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src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Molly-Becze-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span><a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medically reviewed</a> by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS</a></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS</a></span></span></span></span> — <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> Updated on July 29, 2024</span></a></div></section></div><div><div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><nav class="css-zq0bie css-6jqqkq" id="tab-bar-0"><div class="css-1jef7q3">Contents</div><ul class="css-wy0i0w"><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#generic" class="css-1boja1f">Generic</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#side-effects" class="css-1boja1f">Side effects</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#dosage" class="css-1boja1f">Dosage</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#uses" class="css-1boja1f">Uses</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#use-with-other-drugs" class="css-1boja1f">Use with other drugs</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#alternatives" class="css-1boja1f">Alternatives</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#arimidex-vs-tamoxifen" class="css-1boja1f">Arimidex vs. tamoxifen</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#arimidex-vs-letrozole" class="css-1boja1f">Arimidex vs. letrozole</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#faq" class="css-1boja1f">FAQ</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#how-it-works" class="css-1boja1f">How it works</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#arimidex-and-alcohol" class="css-1boja1f">Arimidex and alcohol</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#interactions" class="css-1boja1f">Interactions</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#overdose" class="css-1boja1f">Overdose</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#how-to-take" class="css-1boja1f">How to take</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#expiration" class="css-1boja1f">Expiration</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#cost-and-coupons" class="css-1boja1f">Cost and coupons</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#pregnancy" class="css-1boja1f">Pregnancy</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#birth-control-needs" class="css-1boja1f">Birth control needs</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#breastfeeding" class="css-1boja1f">Breastfeeding</a></li><li class="css-m2zwta"><a href="#precautions" class="css-1boja1f">Precautions</a></li></ul></nav></div><div class="css-79elbk"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span></div><article class="article-body css-jlwtvy"><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="_noHeaderPrefixedContent" class="css-18t57tk"><div><p class="css-4aeg3z">Arimidex is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of breast cancer. Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole and is a type of hormone therapy.</p></div><p>Some types of breast cancer need hormones such as estrogen to grow. <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Hormone therapies for breast cancer</a>, such as Arimidex, work by lowering the estrogen in your body, so the cancer cannot grow.</p><p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Arimidex to treat the following types of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> in females who have gone through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>:</p><ul><li><strong>Early hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer.</strong> For early breast cancer that is <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">HR-positive</a>, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. This type of treatment is called adjuvant treatment.</li><li><strong>Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown. </strong><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Locally advanced</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a> typically can’t be treated with surgery. For these conditions, Arimidex is given as a first-line treatment. With first-line treatment, the drug is the first treatment used for the cancer.</li><li><strong>Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug tamoxifen.</strong> Note that if your breast cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative), or it didn’t improve with <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a> treatment in the past, it’s unlikely to improve with Arimidex.</li></ul><p>For details about these uses of Arimidex, see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex (anastrozole) uses</a>” section below.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>Drug details</h3><p>You’ll find key information about Arimidex below.</p><ul><li><strong>Drug class:</strong> aromatase inhibitor</li><li><strong>Drug form:</strong> oral tablet</li><li><strong>Generic available?</strong> yes</li><li><strong>Prescription required?</strong> yes</li><li><strong>Controlled substance?</strong> no</li><li><strong>Year of FDA approval:</strong> 1995</li></ul></div><div><div class="css-umsscj"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-10gx9pb"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline0__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline0__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1l7cd95"></div></div></div></aside></div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="generic" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="generic">Arimidex generic</a></div></h2><p>Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole, and it’s available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics also tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="side-effects" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="side-effects">Arimidex side effects </a></div></h2><p>Arimidex can cause mild or serious side effects. Listed below are some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Arimidex. These lists do not include all possible side effects. And your side effects may vary from those listed below depending on the condition you’re using Arimidex to treat.</p><p>For more information on the possible side effects of Arimidex, see <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-side-effects" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-side-effects" class="content-link css-90fpmc">this article</a>. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.</p><p><em>Note:</em> The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Arimidex, you can do so through <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">MedWatch</a>.</p><h3>When side effects of Arimidex may start</h3><p>It’s possible to have certain side effects of Arimidex soon after you start taking the medication. This is because Arimidex lowers your body’s <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a> level significantly within 24 hours after taking your first dose. Lowering your estrogen level may lead to side effects that are similar to those of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>, such as hot flashes and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155" class="content-link css-90fpmc">insomnia</a>.</p><p>Other side effects can take much longer to develop, such as thinning and weakening of your bones and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">increased cholesterol levels</a>. You’re unlikely to notice side effects such as these, but your doctor will monitor you for them.</p><h3>How long side effects of Arimidex may last</h3><p>It’s hard to say how long your side effects will last, as each person’s reaction to the drug can be different. How long you’ll have side effects from the drug depends on how your body reacts to Arimidex.</p><p>If you’re concerned about side effects that don’t seem to be improving, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage the side effects.</p><h3>Do side effects of Arimidex get worse over time?</h3><p>Some Arimidex side effects can get worse over time. However, some mild side effects may go away or improve over time. These include nausea, headache, and dizziness.</p><p>For some people, side effects may occur off and on throughout treatment, such as hot flashes, joint pain, or insomnia. Your doctor can also discuss symptoms of Arimidex side effects to watch for. If you experience any such symptoms, especially if they are severe or bothersome, be sure to contact your doctor right away.</p><p>Your doctor will monitor you for certain side effects that could become serious if allowed to worsen, such as thinning bones or high cholesterol levels. Your doctor will likely order tests before and during treatment to monitor for these changes.</p><h3>Mild side effects</h3><p>The mild side effects* of Arimidex can include:</p><ul><li>hot flashes</li><li>feeling weak</li><li>bone pain</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">arthritis</a></li><li>nausea and vomiting</li><li>rash</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155" class="content-link css-90fpmc">insomnia</a></li><li>headache</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" class="content-link css-90fpmc">peripheral edema</a> (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">lymphedema</a> (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)</li><li>sore throat</li><li>dizziness</li><li>mood changes, such as depression</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">carpal tunnel syndrome</a> (a nerve condition that affects your wrist), which may cause pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" class="content-link css-90fpmc">fatigue</a>†</li><li>back or joint pain†</li><li>weight gain†</li></ul><p style="font-size:0.8em"><em>* This is a partial list of mild side effects of Arimidex. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s </em><a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc"><em>prescribing information</em></a><em>.</em><br><em>† For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect details” section below.</em></p><p>Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.</p><h3>Serious side effects</h3><p>Serious side effects from Arimidex aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.</p><p>Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:</p><ul><li>Liver problems, such as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hepatitis</a> (inflammation in your liver). Symptoms can include: <ul><li>generally not feeling well</li><li>pain on the right side of your abdomen</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165749.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">jaundice</a> (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)</li></ul></li><li>Skin reactions. Symptoms can include: <ul><li>skin sores or ulcers</li><li>blisters</li></ul></li><li>Reduced bone mineral density (weakened bones). Symptoms can include: <ul><li>bone fractures</li><li>decreased height</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Increased cholesterol level</a>.