Arimidex Tablet 1mg

About Arimidex Tablet 1mg

Arimidex Tablet 1mg Uses

• Treatment of hormone receptor positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women
• Treatment of hormone receptor positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women
• First line hormonal therapy for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
• Extended adjuvant therapy after initial tamoxifen treatment

Arimidex Tablet 1mg Benefits

• Lowers circulating estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme
• Reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women
• Offers a lower risk of blood clots and uterine effects compared to tamoxifen
• Suitable for long term adjuvant use as prescribed by an oncologist

What Experts Say

Anastrozole works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into estrogen in fat and muscle tissue. In postmenopausal women, this peripheral conversion becomes the main source of circulating estrogen once the ovaries stop producing it. Lower estrogen slows the growth signal that hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells depend on.

This mechanism explains why Anastrozole suits postmenopausal women or those with confirmed ovarian suppression. It does not block ovarian estrogen, so it offers no benefit in premenopausal women whose ovaries remain active. Oncologists confirm menopausal status before starting therapy and often choose Anastrozole over tamoxifen for a lower risk of blood clots and uterine effects.

Because estrogen also protects bone density, prescribers order periodic DEXA scans to track bone mineral density and watch for early osteoporosis during long term use. Lipid profile checks are recommended too, since Anastrozole can raise cholesterol. Calcium, vitamin D or bone protective therapy may be added when bone loss is detected.

Drug Class

• Aromatase Inhibitor
• Non steroidal antineoplastic agent
• Hormonal anticancer therapy

Arimidex Tablet 1mg formula

• Anastrozole

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Arimidex Tablet 1mg?

• Take one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not crush or chew it.
• Continue treatment for the full duration prescribed by your oncologist, often five years for adjuvant therapy.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your oncologist, even if you feel well.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose.
• Attend all scheduled follow up visits and bone density or cholesterol tests during treatment.

Drug Interactions

• Tamoxifen: Combining Anastrozole with tamoxifen can reduce the effectiveness of Anastrozole, so they are not usually prescribed together.
• Estrogen containing products: Estrogen containing medicines or hormone replacement therapy can counteract the estrogen lowering effect of Anastrozole and should be avoided.
• Other hormone therapies: Concurrent use of other hormonal cancer therapies should be reviewed by an oncologist to avoid reduced effectiveness.
• Tibolone: This hormone replacement medicine may reduce the anticancer effect of Anastrozole and is generally avoided during treatment.

Risks and warnings

• Bone density loss: Long term use lowers estrogen and can reduce bone mineral density, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Cardiovascular and cholesterol effects: Anastrozole can raise cholesterol levels and has been linked to ischemic cardiovascular events in some patients.
• Not for premenopausal women: This medicine is not effective and is not recommended in women whose ovaries are still active or during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Anastrozole can cause fetal harm and must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Joint pain and stiffness: Joint pain, stiffness and hot flushes are common and should be reported if severe or persistent.
• Liver or kidney impairment: Use with caution and under close oncologist supervision in patients with liver or kidney disease.

Arimidex Tablet 1mg Side Effects

• Hot flushes
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Mood changes or depression
• Vaginal dryness
• Thinning hair
• Bone pain
• Osteoporosis or increased fracture risk with long term use
• Raised cholesterol levels
• Rare allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack.