Arimidex

What Is Arimidex / Anastrozole

• Arimidex is a brand name; its active ingredient is anastrozole, which belongs to a class of medications called aromatase inhibitors. Drugs.com+2Wikipedia+2

• It works by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens (hormone precursors) into oestrogen. Reducing oestrogen helps slow or stop the growth of certain breast cancers that need oestrogen to grow. arimidex.com+2European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2

Uses

In the UK and elsewhere, Arimidex is used mainly for:

• Treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women. That means cancers that have receptors for oestrogen or progesterone, so their growth can be stimulated by these hormones. nhs.uk+2European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2

• As adjuvant therapy: after surgery (and possibly radiotherapy / chemotherapy) to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. nhs.uk+2European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2

• In some cases, to treat advanced breast cancer (that has spread or recurred) or cancer that didn’t respond fully to earlier hormone therapy (e.g. Tamoxifen). arimidex.com+2European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2

• Sometimes for prevention in postmenopausal women who are considered at higher risk of breast cancer. Medicines.org.uk+1

How It’s Taken

• Form: oral tablet. nhs.uk+2Medicines.org.uk+2

• Dose: usually 1 mg once daily. European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2Drugs.com+2

• Duration: often prescribed for 5 years as adjuvant therapy (for early breast cancer) to reduce risk of recurrence. European Medicines Agency (EMA)+1

Side Effects & Risks

Some of the common and important side effects:

• Hot flashes, joint stiffness or pain, musculoskeletal aches. nhs.uk+2Drugs.com+2

• Fatigue, mood changes, low mood. Drugs.com+1

• Risk of bone thinning / osteoporosis, since oestrogen helps maintain bone density. nhs.uk+2arimidex.com+2

• Possible increase in cholesterol. arimidex.com+2European Medicines Agency (EMA)+2

• Because it lowers oestrogen, it’s not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Medicines.org.uk+1

UK-Specific / Regulatory

• In the UK, Arimidex (anastrozole) is available by prescription only. nhs.uk+1

• It’s on the NHS and prescribed for the indications above. nhs.uk

• Patients will normally be monitored during treatment — for example, bone density checks, cholesterol, etc