</li><li>Heart problems. Symptoms can include: <ul><li>new or worsening chest pain</li><li>shortness of breath</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" class="content-link css-90fpmc">allergic reaction</a>*</li></ul><p style="font-size:0.8em"><em>* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect details” section below.</em></p><h3>Side effect details</h3><p>You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug<em>. </em>Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause.</p><h4>Allergic reaction</h4><p>As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Arimidex. But it’s not known how often this occurs in people using Arimidex.</p><p>Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:</p><ul><li>skin rash</li><li>itchiness</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hives</a> (raised spots on the skin)</li></ul><p>A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:</p><ul><li>swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet</li><li>swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat</li><li>trouble breathing</li></ul><p>Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Arimidex. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.</p><h4>Side effects after 5 years of treatment</h4><p>Both the mild and serious side effects of Arimidex that are listed above were seen in females who took the drug for up to 5 years.</p><p><a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Clinical trials</a> of Arimidex followed females with early breast cancer who took the drug for 5 years. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.) The trials were continued for an additional 5 years after they stopped taking the drug. No new side effects were reported during this additional time.</p><p>If you have concerns about the side effects that you may have after Arimidex treatment, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you what you may expect after treatment.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h4>Weight gain</h4><p>Some people using Arimidex may gain weight during treatment. This was a reported side effect in <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trials</a> of the drug.</p><p>Cancer itself as well as cancer treatments can often cause changes in your appetite and body weight. If you’re concerned about weight gain during breast cancer treatment, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage a weight that’s healthy for you.</p><h4>Back or joint pain</h4><p>Joint pain, achiness, and stiffness are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications.)</p><p>In <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trials</a>, joint pain, aches, and stiffness are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medication.)</p><p>On average, joint pain seems to begin <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00113?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">about 6 weeks</a> after starting an aromatase inhibitor. And it may improve after the first year of taking the drug. Various <hl-trusted-source source="Wiley" rationale="Peer reviewed journal"><a href="https://theoncologist.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0174" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">studies</a></hl-trusted-source> have shown that these joint-related side effects can often be eased with gentle physical exercise, such as walking.</p><p>If you have pain in your joints or your back while you’re taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help manage your discomfort.</p><h4>Fatigue</h4><p>Taking Arimidex can make you feel either weak or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" class="content-link css-90fpmc">fatigued</a>. In <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trials</a>, weakness and fatigue were fairly common side effects in females taking Arimidex.</p><p>Because of this, it’s important to rest while you’re undergoing cancer treatment. However, the <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/managing-cancer-related-fatigue.html" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">American Cancer Society</a></hl-trusted-source> also notes that staying active is important for managing fatigue. Talk with your doctor about what kind of physical activity is right for you. They can also recommend how much activity you should try to do.</p><p>If you feel weakness or fatigue during Arimidex treatment, talk with your doctor about the best ways to manage these side effects.</p></div><div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline1__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="dosage" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="dosage">Arimidex (anastrozole) dosage</a></div></h2><p>The following information describes Arimidex dosages that are commonly used or recommended. <strong>However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.</strong> Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.</p><p>For additional details on Arimidex’s dosage, see <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-dosage" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-dosage" class="content-link css-90fpmc">this article</a>.</p><h3>Drug forms and strengths</h3><p>Arimidex comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. The drug is available in one strength: 1 milligram (mg).</p><h3>Dosage for breast cancer</h3><p>The usual dosage of Arimidex for <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> is one 1-mg tablet taken once per day. It’s best to take your dose at the same time each day.</p><h3>What if I miss a dose?</h3><p>If you forget to take a dose of Arimidex, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Don’t take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.</p><p>To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.</p><h3>Will I need to use this drug long term?</h3><p>Arimidex is meant to be used as a long-term treatment for breast cancer. If you and your doctor determine that Arimidex is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.</p><p>The length of time that you’ll take this drug depends on the type of cancer you’re using it to treat. Below we describe the typical length of time that Arimidex is taken. But to know for sure how long you should take Arimidex, talk with your doctor.</p><h4>For advanced breast cancer</h4><p>If you’re taking Arimidex to treat advanced breast cancer, you’ll usually take the drug for as long as your doctor feels this treatment is right for you. (With advanced breast cancer, the cancer has either spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, called <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">locally advanced breast cancer</a>, or spread to other parts of your body, called <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a>.)</p><h4>For early breast cancer</h4><p>If you’re taking Arimidex as adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer, you’ll usually take the drug for at least 5 years. Adjuvant treatment is used to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)</p><p>It’s not currently known whether Arimidex should be continued after these 5 years. And if so, it’s not known for how long after the first 5 years it should be taken.</p><p>Some <hl-trusted-source source="National Cancer Institute " rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">studies</a></hl-trusted-source> found that breast cancer is less likely to come back if an aromatase inhibitor is taken for an additional 5 years after the first 5 years of adjuvant therapy. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications.) With this approach to treatment, the drug would be taken for a total of 10 years. However, other studies didn’t show a benefit with extending the treatment beyond the usual 5 years.</p><p>In addition, one <a href="https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/5-more-years-of-ais-no-better-than-2-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">study</a> found that taking Arimidex for a total of 10 years didn’t provide any more benefit than taking it for a total of 7 years.</p><p>How long you take Arimidex for early breast cancer will depend on how likely your breast cancer is to come back. It will also depend on your risk of side effects from treatment.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="uses" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="uses">Arimidex (anastrozole) uses</a></div></h2><p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Arimidex to treat certain conditions. Arimidex may also be used <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/off-label-drug-use" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/off-label-drug-use" class="content-link css-90fpmc">off-label</a> for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a condition that is not FDA approved.</p><h3>Arimidex for breast cancer</h3><p>Arimidex is FDA approved to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> in females who’ve gone through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>.</p><p>Specifically, Arimidex is used to treat the following types of breast cancer:</p><p><strong>Early hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer.</strong> For this type of cancer, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. This type of treatment is called adjuvant treatment. </p><p>Early breast cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit. <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">HR-positive cancer</a> is stimulated to grow by hormones, including <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a>.</p><p><strong>Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown. </strong><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Locally advanced</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a> typically can’t be treated with surgery. For these conditions, Arimidex is given as a first-line treatment. With first-line treatment, the drug is the first treatment used for the cancer.</p><p>Locally advanced breast cancer has spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, while metastatic breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body. And while HR-positive breast cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones, HR-unknown cancer may or may not be stimulated to grow by hormones.</p><p><strong>Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug tamoxifen.</strong> Note that if your breast cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative), or it didn’t improve with <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a> treatment in the past, it’s unlikely to improve with Arimidex. (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)</p><p>Arimidex contains the drug anastrozole. It’s a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapy</a> used for breast cancer. Hormone therapies for breast cancer work by stopping estrogen from stimulating the cancer to grow. Specifically, Arimidex is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen that your body makes.</p><p>For more information on these conditions, see our <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer hub</a>.