DRUG TITLE

Arimidex (Anastrozole)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

This drug is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

HOW TO USE

Follow the directions for using this medicine as your doctor prescribed. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take the medication by mouth exactly as prescription, usually once a day. This is powerful medicine. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Arimidex is the name of anastrozole, an oral antiestrogen. Arimidex inhibits the enzyme aromatase in the adrenal gland, which produces the estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and thereby lowers their levels.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it to as soon as possible. When it came time for your next dose, skip the missed reception and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from heat and light.

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Using this medicine alone, with other drugs or with alcohol may reduce your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drive, do not operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how to react to this medicine. Use non-hormonal method of contraception if you are a woman capable of becoming pregnant. This medication may harm the fetus. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you feed or to breast-feed while using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects that could happen during treatment, include weakness, nausea, headache, vomiting, cough, or diarrhea.
If they become worse, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have a sore throat or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about the drug, please consult your doctor. The drug should be used by those patients for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.