Arimidex (Anastrozole)

Description

Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer among women who have been through menopause. This drug is mostly used when other breast cancer medication prove to be ineffective. Arimidex is also recognized as Anastrozole in the medical field.

 

 

 

How It Works

 

Arimidex works by lowering the level of estrogen in females. This reduction enables the drug to shrink the tumors. This is achieved by slowing down their growth rate. It is important to note that this medication is only effective in postmenopausal women.

 

Uses

 

The main use of Arimidex is its ability to treat breast cancer among postmenopausal women. This drug does not cure the cancer. But rather, it stops the growth of the tumor and prevents it from deteriorating into an untreatable condition. Moreover, this medication is also helpful in treating various other types of breast cancers that require estrogen to grow.

 

Dosage

 

This drug is usually taken once a day by mouth – with or without food. It is highly important to stick to the prescription provided by the physician. Do not make any changes to the dosage or the schedule without consulting your physician. You must not increase your dose without the healthcare provider’s advice. Increasing the dose will not enhance the effectiveness of the drug. Rather, it will interfere with the treatment and might even result in severe side effects.

 

Arimidex works best when it is consumed on a regular basis. Therefore, do not forget to consume your medication on time. If you skip or miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dosage in order to compensate.

 

This could lead to overdosing. Taking the drug at the same time every day can prevent you from missing your dose.

 

Side Effects

 

The following are some side effects of the medication that you need to be aware about:

 

 Swollen glands
 Bone fracture
 Shortness of breath
 Liver problems
 Signs of a stroke
 Severe skin reactions
 Numbness

 

At the event of such symptoms, make sure to consult your healthcare provider for instructions.

 

Precautions

 

The safety instructions given below must be strictly followed in order to ensure your safety during the treatment period.

 

 Arimidex can impair your thinking and reaction time. Thus, do not drive or operate machinery after taking your dose.

 

 Inform your pharmacist about your current medications.

 

 Check whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the drug.

 

 Do not get pregnant or breastfeed you child during the treatment period.

 

 Take regular tests to track your bone density during the course of the treatment.

 

Self-Care

 

Arimidex can easily pass into body fluids such as vomit, urine and feces. Therefore, it is important to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. Make sure to wear rubber gloves at all times, especially when disposing contaminated trash.

 

This medication will only be effective if you use it for at least a period of five years. Therefore, do not stop the treatment abruptly without notifying your physician. Doing so can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.