Arimidex

Arimidex product description

Drug uses

Arimidex is one of the meds used in hormone therapy of breast cancer. Being a non-steroidal inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, Arimidex reduces the estrogen level in postmenopausal women. Women with high estrogen level (female sex hormone) in the blood are thought to be at an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Arimidex is characterized by antitumor activity and is indicated to postmenopausal women for the treatment of:

• hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer
• hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer
• advanced breast cancer with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy

The recommended daily dose of Arimidex is 1 mg (1 pill) once a day for adults and elderly patients. In case of progression, the intake of Arimidex pills is recommended to be stopped. If patients suffer from mild to moderate renal and liver disorders, they do not need yet to adjust the dose of Arimidex.

Missed dose

If the patient missed a scheduled dose of Arimidex, an anticancer drug, she should take it as soon as possible, but not if more than 12 hours passed since the missed dose. If it is the nearly time for the next dose, the patient is recommended to skip the missed dose of Arimidex, aromatase inhibitor. The next daily dose is to be taken normally (no double, at the same time).

More information

Arimidex tablets are swallowed whole and taken irrespective of meals at the same time. Treatment with Arimidex in patients, previously taken tamoxifen, should be started after completion of 2-3 year’s tamoxifen therapy. During treatment with Arimidex, patients should not be indicated with drugs containing estrogen, since these drugs reduce the pharmacological action of the aromatase inhibitor.

Storage

Arimidex tablets should be protected from moisture and rapid temperature changes. This non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor is recommended to be kept in the original packaging at temperature of 20°C to 25°C.

Arimidex safety information

Warnings

Coadministration of Arimidex with drugs containing tamoxifen is not recommended since the pharmacological effect of Arimidex can be decreased. Caution should be taken whilst prescribing the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor to patients with osteoporosis or at risk for osteoporosis because Arimidex may reduce bone mineral density.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Arimidex does not result in significant drug interaction with antipyrin, warfarin, or cimetidine. There are no eligible data available on the efficacy of the combined use of Arimidex with chemotherapy.

Caution is recommended while driving a motor vehicle and operating mechanisms, as some side effects of Arimidex (drowsiness, chronic fatigue syndrome) may adversely affect the ability to concentrate. In case of overdose, the symptomatic treatment is recommended since there is no specific antidote available at the pharmaceutical market.

Disclaimer

Information about Arimidex and treatment of breast cancer in women are provided herein for information purposes only. Overview of the anti-cancer drug should not be used to replace consultation with the oncologist. The Online Pharmacy shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions with regards to the information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from use of the review of antineoplastic agent Arimidex.

Arimidex side effects

Undesirable effects, which may sometimes occur when taking Arimidex tablets, more often do not lead to any complications and do not result in the cessation of drug therapy. Basically, these easily tolerable undesirable effects pass fast enough. Undesirable effects, caused by Arimidex, mostly (more than 10% of cases) include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, vaginal dryness, and hypertension.

Sleep disturbances, headache, depression and asthenia may be experienced as well. The use of Arimidex may cause some musculoskeletal system diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, myalgia, bone pain, arthralgia, and joint stiffness. Also sensory disorders, such as taste loss or perversion, paraesthesia are possible.