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>Effectiveness for breast cancer</h3><p>One large <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trial</a> showed that Arimidex was more effective than tamoxifen in treating early HR-positive breast cancer. (Tamoxifen is another hormone therapy used to treat cancer. It’s a standard treatment option for breast cancer, as recommended in current <a href="https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/breast-invasive-patient.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">guidelines</a>.)</p><p>For advanced breast cancer, <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trials</a> have shown that Arimidex treatment was either more effective or similarly effective to tamoxifen treatment.</p><p>Two <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">studies</a> looked at females with advanced breast cancer that had come back or spread after treatment with tamoxifen. For these females, second-line treatment with Arimidex was similarly effective as treatment with another hormone therapy drug called megestrol.</p><h3>Other uses for Arimidex</h3><p>In addition to the uses listed above, Arimidex may be used off-label. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a condition that is not FDA approved. Below is information on other possible uses for Arimidex.</p><h4>Arimidex for breast cancer treatment in premenopausal females (off-label use)</h4><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat breast cancer in premenopausal females. (These are females who haven’t gone through menopause.) But sometimes the drug is used off-label in such females to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) cancers. With HR-positive breast cancer, the cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones.</p><p>It’s important to note that Arimidex works by stopping the aromatase enzyme (a type of protein) from working in your body. This enzyme helps to make your body’s estrogen. However, before females reach menopause, most of their estrogen is made by their ovaries. And only a small amount is made by the aromatase enzyme.</p><p>While Arimidex stops the aromatase enzyme from working, it doesn’t stop your ovaries from making estrogen.</p><p>If you take Arimidex to treat breast cancer before you’ve reached menopause, you’ll also need to take treatment that stops your ovaries from making estrogen. This is typically done with a type of drug called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog. Treatment may also be done using radiation on your ovaries or by having surgery to remove your ovaries.</p><p>If you’d like to know more about using Arimidex for breast cancer before you’ve reached menopause, talk with your doctor.</p><h4>Arimidex for ovarian cancer (off-label use)</h4><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159675.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">ovarian cancer</a>. However, the <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">American Cancer Society</a></hl-trusted-source> notes that hormone therapy is sometimes used to treat a certain type of ovarian cancer called a stromal tumor. (Arimidex is considered a hormone therapy.) Keep in mind that this is an off-label use of the drug.</p><p>Stromal tumors start in tissue inside your ovaries that produces estrogen and progesterone. The hormone therapies that are sometimes used to treat this kind of cancer include aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex.</p><p>If you have questions about treatment options for ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor.</p><h4>Arimidex for uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer (off-label use)</h4><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat uterine cancer, including <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266126.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">endometrial cancer</a>. (Endometrial cancer affects the lining inside your uterus.)</p><p>However, the American Cancer Society notes that the drug may be helpful for females with either <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">endometrial cancer</a></hl-trusted-source> or <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/uterine-sarcoma/treating/hormone-therapy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">endometrial stromal sarcoma</a></hl-trusted-source>. (Endometrial stromal sarcoma affects the uterine lining, as well as the muscular wall of your uterus.) Keep in mind that these are off-label uses of Arimidex.</p><p>Most endometrial cancers are stimulated to grow by estrogen. First-line treatment of endometrial cancer is usually surgery that’s done to remove the uterus. The ovaries are often removed as well to reduce estrogen production.</p><p>But if these treatments don’t work to treat the endometrial cancer, a hormone therapy may be used to further reduce estrogen in your body. Hormone therapies, such as Arimidex, are <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">typically used</a></hl-trusted-source> to treat endometrial cancers that are advanced or that have come back after a past treatment. Arimidex may also be helpful for females who can’t have surgery for their endometrial cancer.</p><p>If you have questions about treatment options for uterine cancer, talk with your doctor.</p><h4>Arimidex for uterine fibroids (off-label use)</h4><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151405.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">uterine fibroids</a>. With this condition, you have noncancerous growths in your uterus.</p><p>However, Arimidex <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212375/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">has been used</a></hl-trusted-source> off-label to reduce the size of fibroids and to help relieve pain that’s caused by them. The drug has also been given to reduce bleeding that’s caused by fibroids when other treatments haven’t worked.</p><p>If you have questions about using Arimidex for uterine fibroids, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe and effective treatment options.</p><h4>Arimidex for breast cancer prevention (off-label use)</h4><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to prevent breast cancer. However, sometimes it’s used off-label to prevent breast cancer in certain females who have a high risk of the condition.</p><p>If you have questions about using Arimidex to prevent breast cancer, talk with your doctor.</p><h4>Arimidex for bodybuilding (not a legal use)</h4><p>Arimidex is sometimes <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex-bodybuilding" class="content-link css-90fpmc">used by bodybuilders</a> and other athletes to offset certain side effects of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246373.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">anabolic steroids</a>. However, the FDA has not approved this use, and buying Arimidex for this purpose is illegal. In addition, the <a href="https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">World Anti-Doping Agency</a> lists anastrozole as a substance that’s prohibited for use in competitive sports. (Anastrozole is the active ingredient in Arimidex.)</p><h3>Arimidex and children</h3><p>Arimidex isn’t FDA approved for use in children.</p><p>The drug has been studied in boys ages 11 to 18 years with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266129.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">gynecomastia</a> (breast growth in males). It’s also been studied in girls ages 2 to 9 years with early puberty that’s caused by McCune-Albright syndrome. However, Arimidex <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">wasn’t found</a> to be effective for either of these conditions.</p></div><div><div class="css-umsscj"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-10gx9pb"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1l7cd95"></div></div></div></aside></div><div class="css-11036js"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="use-with-other-drugs" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="use-with-other-drugs">Arimidex use with other drugs </a></div></h2><p>Depending on the type of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> you’re using Arimidex to treat, you might take other drugs with Arimidex.</p><p>For example, Arimidex is sometimes taken with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">targeted therapies</a> to treat advanced breast cancer. (With advanced breast cancer, the cancer has either spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, called <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">locally advanced breast cancer</a>, or spread to other parts of your body, called <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a>.)</p><p>Targeted therapies work on specific features of cancer cells. These therapies include drugs such as palbociclib (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326656.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Ibrance</a>) and ribociclib (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kisqali" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Kisqali</a>).</p><p>In addition, if you’re at risk of weakened bones with Arimidex treatment, you might take a medication called a bisphosphonate to help protect your bones. Examples of bisphosphonates include alendronate (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fosamax" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fosamax" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Fosamax</a>) and risedronate (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/actonel" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/actonel" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Actonel</a>).</p><p>If you’d like to know more about taking other drugs with Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="alternatives" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="alternatives">Alternatives to Arimidex</a></div></h2><p>Other drugs are available that can treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.</p><p>Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat breast cancer include:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapies</a> other than Arimidex, such as: <ul><li>tamoxifen (Soltamox)*</li><li>letrozole (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Femara</a>)*</li><li>exemestane (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aromasin" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Aromasin</a>)*</li><li>fulvestrant (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/faslodex" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Faslodex</a>)</li><li>toremifene (Fareston)</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">targeted therapies</a>, such as: <ul><li>everolimus (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326055.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Afinitor</a>)</li><li>abemaciclib (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/verzenio" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Verzenio</a>)</li><li>palbociclib (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326656.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Ibrance</a>)</li><li>ribociclib (<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kisqali" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Kisqali</a>)</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158401.