Arimidex

What is Arimidex?

Arimidex (Anastrozole) is a type of medication commonly used to help treat breast cancer in women. Sometimes it is also used to help with treating women suffering from various symptoms due to menopause. In both scenarios this medication can be used alone or it may be used in conjunction with other medicine as an overall plan of action.

How Arimidex Works

Anastrozole is able to work by reducing the amounts of the hormone called estrogen that a woman naturally produces. Arimidex has to be taken daily and should be taken at the same time each day if possible. It can be taken with or without food but many women become nauseated if they don’t eat something with it.

Arimidex Dosage

The daily dose of Arimidex will depend on the woman. The lowest possible dose that will give her the best benefits is what the doctor will offer. The lower dose will be a starting point though and then it can be increased if needed after a few weeks have gone by and another assessment is completed.

It is important to continue taking this medication even after feeling better. Some women will need to take it for several years to successfully combat cancer and to keep it from coming back. For other women they have to take it long term because menopause can stretch out over a considerable number of years before it is complete.

Arimidex Drug Interactions

While Arimidex is often mixed with other forms of medicine it won’t do well with all types. That is why it is very important to tell the doctor about any other forms of medicine that are being taken. Many women use herbal products to help fight cancer and those also need to be reported.

Arimidex Side Effects

There is quite a long list of various side effects that may be experienced with the use of Anastrozole. Some women have lots of them and others have very few. They can be mild, moderate, or severe in nature. Those side effects include hair thinning, dryness in the vaginal region, dizziness, tenderness in the breasts, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, sweating, hot flashes, diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, and dry mouth.

Arimidex Precautions

It is important to note that the risk of osteoporosis can increase when Arimidex is taken. Therefore it may be wise to take a supplement to prevent it. Women with a family history of this bone problem should take extra precautions.