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Introduction About ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET contains Anastrozole, which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-cancer drugs. It works by lowering the levels of a female sex hormone called oestrogen (responsible for the growth and proliferation of tumour cells in the breast) in women who have undergone menopause.

Along with the management, you might have to undergo some lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and quitting alcohol. Prior to the management of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET, your doctor might want you to take some diagnostic tests to better evaluate your condition.

Before taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, lactose intolerance, or osteoporosis (decreased strength of bones).

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET without the consultation of your doctor.

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents. It should be used with caution with elderly patients.

The most common side effects of taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET are hot flushes, weakness, pain, stiffness or inflammation in joints, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

Uses Of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET

To lower the levels of oestrogen in post-menopausal women

How ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET Works

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET works by lowering the levels of a sex hormone called oestrogen in liver, fat, muscle, and breast cells by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into oestrogen (which stimulates the growth and proliferation of tumour cells in the breast).

How to use ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET

Take ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects Of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET

Common

hot flushes
feeling weak and sleepy
pain or stiffness in your joints
inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
allergic reactions, including face, lips, tongue, or skin rash (hypersensitivity)
nausea and vomiting
headache
bone loss (osteoporosis)
vaginal dryness, bleeding from the vagina
thinning of your hair (hair loss)
diarrhoea
loss of appetite
tingling, pain, coldness, and weakness in parts of the hand (carpel tunnel syndrome)
tickling, tingling, or numbness of the skin
loss or lack of taste
muscle pain

Uncommon

a condition in which your finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position (trigger finger)
inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
hives or nettle rash (red, itchy, raised bumps on the skin)

Rare

inflammation of the small blood vessels causing red or purple colouring of the skin

Stop taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

severe skin reaction with ulcers or blisters on the skin (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions with swelling of the throat that may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing (angioedema)

How To Manage Side Effects

Diarrhea

Drink a lot of fluids, such as water or fruit juice, to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own for managing diarrhea without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

Headache

Drink an ample amount of water. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Apply a pain-relieving balm to your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Loss Of Appetite

Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals more frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack that is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

Muscle Cramps

Try to rest and relax. Keep a heat pad on the affected area. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting

Take this medicine with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Contraindicated

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

Consult your doctor

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel weak or sleepy after taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET.

Kidney

Use with Caution

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

Use with Caution

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Use with Caution

Do not take ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET if you are allergic to Anastrozole or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET should be used with caution with elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Others

Before taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:

have menstrual periods
have osteoporosis or any condition that affects the strength of the bones
have lactose intolerance

Interactions

A. Drug-drug interactions:

selective estrogen receptor modulators (used to manage breast cancer) Ex. tamoxifen
medicines that contain estrogen (used in hormone replacement therapy)
LHRH analogue (used to manage breast cancer, gynaecological conditions, and infertility) Ex. gonadorelin, buserelin, goserelin, leuprorelin, and triptorelin
herbal medicines

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Anastrozole
Pharmacological Category	:	Aromatase Inhibitors
Therapeutic Indication	:	To lower the levels of oestrogen in post-menopausal women
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Capsule

More Information

Keep ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET out of reach of children
Store away from moisture, at a temperature not above 30°C

FAQs About ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET

Q: Does ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET affect bone health?

A: Yes, ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET acts by lowering the estrogen levels in the body, which is an important hormone to maintain bone health. Due to this, the mineral content of the bones decreases, and they may become less strong and more prone to fracture. Your doctor might ask you to take several tests to better assess and manage your condition.

Q: Can I stop taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET on my own?

A: No, do not stop taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET without the advice of your doctor. However, not taking the medicine at the recommended time may increase the risk of your breast cancer recurring.

Q: Is ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET a form of chemotherapy?

A: No, ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET acts by decreasing the estrogen levels in the body, which is a hormone. This in turn decreases the growth of cancer cells in breasts. ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is hormone therapy.

Q: Who should avoid taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET?

A: ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended if you still have menstrual periods, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are allergic to ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET.

Q: What if I forget to take a dose of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET?

A: If you forget to take a dose of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET, just take your next dose as normal. Do not take two doses of ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Q: Can alcohol be consumed with ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET?

A: It is best to avoid or limit alcohol intake when ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is taken, since alcohol can raise your risk of experiencing side effects from ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET such as hot flashes or joint pain.

Q: Should calcium be taken with ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET?

A: It is advisable to take calcium and vitamin D supplements while ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is taken since the medicine may cause bone loss as a side effect, which can be monitored by a bone mineral density (BMD) test if done every 1 to 2 years.

Q: Is ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET safe to use with children?

A: ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to a lack of safety and effectiveness. Generally, breast cancer occurs in older women. However, consult your doctor for advice before taking ARIMIDEX 1MG TABLET.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 315.

2. Monica Milani, Gautam Jha, David A. Potter. Anastrozole Use in Early Stage Breast Cancer of Post-Menopausal Women. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. March 2009. [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2753667/

3. William R Miller. Aromatase inhibitors: mechanism of action and role in the treatment of breast cancer. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. August 2003. [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14513432/

4. ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Astra Zeneca. [Revised in September 2020]. [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.arimidex.com/arimidex-faqs/

5. Accord Healthcare Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2021]. [Accessed on 19th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6051.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

Biopsy
Mammogram
Estrogen receptor (ER)
Progesterone receptor (PR)
Bone density test

Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Rajnikant - MBBS, MD (Physiology)

Last updated on 02 Nov 2023 | 11:11 AM(IST)