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">chemotherapy drugs</a>, such as: <ul><li>doxorubicin</li><li>epirubicin (Ellence)</li><li>paclitaxel (Abraxane)</li><li>docetaxel (Taxotere)</li><li>capecitabine (Xeloda)</li><li>cyclophosphamide</li></ul></li></ul><p><small><em>* These drugs are also used for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Adjuvant treatment is given to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back after it’s been treated with surgery.</em></small></p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="arimidex-vs-tamoxifen" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="arimidex-vs-tamoxifen">Arimidex vs. tamoxifen </a></div></h2><p>You may wonder how Arimidex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Arimidex and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a> are alike and different.</p><h3>Ingredients</h3><p>Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Tamoxifen is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)</p><p>Arimidex and tamoxifen are <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapies</a> that are used to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. These drugs work by stopping the hormone <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a> from stimulating cancer cells to grow and spread.</p><p>Arimidex is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. It works by stopping estrogen from being made in your body by the aromatase enzyme. (Enzymes are certain proteins that help chemical reactions happen inside your body.)</p><p>Tamoxifen is a type of hormone therapy called a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It works by stopping estrogen from attaching to cancer cells in your body.</p><h3>Uses</h3><p>Arimidex is approved to treat breast cancer in females who have gone through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>. Specifically, Arimidex is used to treat the following types of breast cancer in certain situations:</p><ul><li>lower the risk of early <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer</a> from coming back or spreading after it has already been treated with surgery (called adjuvant treatment)</li><li>first-line treatment (the first treatment prescribed) for <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">locally advanced</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a> that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown</li><li>locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a></li></ul><p>For details about these uses of Arimidex, see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex (anastrozole) uses</a>” section above.</p><p>Tamoxifen is approved for use in both males and females. In fact, it can be prescribed for all females, regardless of whether they’ve reached menopause. Tamoxifen is used to:</p><ul><li>lower the risk of early estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer from coming back or developing in the opposite breast after surgery (called adjuvant treatment)</li><li>treat ER-positive metastatic breast cancer </li><li>lower the risk of invasive breast cancer (cancer that’s developed in the breast tissue or lymph nodes) after surgery and radiation treatment in females with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ" class="content-link css-90fpmc">ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)</a>*</li><li>help prevent breast cancer in females who have high risk of developing the condition</li></ul><p><small><em>*</em><em> With DCIS, which is the earliest form of breast cancer, cancer cells are only found in your milk ducts.</em></small></p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>Drug forms and administration</h3><p>Arimidex comes as tablets that you take by mouth once per day.</p><p>Tamoxifen comes as tablets that you take by mouth either once or twice per day. Tamoxifen tablets used to be sold as the brand-name drug Nolvadex. However, this brand-name drug has been discontinued.</p><p>Tamoxifen is also available in a liquid form that’s sold as the brand-name drug Soltamox. This form is also taken by mouth.</p><h3>Side effects and risks</h3><p>Arimidex and tamoxifen can cause some similar and some different side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.</p><h4>Mild side effects</h4><p>These lists contain examples of mild side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs (when taken individually).</p><ul><li><strong>Can occur with Arimidex:</strong><ul><li>sore throat</li><li>weakness</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">carpal tunnel syndrome</a> (a nerve condition that affects your wrist)</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with tamoxifen:</strong><ul><li>vaginal discharge or bleeding</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with both Arimidex and tamoxifen:</strong><ul><li>hot flashes</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" class="content-link css-90fpmc">peripheral edema</a> (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">lymphedema</a> (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)</li><li>mood changes, such as depression</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" class="content-link css-90fpmc">fatigue</a></li><li>dizziness</li><li>pain, such as joint or back pain</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">arthritis</a></li><li>rash</li><li>nausea and vomiting</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155" class="content-link css-90fpmc">insomnia</a></li><li>headache</li><li>bone pain</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Serious side effects</h4><p>These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs (when taken individually).</p><ul><li><strong>Can occur with Arimidex:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">increased cholesterol level</a></li><li>heart problems</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with tamoxifen:</strong><ul><li>blood clots in your veins or lungs*</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">stroke</a>*</li><li>changes in the lining of your uterus that could lead to cancer in your uterus*</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">cataracts</a> (cloudiness in the lens of your eye)</li><li>high calcium level in your blood</li><li>changes to your blood cell levels, such as low levels of either platelets or white blood cells</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with both Arimidex and tamoxifen:</strong><ul><li>severe <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" class="content-link css-90fpmc">allergic reaction</a></li><li>liver problems, such as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hepatitis</a> (liver inflammation)</li><li>skin reactions</li><li>reduced bone mineral density (weakened bones)</li></ul></li></ul><p style="font-size:0.8em"><em>* <a href="https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8d731e7e-3b04-49a2-a0f6-3779422174cc/spl-doc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Tamoxifen</a> has a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/boxed-warnings" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/boxed-warnings" class="content-link css-90fpmc">boxed warning</a> for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</em></p><h3>Effectiveness</h3><p>Arimidex and tamoxifen have different FDA-approved uses. But they’re both used as adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer and as treatment of advanced breast cancer in females who’ve gone through menopause.</p><p>In a <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trial</a> of females with early breast cancer, 5 years of Arimidex treatment after surgery was more effective than 5 years of tamoxifen treatment after surgery for preventing:</p><ul><li>their cancer from coming back after surgery</li><li>their cancer from spreading to other areas of their body</li><li>their cancer from occurring in their other (unaffected) breast </li><li>death</li></ul><p>One <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">study</a> looked at treatment in females with advanced breast cancer. In this study, first-line treatment with Arimidex was more effective than first-line treatment with tamoxifen in slowing down the growth and spread of the cancer. For this study, most of the females had HR-positive cancer. The hormone receptor status wasn’t known in some of the females.</p><h3>Costs</h3><p>Arimidex is a brand-name drug. It’s also available in generic form. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)</p><p>Tamoxifen is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and some brand-name forms. </p><p>The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, the dosage your doctor prescribes, your location, and the pharmacy you use.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://perks.optum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Optum Perks</a> to find coupons and savings for Arimidex and tamoxifen.</p></div><div><div id="hl-incontent-video-ad" data-adbridg-ad-class="hl-incontent" class="css-pp6cpn"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-out-of-page"></div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="arimidex-vs-letrozole" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="arimidex-vs-letrozole">Arimidex vs. letrozole </a></div></h2><p>You may wonder how Arimidex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Arimidex and letrozole are alike and different.</p><h3>Ingredients</h3><p>Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Letrozole is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.) Letrozole is sold as the brand-name drug <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Femara</a>.</p><p>Arimidex and letrozole are both <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapies</a> that are used to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. Hormone therapies for breast cancer work by stopping <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a> from stimulating the cancer to grow and spread. Both of these drugs belong to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors.</p><h3>Uses</h3><p>Arimidex and letrozole are approved to treat breast cancer in females who have gone through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>. Specifically, these drugs are used to treat the following types of breast cancer in certain situations:</p><ul><li>lower the risk of early <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer</a> from coming back or spreading after it has already been treated with surgery (called adjuvant treatment)</li><li>first-line treatment (the first treatment prescribed) for <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">locally advanced</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metastatic breast cancer</a> that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown</li><li>locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a></li></ul><p>For details about these uses, see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex (anastrozole) uses</a>” section above.</p><p>In addition, letrozole is also approved to lower the risk of early HR-positive breast cancer from coming back after surgery that’s followed by 5 years of tamoxifen treatment. Arimidex is used off-label for this purpose. (With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for one purpose is prescribed for another.)