Anastrozole 1mg

 Aromatase Inhibitor; Antineoplastic Agent

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Anastrozole/Arimidex is a reversible (Type II), nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor which prevents the conversion of androgens to estrogens in peripheral tissues.  Aromatase is particularly active in the adipose tissue.  This essentially lowers the amount estrogen in the body.

Anastrozole/Arimidex is officially indicated for use in estrogen dependant breast cancer and is also prescribed off-label for endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and for hyperestrogenism.

Can cause a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) because of a decrease in circulating estrogen levels.  

Use with caution in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Hyperestrogenism 

Refer to protocol by which patient is being treated.

How to Take Anastrozole/Arimidex: Can be taken with or without food.  

How to Manage Common Side Effects of Anastrozole/Arimidex: Majority of side effects are mild and transient and disappear over time.  Nausea can occur when you first taking Arimidex/Anastrozole if it persists you can take it with food.  Hot flashes usually improve as your body adjusts but if they become problematic.  Take Anastrozole/Arimidex at bedtime, if night sweats interfere with sleep, try taking in the morning.  Swelling of the hands and feet can occur if your body retains extra fluid.  If swelling becomes problematic, elevate your feet while sitting.

Contact Your Doctor if You Ever Experience: Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor if you experience signs of a blood clot such as tenderness or hardness over a vein, calf swelling and tenderness, sudden onset of cough, chest pain or shortness of breath.  

Well tolerated, most side effects are transient and mild to moderate in nature.  The most common side effects include:

>10%

Cardiovascular: Vasodilation (25% to 36%), ischemic heart disease (4%; 17% in patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease), hypertension (5% to 13%), angina pectoris (2%; 12% in patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease)

Dermatologic: Skin rash (6% to 11%)

Endocrine and Metabolic: Hot flash (12% to 36%)

Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal distress (29% to 34%), nausea (11% to 19%), vomiting (<13%)

Nervous system: Mood disorder (19%), fatigue (<19%), pain (11% to 17%), headache (9% to 13%), depression (5% to 13%)

Neuromuscular and Skeletal: Asthenia (<19%), arthritis (17%), arthralgia (15%), back pain (10% to 12%), osteoporosis (11%), ostealgia (6% to 11%)

Respiratory: Pharyngitis (6% to 14%), increased cough (8% to 11%)

1. Do you take Anastrozole/Arimidex with food or on an empty stomach?
   You can take Anastrozole/Arimidex with or without food.  However, if you experience nausea or an upset stomach take it after a meal.
2. Can you drink alcohol when you are on Anastrozole/Arimidex?
   Drinking small amounts of alcohol does not appear to affect the safety or effectiveness of Anastrozole/Arimidex.
3. What if you miss a dose?
   If you miss taking a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose.  If it is over 12 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing times.