Anastrozole (Brand name: Arimidex) belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. Anastrozole reduces estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which might impede the development of specific kinds of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the human body.
It is a type of hormone treatment (also called hormone treatment) and belongs to a group of medications known as aromatase inhibitors.
Anastrozole (Arimidex) is the generic (non-branded) name of this medication. All brands include exactly the exact same dose of this medication.
Consequently, the quantity of estrogen that the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the development of the tumor.
Men with breast cancer might also be given anastrozole, though tamoxifen is much more commonly utilized.
Arimidex Uses
Anastrozole is used in the treatment of the following conditions
- For adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer,
- Hormonal treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Used to treat pubertal gynecomastia.
- McCune-Albright syndrome.
Arimidex Mechanism of Action
Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. It works by blocking aromatase, an enzyme that causes increased levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Consequently, estrogen levels in the body are diminished, as well as the increase of cancer cells that rely on estrogen can be stopped or slowed.
Aromatase inhibition Contributes to a decrease in tumor and serum concentration of estrogen, resulting in a decreased tumor mass or delayed progression of tumor growth in certain women
Arimidex Side effects
Like most hormonal treatment drugs, anastrozole may cause unwanted side effects. A number of Arimidex side effects may be serious so it’s important to see the comprehensive information below. How hormonal treatment impacts individuals changes from person to person. Your physician or nurse can speak with you about this and provide you suggestions for the best way best to handle Arimidex side effects.
Arimidex side effects are different in different people. Following are some of the side effects related to this drug.
Some common Arimidex Side effects are;
- Pain,
- Arthritis,
- Hot flashes,
- Headache,
- Depression,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Bone pain,
- Sleeplessness, and
- Rash
Serious Arimidex side effects are:
- Low red blood cell count
- Weak or broken bones
- Blood clots
- Stroke,
- heart attack
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus
- Low white blood cell count
- Increased blood pressure
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Liver inflammation
- Cataracts.
Anastrozole in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Anastrozole isn’t advisable for pregnant moms under any conditions. Anastrozole can cause fetal damage and terminate maternity.
It Shouldn’t Be administered to nursing moms to avoid any injury to the newborn.
Precautions
- In case you haven’t gone through menopause you shouldn’t take anastrozole.
- Avoid if you’ve got osteoporosis (a condition that causes your bones to become thinner and weaker than normal)
- Avoid if you have issues with your kidneys or liver.
- If you are currently taking any other medicines, including medicines you may buy without a prescription, like herbal and complementary medicines
Interaction with other medications
Anastrozole (Arimidex) shouldn’t be used with tamoxifen since tamoxifen can decrease anastrozole amounts within the body and lessen its curative outcomes.
Estrogens reduce the impact of anastrozole by raising estrogen levels in the human body.
Foods To Avoid When Taking Anastrozole
While taking Anastrozole, most individuals can maintain a regular diet. However, if you experience diarrhea, it’s advisable to avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, cereals, and seeds. Instead, opt for soluble fiber-rich foods to alleviate diarrhea. Additionally, consider reducing your intake of spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and refrain from smoking for overall well-being during Anastrozole treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dietary guidance.
Arimidex Dosage
- Anastrozole is generally taken once every day. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Don’t take this medication in smaller or larger quantities or for longer than advised.
- The suggested Arimidex dosage for adults such as the elderly is just one 1 mg tablet once each day.
- For postmenopausal women using hormone receptor-positive early invasive breast cancer, the recommended length of adjuvant hormone therapy is 5 years.
- You might take anastrozole with or without meals.
- You might want to continue taking this medicine for as many as five decades. Follow your physician’s directions.
- But if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Don’t double doses.
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
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