</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>Drug forms and administration</h3><p>Both Arimidex and letrozole come as tablets that are taken by mouth once per day.</p><h3>Side effects and risks</h3><p>Arimidex and letrozole both contain a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.</p><h4>Mild side effects</h4><p>These lists contain examples of mild side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with letrozole, or with both drugs (when taken individually).</p><ul><li><strong>Can occur with Arimidex:</strong><ul><li>sore throat</li><li>back pain</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">arthritis</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155" class="content-link css-90fpmc">insomnia</a></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">carpal tunnel syndrome</a> (a nerve condition that affects your wrist)</li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">lymphedema</a> (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)</li><li>mood changes, such as depression</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with letrozole:</strong><ul><li><em>no unique mild side effects</em></li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with both Arimidex and letrozole:</strong><ul><li>hot flashes</li><li>weakness</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002" class="content-link css-90fpmc">fatigue</a></li><li>dizziness</li><li>pain, such as joint or bone pain</li><li>headache</li><li>nausea and vomiting</li><li>rash</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema" class="content-link css-90fpmc">peripheral edema</a> (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)</li><li>weight gain</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Serious side effects</h4><p>These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with letrozole, or with both drugs (when taken individually).</p><ul><li><strong>Can occur with Arimidex:</strong><ul><li>liver problems, such as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hepatitis</a> (liver inflammation)</li><li>skin reactions</li><li>heart problems</li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with letrozole:</strong><ul><li><em>no unique serious side effects</em></li></ul></li><li><strong>Can occur with both Arimidex and letrozole:</strong><ul><li>severe <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" class="content-link css-90fpmc">allergic reaction</a></li><li>reduced bone mineral density (weakened bones)</li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">increased cholesterol level</a></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Effectiveness</h3><p>Arimidex and letrozole are both FDA approved for use in females who’ve gone through menopause. These drugs can be used for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer and as treatment of advanced breast cancer.</p><p>One <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2016.69.2871" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical study</a> found Arimidex and letrozole to be similarly effective for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer.</p><p>In addition, the <hl-trusted-source source="American Cancer Society" rationale="Highly respected international organization"><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">American Cancer Society</a></hl-trusted-source> considers these drugs to be similarly effective for treating both early and advanced breast cancer.</p><h3>Costs</h3><p>Arimidex is a brand-name drug. It’s also available in generic form. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)</p><p>Letrozole is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms.</p><p>The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://perks.optum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Optum Perks</a> to find coupons and savings for Arimidex and letrozole.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="faq" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="faq">Common questions about Arimidex</a></div></h2><p>Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Arimidex.</p><h3>How much does Arimidex increase survival?</h3><p>A <hl-trusted-source source="The Lancet" rationale="Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal"><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2015 review</a></hl-trusted-source> of breast cancer studies looked at survival rates after using certain <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapies</a> for early <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)</p><p>According to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment.</p><p>If you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that results of Arimidex treatment may vary from person to person.</p><h3>What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?</h3><p>When you stop taking Arimidex, the drug that’s left in your body will be gradually broken down by your liver. How long Arimidex stays in your system can vary from person to person. But most of the drug is usually removed from your body within about 10 days.</p><p>While in your body, Arimidex works to lower your <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a> level. This hormone level will stay low for up to 6 days after you’ve stopped taking the drug. This is the period of time until your body starts to gradually begin making estrogen again.</p><p>If you had side effects related to low estrogen, such as hot flashes, these should start to lessen as your estrogen level increases.</p><p>Stopping Arimidex doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-dependence" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-dependence" class="content-link css-90fpmc">dependence</a>, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you.</p><p>If you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trials</a> show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.)</p><p>If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so.</p><h3>How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?</h3><p>Arimidex can lower your estrogen level significantly after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered more after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex.</p><h3>Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?</h3><p>It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug.</p><p>However, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trial</a> found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased.</p><p>If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?</h3><p>Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)</p><p>One <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">clinical trial</a> looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.)</p><p>In this trial, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body.</p><p>Over this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a> for adjuvant treatment.</p><p>Out of the females whose breast cancer was <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive)</a>,* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, of those with HR-positive breast cancer who took tamoxifen, up to 10.2% had their cancer come back.</p><p><small><em>* With HR-positive breast cancer, the cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones, including estrogen.</em></small></p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="how-it-works" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="how-it-works">How Arimidex works </a></div></h2><p>Arimidex is approved to treat certain types of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a> in females who’ve gone through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">menopause</a>.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><h3>What breast cancer is</h3><p>Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast start to grow and multiply (make more cells) more quickly than usual. With most breast cancers, the abnormal cells are stimulated to grow by the hormone <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a>.</p><p>If your breast cancer is stimulated by hormones, such as estrogen, certain tests will show that the cancer cells have receptors (attachment sites) for those hormones. This type of breast cancer is called <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive)</a>.</p><p>HR-positive cancers can be treated with <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapies</a> that lower the estrogen level in your body. And because most breast cancer is HR-positive, hormone therapies are also sometimes used to treat breast cancer with unknown receptor status.</p><h3>What Arimidex does</h3><p>Arimidex is a hormone therapy that’s used to treat certain forms of breast cancer. It’s a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Arimidex works by stopping (inhibiting) the action of an enzyme called aromatase. (Enzymes are certain proteins that help chemical reactions happen inside your body.)</p><p>The aromatase enzyme makes estrogen out of steroid hormones in your body, such as testosterone. Aromatase is found in various tissues, including your brain, fat, and skin.</p><p>Before menopause, estrogen is mainly produced by your ovaries. And just a small amount is made by the aromatase enzyme. But after menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen. At that point, the aromatase enzyme is the main way that your body makes estrogen. (And in males, estrogen is also mainly produced by the aromatase enzyme.)</p><p>By stopping aromatase from working, Arimidex lowers the amount of estrogen in your body. This helps to stop estrogen from stimulating breast cancer to grow and spread.</p><h3>How long does it take to work?</h3><p>Arimidex will start working soon after you begin taking it. But you won’t be able to notice this. Your doctor may order different kinds of tests during your treatment to check whether the drug is working for you.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="arimidex-and-alcohol" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="arimidex-and-alcohol">Arimidex and alcohol </a></div></h2><p>Alcohol isn’t known to <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions" class="content-link css-90fpmc">interact</a> with Arimidex. However, if you have certain side effects of Arimidex, drinking alcohol could worsen them. These side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness.</p><p>Drinking large amounts of alcohol while you’re taking Arimidex can increase your risk of osteoporosis (weak, thin bones). Because of this risk, it’s best to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol during Arimidex treatment.</p><p>Alcohol is also known to raise your risk of developing <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. But at this time, it’s not known whether drinking alcohol after you’re diagnosed with breast cancer can make your cancer worse or make it more likely to come back after treatment.</p><p>If you drink alcohol and you’re concerned about how this could affect your breast cancer or its treatment, talk with your doctor. They can give you advice on how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="interactions" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="interactions">Arimidex interactions </a></div></h2><p>Arimidex can <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions" class="content-link css-90fpmc">interact</a> with several other medications.