Arimidex

(anastrozole)

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Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women

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Our bottom line

Arimidex (anastrozole) is one of the first-line treatments for breast cancer that helps improve survival rates, but it is used only in post-menopausal women.

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Quick facts about Arimidex
  • Drug class: Cancer
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (anastrozole)

Upsides

  • Available as a pill unlike some chemotherapies.
  • Can be used safely and effectively even in those with kidney or liver problems.
  • Available as a generic version
  • Can be used as first line or second line hormone therapy for certain advanced breast cancers.
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What to expect from Arimidex, on one page

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Downsides

  • Arimidex (anastrozole) can cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, tightness in the chest or throat, and trouble breathing.
  • You will have to get your blood drawn regularly while on Arimidex (anastrozole).
  • Unlike other chemotherapies, Arimidex (anastrozole) reduces the amount of estrogen in your body, which can lead to weaker bones and other symptoms typically only seen in postmenopausal women.
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What to expect from Arimidex, on one page

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How it works

Arimidex (anastrozole) is a selective, nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, which reduces the body's normal production of estrogen.

Quick facts about Arimidex
  • Drug class: Cancer
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (anastrozole)

Used for

  • Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
  • Reduction of risk for breast cancer

Dosage forms

  • Pill
Tried Arimidex? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast cancer

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Stomach pain
  • Hot flashes
  • Joint inflammation
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
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Side effect rates for Arimidex (anastrozole)

  • Stomach pain
    32%32%
  • Dilation of blood vessels
    31%31%
  • Hot flashes
    24%24%
  • Fatigue
    19%19%
  • Mood disorder
    19%19%
  • Worsening of heart disease in those with pre-existing heart condition
    17%17%
  • Joint inflammation
    17%17%
  • Nausea
    16%16%
  • Weakness
    16%16%
  • Headache
    14%14%
  • Pain
    14%14%
  • Severe chest pain in those with pre-existing heart condition
    12%12%
  • Vomiting
    11%11%
  • Weak bones
    11%11%
  • Back pain
    11%11%
  • Inflammation of the throat
    10%10%
  • Difficulty breathing
    10%10%
  • Swelling
    9%9%
  • Skin rash
    9%9%
  • Joint pain
    9%9%
  • Bone pain
    9%9%
  • Coughing
    9%9%
  • High blood pressure
    8%8%
  • Depression
    8%8%
  • Heart disease
    4%4%
  • Severe chest pain
    2%2%
0%
10%
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40%
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80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Arimidex.

Arimidex (anastrozole)
Placebo

People taking Arimidex felt side effect more

People taking Arimidex felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Arimidex (anastrozole)

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  • Over time, Arimidex (anastrozole) can lower the quality of your bone. If you have brittle bones and need to be on Arimidex (anastrozole), your doctor may prescribe another medicine to improve the quality of your bones. Talk to your doctor about calcium and vitamin D supplementation for preventing bone loss.

Common concerns from people taking Arimidex (anastrozole)

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Food
  • Take Arimidex (anastrozole) with or without food.
Kidneys and liver
  • Can be used safely and effectively even in those with kidney or liver problems.
Weight
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Arimidexon 6/28/2015Joint pain and weight gain. The joint pain stopped after I stopped taking the drug, but I haven't been able to get the weight off.
    53
    Woman