Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: anastrozole, oral; Arimidex
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women (those who no longer have monthly periods) who have hormone-receptive breast cancer. It is also used for cancer that has not responded to tamoxifen (Nolvadex). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the medicine will upset your stomach. Take this medicine once every day. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. Take your dose at the same time every day so that it is easier to remember.
Do not miss doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you do not remember that day, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in your stools.
For this medicine to be effective, you must continue taking it even if you have side effects. Discuss side effects with your healthcare provider.
This medicine may raise the level of cholesterol in your blood. You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Continued treatment with this medicine may affect bone density. Your healthcare provider may order tests to determine if this medicine is affecting your bones.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash; trouble breathing, tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat), chest pain.
Serious (report these to your provider right away): Chest pain, shortness of breath, fever; yellow skin or eyes, pain on the right side of your abdomen, depression; vaginal bleeding, itching or unusual discharge; swelling in feet, legs, or hands.
Other: Weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, hot flashes, cough, breast pain or tenderness, dizziness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, hoarseness, dry mouth, hair thinning, joint or muscle pain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
