Arimidex
(anastrozole)
Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women
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.
- Price before coupon$49.53
- Lowest price with coupon$11.0878% savings
- 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.
What to expect from Arimidex, on one page
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.
What to expect from Arimidex, on one page
Arimidex (anastrozole) is a selective, nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, which reduces the body's normal production of estrogen.
- 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
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$5.67Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$11.08
- Get free coupon$11.08
- CostcoGet free coupon$11.90
What to expect when you take Arimidex (anastrozole) for Breast cancer
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Stomach pain
- Hot flashes
- Joint inflammation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Arimidex (anastrozole)
- Stomach pain32%32%
- Dilation of blood vessels31%31%
- Hot flashes24%24%
- Fatigue19%19%
- Mood disorder19%19%
- Worsening of heart disease in those with pre-existing heart condition17%17%
- Joint inflammation17%17%
- Nausea16%16%
- Weakness16%16%
- Headache14%14%
- Pain14%14%
- Severe chest pain in those with pre-existing heart condition12%12%
- Vomiting11%11%
- Weak bones11%11%
- Back pain11%11%
- Inflammation of the throat10%10%
- Difficulty breathing10%10%
- Swelling9%9%
- Skin rash9%9%
- Joint pain9%9%
- Bone pain9%9%
- Coughing9%9%
- High blood pressure8%8%
- Depression8%8%
- Heart disease4%4%
- Severe chest pain2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Arimidex.
People taking Arimidex felt side effect more
People taking Arimidex felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Arimidex (anastrozole)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take Arimidex (anastrozole) with or without food.
- Can be used safely and effectively even in those with kidney or liver problems.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed 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.53Woman