</p><p>Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.</p><h3>Arimidex and other medications</h3><p>Below are some of the medications that can interact with Arimidex. This section does not list all the drugs that may interact with Arimidex.</p><p>Before taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/vitamins-minerals-supplements" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/vitamins-minerals-supplements" class="content-link css-90fpmc">vitamins, herbs, and supplements</a> you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.</p><p>If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.</p><h4>Arimidex and tamoxifen</h4><p>Like Arimidex, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-90fpmc">tamoxifen</a> is a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone therapy</a> that’s used to treat <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">breast cancer</a>. But taking tamoxifen with Arimidex can lower the amount of Arimidex in your body. This can make Arimidex less effective for you.</p><p>Because of this interaction, you should not take tamoxifen with Arimidex. However, if recommended by your doctor, it’s fine to take Arimidex after you’ve finished taking tamoxifen.</p><h4>Arimidex and drugs that contain estrogen</h4><p>Taking Arimidex with drugs that contain <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">estrogen</a> could make Arimidex less effective for you. Because of this, you should not take these types of drugs while you’re using Arimidex.</p><p>Examples of drugs that contain estrogen include:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181726.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hormone replacement therapy (HRT)</a></li><li>vaginal estrogen products, such as creams and tablets</li><li>birth control medications, such as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-birth-control-pills" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-birth-control-pills" class="content-link css-90fpmc">pills</a>, <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-patch" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-patch" class="content-link css-90fpmc">patches</a>, and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265504.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">vaginal rings</a></li></ul><p>If you have questions about using medications that contain estrogen with Arimidex, talk with your doctor.</p><h3>Arimidex and herbs and supplements</h3><p>There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Arimidex. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Arimidex.</p><p>For example, it’s possible that supplements such as red clover or wild yam could make Arimidex less effective. (These supplements are used by some to reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.)</p><p>This interaction is possible because these supplements contain <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">phytoestrogens</a>, which are weak estrogen-like substances found in certain plants. There isn’t enough information available to say for sure whether taking phytoestrogens can affect your breast cancer treatment.</p><p>Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements with Arimidex.</p><h3>Arimidex and foods</h3><p>There aren’t any foods that are known to interact with Arimidex. Talk with your doctor to find out if there are any foods you should avoid during Arimidex treatment.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="overdose" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="overdose">Arimidex overdose </a></div></h2><p>Using more than the recommended dosage of Arimidex can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Arimidex than your doctor recommends.</p><h3>What to do in case of overdose</h3><p>If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its <a href="https://www.poisonhelp.org/help/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.poisonhelp.org/help/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">online tool</a>. <strong>But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.</strong></p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="how-to-take" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="how-to-take">How to take Arimidex </a></div></h2><p>You should take Arimidex according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.</p><h3>When to take</h3><p>You can take your Arimidex dose at any time of the day. But try to stick with the same time each day.</p><p>To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.</p><h3>Taking Arimidex with food</h3><p>You can take Arimidex either with or without food.</p><h3>Can Arimidex be crushed, split, or chewed?</h3><p>No, you should not crush, split, or chew Arimidex tablets. Instead, you should swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="expiration" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="expiration">Arimidex expiration, storage, and disposal</a></div></h2><p>When you get Arimidex from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle.</p><p>The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The <hl-trusted-source source="Food and Drug Administration (FDA)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">current stance</a></hl-trusted-source> of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.</p><h3>Storage</h3><p>How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.</p><p>Arimidex tablets should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F/20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.</p><h3>Disposal</h3><p>If you no longer need to take Arimidex and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.</p><p>The <hl-trusted-source source="Food and Drug Administration (FDA)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">FDA website</a></hl-trusted-source> provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="cost-and-coupons" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="cost-and-coupons">Arimidex cost and coupons</a></div></h2><p>As with all medications, the cost of Arimidex can vary.</p><p>The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and the pharmacy you use.</p><p>Your insurance plan may require you to get prior authorization before approving coverage for Arimidex. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the request and let you and your doctor know whether your plan will cover Arimidex.</p><p>If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Arimidex, contact your insurance company.</p><h3>Drug coupons</h3><p>You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Arimidex. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. <em>Note:</em> Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/copayment-vs-coinsurance" class="content-link css-90fpmc">copays</a> or benefits.</p><span class="css-zya54r"></span><h3>Financial and insurance assistance</h3><p>If you need financial support to pay for Arimidex, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.</p><p>AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Arimidex, offers a program called Arimidex Patient Direct, which can help lower the cost of your prescription. This program also provides support from pharmacists.</p><p>For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-250-2483 or visit the <a href="https://www.arimidex.com/about-arimidex-patient-direct/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">program website</a>.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="pregnancy" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="pregnancy">Arimidex and pregnancy </a></div></h2><p>Arimidex hasn’t been studied in pregnant females. In <a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#ID_9783d175-f0b6-4ad4-bc62-f415d18c8bb1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-90fpmc">animal studies</a>, the drug did cause harm to fetuses when it was given to pregnant animals. Keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. However, based on how Arimidex works, it could be harmful to a human fetus if taken during pregnancy.</p><p>Before starting Arimidex, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. And see your doctor right away if you get pregnant or think you could be pregnant while you’re taking Arimidex.</p><p>If you’re a female who’s able to become pregnant, your doctor will check for pregnancy before having you start Arimidex.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="birth-control-needs" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="birth-control-needs">Arimidex and birth control </a></div></h2><p>Arimidex could harm a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">birth control</a> needs while you’re using Arimidex.</p><p>If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking this drug. And you should continue using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Arimidex.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="breastfeeding" class="css-zy6b19"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="breastfeeding">Arimidex and breastfeeding</a></div></h2><p>It’s not known whether Arimidex passes into human breast milk, or if it affects how your body makes breast milk. But the drug could be harmful to a child who consumes it in breast milk.</p><p>You should not breastfeed while using this drug or for at least 2 weeks after taking your last dose.</p><p>If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Arimidex. They can recommend safe and healthy ways to feed your child.</p></div><div></div></div><div class="css-1yoergh"><div data-testid="precautions" class="css-1qjl2jl"><h2 class="css-0"><div><a name="precautions">Arimidex precautions</a></div></h2><p>Before taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about your health history. Arimidex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:</p><ul><li><strong>Allergy to Arimidex.</strong> Do not take Arimidex if you’re <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419" class="content-link css-90fpmc">allergic</a> to anastrozole (the active ingredient in Arimidex) or to any of the inactive ingredients in Arimidex. If you’re unsure about your medication allergies, talk with your doctor.</li><li><strong>Ischemic heart disease.</strong> With this condition, the blood flow to your heart is lower than usual. This is due to narrowed arteries that supply blood to your heart. If you have <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8886.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">angina</a> (a type of chest pain) or you’ve ever had a <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151444.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">heart attack</a>, taking Arimidex could worsen your heart problems. Talk with your doctor about any heart issues before taking Arimidex. And call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening chest pain, or shortness of breath while you’re taking Arimidex.</li><li><strong>High cholesterol levels.