Arimidex (Anastrozole)

Do's

• Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting Arimidex. 
• Take Arimidex by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day. 
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.   
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the recommended dose of one 1 mg tablet taken once a day. 
• Continue Arimidex until tumor progression for patients with advanced breast cancer. 
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and consult with them if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment with Arimidex. 

Don'ts 

• Do not increase your dose or use Arimidex more often or for longer than prescribed. Doing so will not improve your condition any faster, and it may increase your risk of serious side effects.  
• Do not handle Arimidex tablets or breathe the dust from them if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm an unborn baby. 
• Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarification if you have any questions about the medication.

Common Side Effects:

• Asthenia (weakness or lack of energy)
• Back, chest, muscle, stomach, or pelvic pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Hot flashes (flushes)
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Sleeplessness
• Sore joints
• Sore throat 

Serious Side Effects: 

• Skin reactions such as lesions, ulcers, or blisters
• Allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, causing difficulty in swallowing and/or breathing
• Changes in blood tests of the liver function, including inflammation of the liver with symptoms that may include a general feeling of not being well, with or without jaundice, liver pain, or liver swelling 

Long-Term Side Effects: 

• Decreased bone density (may last a long time) 
• High cholesterol and osteoporosis (may take months to years to develop and may be hard to notice)

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects and report any signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect. If you experience serious discomfort, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Arimidex may decrease blood flow to the heart, especially in individuals with a history of coronary artery disease. Seek medical attention if new or worsening chest pain or shortness of breath is experienced.

Do not use Arimidex if you are pregnant, as it could harm the unborn baby.

Arimidex may not work as effectively if taken together with estrogen medication, such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings.

Arimidex is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any of the excipients of Arimidex.

In individuals with pre-existing ischemic heart disease, an increased incidence of ischemic cardiovascular events was observed with Arimidex in clinical trials.

Arimidex, like most medications that decrease the effects of estrogens, can lead to osteoporosis. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about this condition

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Arimidex. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized information and guidance regarding the use of this medication.