Brand Name

Arimidex {AstraZeneca}

Generic Name

anastrozole, pronounced an AS troe zole

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Arimidex?

Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex is typically givento women whose cancer has progressed even after having taken tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).

Arimidex may also be used for conditions that are not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Arimidex

Arimidex works by lowering estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growthof certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.

Your treatment with Arimidex may not work as well if you take it alongside tamoxifen or anestrogen medication, like a hormone replacement therapy, estrogen cream or birth controlpills. Tell your doctor about any estrogen replacement medication you aretaking before starting treatment with Arimidex.

Your treatment with Arimidex may last up to five (5) years or longer.

Arimidex is in FDA pregnancy Category D. Arimidex is known to harm an unborn baby. You shouldtell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant before you start to takeArimidex. You should not use Arimidex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding ababy, as we do not know if this medication passes into breast milk.

Before You Take Arimidex

You should not use Arimidex if you are allergic to anastrozole.

You should not take Arimidex if you are breast-feeding a baby, or if you have not yetcompleted menopause.

Arimidex is not a treatment for children or men.

Do not take Arimidex if you have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe oruncontrolled bleeding or if you have recently been coughing up blood.

Tell your doctor before taking Arimidex if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;circulation problems or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

You should tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosisor low bone mineral density before taking Arimidex.

Your doctor may require you to take a pregnancy test before beginning treatment withArimidex.

You may need to have regular mineral density tests while you are taking Arimidex, as thismedication can decrease your bone mineral density, which may increase your risk for developingosteoporosis

You may experience an impairment of your thinking or reaction time while taking Arimidex. Takecare when driving or doing anything that requires you to be alert.

Arimidex Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• estrogen medications, like hormone replacement therapy, estrogen cream, birth control pillsand others
• tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Arimidex. You should tell yourdoctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins,supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking anew medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Arimidex

You should take Arimidex exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not use Arimidex in larger orsmaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on yourprescription label exactly.

Arimidex should be taken once per day.

You can take Arimidex with or without food.

Arimidex should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of Arimidex you can take the missed dose as soon as your remember, unlessyour next dose is almost near.

Arimidex Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Arimidex andseek medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction that includes breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips,throat or tongue
• balance, speech or vision problems
• headache or confusion
• jaundice with upper stomach pain, appetite loss, clay colored stools, dark urine, itching andnausea
• numbness or weakness that is sudden
• severe skin reaction with a fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning inyour eyes, skin pain and followed by a purple or red skin rash that spreads (especially in theface or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
• shortness of breath
• swelling in your hands and feet
• swollen glands

Less serious Arimidex side effects may include:

• back pain
• bone pain
• cold symptoms like a sore throat or cough
• depression and mood changes
• hot flashes
• insomnia
• joint pain and stiffness
• nausea
• thinning hair
• vomiting
• weakness or numbness and cold feeling in hands or wrist, problems gripping

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Arimidex. Youshould contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Arimidex Description and Dosing

Arimidex is available as a 1 mg tablet which is white, biconvex, film-coated and contains 1 mgof anastrozole. The tablets are impressed on one side with a logo consisting of a letter “A”(upper case) with an arrowhead attached to the foot of the extended right leg of the “A” and onthe reverse with the tablet strength marking “Adx 1”.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with the Arimidex you should seek emergency helpimmediately.

Ingredients in Arimidex

Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Inactive ingredients include lactose,magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starchglycolate, and titanium dioxide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.