</strong> Arimidex can increase your <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">cholesterol level</a>. During Arimidex treatment, you’ll have blood tests to check your cholesterol level. If your level rises too high, your doctor may recommend <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-medications" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-medications" class="content-link css-90fpmc">medication to help lower your cholesterol</a>.</li><li><strong>Osteoporosis.</strong> Arimidex can weaken your bones. This can cause new or worsening <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155646" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155646" class="content-link css-90fpmc">osteoporosis</a> (weak, thin bones). The drug also increases your risk of breaking a bone. Your doctor may want to measure your bone mineral density while you’re taking Arimidex. If you have osteoporosis, or any risk factors for developing this condition, you may need to take <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-medication" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-medication" class="content-link css-90fpmc">medication to help protect your bones</a> during Arimidex treatment. (Risk factors for osteoporosis include having a family history of osteoporosis, inactivity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248958.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">calcium</a> or <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php" class="content-link css-90fpmc">vitamin D</a>.) Talk with your doctor about your risk of bone density loss while you’re taking Arimidex.</li><li><strong>Severe liver problems.</strong> Arimidex hasn’t been studied in people with severe liver problems. Though rare, this drug may cause liver problems, such as <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hepatitis</a> (liver inflammation). Let your doctor know if you’ve had any liver issues before taking Arimidex. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.</li><li><strong>Menstruation. </strong>If you’re still having periods (menstruating), talk with your doctor before taking Arimidex. The drug is approved for use only by females in postmenopause. (This means you’ve gone through menopause and no longer have periods.) If you’re still having periods, ask your doctor whether treatments other than Arimidex are better choices for you.</li><li><strong>Pregnancy.</strong> Arimidex may cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. For more information, please see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#pregnancy" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#pregnancy" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex and pregnancy</a>” section above.</li><li><strong>Breastfeeding.</strong> Do not take Arimidex if you are breastfeeding. For more information, please see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#breastfeeding" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#breastfeeding" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex and breastfeeding</a>” section above.</li></ul><p>For more information about the potential negative effects of Arimidex, see the “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#side-effects" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#side-effects" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Arimidex side effects</a>” section above.</p><p><em>Note:</em> <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Sex and gender</a> exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.</p><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.</p><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/arimidex-tableta-oral" class="content-link css-90fpmc">Read this article in Spanish.</a></p><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does Arimidex increase survival?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A 2015 review of breast cancer studies looked at survival rates after using certain hormone therapies for early breast cancer. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.) According to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment. If you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that results of Arimidex treatment may vary from person to person." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When you stop taking Arimidex, the drug that’s left in your body will be gradually broken down by your liver. How long Arimidex stays in your system can vary from person to person. But most of the drug is usually removed from your body within about 10 days. While in your body, Arimidex works to lower your estrogen level. This hormone level will stay low for up to 6 days after you’ve stopped taking the drug. This is the period of time until your body starts to gradually begin making estrogen again. If you had side effects related to low estrogen, such as hot flashes, these should start to lessen as your estrogen level increases. Stopping Arimidex doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you. If you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, clinical trials show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.) If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Arimidex can lower your estrogen level by about 70% after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered by about 80% after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug. However, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one clinical trial found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased. If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent breast cancer recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.) One clinical trial looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.) In this study, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body. Over this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment. Out of the females whose breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive),* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, of those with HR-positive breast cancer who took tamoxifen, up to 10.2% had their cancer come back." } }] } </script></div><div></div></div><div id="drugImages"><h3>Arimidex images</h3><ul class="css-1hyfx7x"><li><img src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/2U4nNZEf7jt4s7fWZRWXPcYsXyz/2023/08/22/2UM9ddw4Wyp8K8FKRj37su4vAbs.jpg" alt="" loading="lazy"/></li></ul></div></article><div class="css-3lg6rd"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div></div><div class="css-5b5f7q"><ul><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Breast Cancer" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/breast-cancer">Breast Cancer</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Pharmacy / Pharmacist" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/pharmacy">Pharmacy / Pharmacist</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Drugs" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/drugs">Drugs</a></li></ul></div></div><section class="css-17lceqi"><div class="css-1wqn8gk"><div class="css-prrxcq"><div data-testid="byline"><section data-testid="byline" class="css-6rro6y"><div class="css-1q67gt9"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Molly-Becze-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span><a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medically reviewed</a> by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS</a></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS</a></span></span></span></span> — <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> Updated on July 29, 2024</span></a></div></section></div></div></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span><div data-empty="true" class="css-1y1s420"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DMR1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DMR1" data-ad="true" class="css-488q2e"></div></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div class="css-1p5bah9 css-1p2cbqg"><h2 class="css-120r23d css-1xdhyk6">Latest news</h2><ul data-testid="Latest news-collection-ul" class="css-1ynwxft"><li class="css-yeoi4c"><a class="css-xqmvw1 css-n98yn4" data-event="Right Rail|Latest News|https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/2-out-of-25-lifestyle-environmental-factors-affect-biological-aging-most-study-finds" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/2-out-of-25-lifestyle-environmental-factors-affect-biological-aging-most-study-finds" data-testid="thumbnail-link" aria-label="2 out of 25 lifestyle and environmental factors affect aging the most, study finds"><span class="css-rwmw5v 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health during treatment"},{"url":"/articles/her2-positive-breast-cancer-treatment","title":"HER2+ treatment"},{"url":"/articles/chest-tightness-after-mastectomy","title":"Chest tightness after mastectomy"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cancer-types-recurrence-rates","title":"Recurrence likelihood "},{"url":"/articles/stage-2-breast-cancer","title":"Stage 2"},{"url":"/articles/the-ca-15-3-test-breast-cancer","title":"CA 15-3"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cellulitis","title":"Breast cellulitis"},{"url":"/articles/breast-prosthesis","title":"Breast prosthesis"},{"url":"/articles/fish-testing","title":"FISH testing"},{"url":"/articles/breast-lesions","title":"Breast lesions"},{"url":"/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer","title":"Locally advanced breast cancer"},{"url":"/articles/when-mbc-metastasizes-to-brain","title":"Metastasis to brain"},{"url":"/articles/metastatic-breast-cancer-in-bones","title":"Metastatsis to bones"},{"url":"/articles/what-happens-when-mbc-metastasizes-to-the-liver","title":"Metastasis to liver"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cancer-radiation-burns","title":"Radiation burns"},{"url":"/articles/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome","title":"Post mastectomy pain syndrome"},{"url":"/articles/brca-gene","title":"BRCA gene"},{"url":"/articles/316720","title":"Diet"},{"url":"/articles/lumpectomy","title":"Lumpectomy"},{"url":"/articles/double-mastectomy","title":"Double mastectomy"},{"url":"/articles/pet-scans-for-breast-cancer","title":"PET scans"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cancer-ultrasound","title":"Ultrasound"},{"url":"/articles/movable-lump-in-breast","title":"Movable lump in breast"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cancer-and-shoulder-blade-pain","title":"Shoulder blade pain"},{"url":"/articles/317140","title":"Breast cancer rash"},{"url":"/articles/stage-1-breast-cancer-mammogram","title":"Stage 1 mammogram"},{"url":"/articles/does-breast-cancer-make-you-tired","title":"Does it cause fatigue?"