or pulling your hair too hard. If you experience hair loss while taking Arimidex, notify your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to use a drug or a substance to boost hair growth.
Arimidex might produce nausea, which can impair your appetite and weight. To avoid or lessen nausea, eat small and frequent meals, avoid hot, fatty, greasy, or fried foods, drink plenty of fluids, and chew on hard candies or ginger. If you experience nausea while taking Arimidex, notify your doctor. To assist control the nausea, your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medicine.
Headache: Arimidex can produce mild to severe headaches. To avoid or lessen headaches, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, get plenty of relaxation and sleep, and regulate your stress levels. If you experience a headache while taking Arimidex, notify your doctor. To alleviate the headache, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible Arimidex side effects. Talk to your doctor or chemist for more information about other possible side effects, or read the prescribing information for Arimidex.