},{"url":"/articles/oral-chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer","title":"Oral chemotherapy"},{"url":"/articles/inflammatory-breast-cancer-symptoms","title":"Inflammatory symptoms"},{"url":"/articles/hr-positive-her2-negative-breast-cancer-treatments","title":"HER2- treatment"},{"url":"/articles/invasive-ductal-carcinoma","title":"Invasive ductal carcinoma"},{"url":"/articles/breast-cancer-disparities-in-black-women","title":"Disparities in black women"},{"url":"/articles/angiosarcoma-of-the-breast","title":"Angiosarcoma of breast"},{"url":"/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ","title":"Ductal carcinoma in situ"},{"url":"/articles/what-to-know-about-invasive-breast-cancer","title":"Invasive breast cancer"},{"url":"/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer","title":"Hormone therapy"},{"url":"/articles/lcis","title":"Lobular carcinoma in situ"},{"url":"/articles/femara","title":"Femara"},{"url":"/articles/arimidex","title":"Arimidex"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-arimidex-side-effects","title":"Arimidex side effects"},{"url":"/articles/aromasin","title":"Aromasin"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-aromasin-side-effects","title":"Aromasin side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-enhertu-cost","title":"Enhertu cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-exemestane-cost","title":"Exemestane cost"},{"url":"/articles/faslodex","title":"Faslodex"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-faslodex-side-effects","title":"Faslodex side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-femara-cost","title":"Femara cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-femara-side-effects","title":"Femara side effects"},{"url":"/articles/herceptin","title":"Herceptin"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-herceptin-cost","title":"Herceptin cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-herceptin-side-effects","title":"Herceptin side effects"},{"url":"/articles/326656","title":"Ibrance"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-ibrance-cost","title":"Ibrance cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-ibrance-side-effects","title":"Ibrance side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-kadcyla","title":"Kadcyla"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-kadcyla-side-effects","title":"Kadcyla side effects"},{"url":"/articles/kisqali","title":"Kisqali"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-kisqali-cost","title":"kisqali cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-kisqali-side-effects","title":"Kisqali side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-letrozole-cost","title":"Letrozole cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-lynparza-interactions","title":"Lynparza interactions"},{"url":"/articles/marijuana-breast-cancer","title":"Marijuana"},{"url":"/articles/nerlynx","title":"Nerlynx"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-orserdu","title":"Orserdu"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-piqray","title":"Piqray"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-piqray-cost","title":"Piqray cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-piqray-side-effects","title":"Piqray side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-talzenna-side-effects","title":"Talzenna side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-tamoxifen-cost","title":"Tamoxifen cost"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-truqap","title":"Truqap"},{"url":"/articles/tukysa","title":"Tukysa"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-tukysa-side-effects","title":"Tukysa side effects"},{"url":"/articles/drugs-zoladex-dosage","title":"Zoladex dosage"}]},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"drug":{"title":"Arimidex","slides":[{"image":{"width":"auto","src":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/2U4nNZEf7jt4s7fWZRWXPcYsXyz/2023/08/22/2UM9ddw4Wyp8K8FKRj37su4vAbs.jpg","alt":"ARIMIDEX 1 MG TABLET","height":"auto"},"title":[{"tagName":"span","source":"ARIMIDEX 1 MG TABLET"}],"body":[{"tagName":"ul","ndc":"62559067030","attributes":{"class":"drug-image-list"},"children":[{"tagName":"li","attributes":{"class":"drug-image-label"},"source":"Form: tablet"},{"tagName":"li","attributes":{"class":"drug-image-label"},"source":"Color: white"},{"tagName":"li","attributes":{"class":"drug-image-label"},"source":"Shape: round"}]}],"ndc":"62559067030"}],"ndcs":["62559067030"]},"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-4aeg3z\"\u003eArimidex is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of breast cancer. Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole and is a type of hormone therapy.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some types of breast cancer need hormones such as estrogen to grow. \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eHormone therapies for breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e, such as Arimidex, work by lowering the estrogen in your body, so the cancer cannot grow."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Arimidex to treat the following types of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e in females who have gone through \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer.\u003c/strong\u003e For early breast cancer that is \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eHR-positive\u003c/a\u003e, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. This type of treatment is called adjuvant treatment.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown. \u003c/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLocally advanced\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e typically can’t be treated with surgery. For these conditions, Arimidex is given as a first-line treatment. With first-line treatment, the drug is the first treatment used for the cancer.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug tamoxifen.\u003c/strong\u003e Note that if your breast cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative), or it didn’t improve with \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e treatment in the past, it’s unlikely to improve with Arimidex.\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For details about these uses of Arimidex, see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex (anastrozole) uses\u003c/a\u003e” section below."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Drug details"},{"tagName":"p","source":"You’ll find key information about Arimidex below."},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrug class:\u003c/strong\u003e aromatase inhibitor\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrug form:\u003c/strong\u003e oral tablet\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneric available?\u003c/strong\u003e yes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription required?\u003c/strong\u003e yes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControlled substance?\u003c/strong\u003e no\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear of FDA approval:\u003c/strong\u003e 1995\u003c/li\u003e"}]},{"id":"generic","title":"Generic","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex generic"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole, and it’s available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics also tend to cost less than brand-name drugs."}]},{"id":"side-effects","title":"Side effects","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex side effects "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex can cause mild or serious side effects. Listed below are some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Arimidex. These lists do not include all possible side effects. And your side effects may vary from those listed below depending on the condition you’re using Arimidex to treat."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For more information on the possible side effects of Arimidex, see \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-side-effects\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-side-effects\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ethis article\u003c/a\u003e. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Arimidex, you can do so through \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eMedWatch\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"When side effects of Arimidex may start"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s possible to have certain side effects of Arimidex soon after you start taking the medication. This is because Arimidex lowers your body’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e level significantly within 24 hours after taking your first dose. Lowering your estrogen level may lead to side effects that are similar to those of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e, such as hot flashes and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einsomnia\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Other side effects can take much longer to develop, such as thinning and weakening of your bones and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eincreased cholesterol levels\u003c/a\u003e. You’re unlikely to notice side effects such as these, but your doctor will monitor you for them."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"How long side effects of Arimidex may last"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s hard to say how long your side effects will last, as each person’s reaction to the drug can be different. How long you’ll have side effects from the drug depends on how your body reacts to Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re concerned about side effects that don’t seem to be improving, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage the side effects."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Do side effects of Arimidex get worse over time?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some Arimidex side effects can get worse over time. However, some mild side effects may go away or improve over time. These include nausea, headache, and dizziness."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For some people, side effects may occur off and on throughout treatment, such as hot flashes, joint pain, or insomnia. Your doctor can also discuss symptoms of Arimidex side effects to watch for. If you experience any such symptoms, especially if they are severe or bothersome, be sure to contact your doctor right away."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Your doctor will monitor you for certain side effects that could become serious if allowed to worsen, such as thinning bones or high cholesterol levels. Your doctor will likely order tests before and during treatment to monitor for these changes."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Mild side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The mild side effects* of Arimidex can include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003ehot flashes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efeeling weak\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebone pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003earthritis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enausea and vomiting\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erash\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einsomnia\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheadache\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eperipheral edema\u003c/a\u003e (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elymphedema\u003c/a\u003e (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esore throat\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emood changes, such as depression\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecarpal tunnel syndrome\u003c/a\u003e (a nerve condition that affects your wrist), which may cause pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003efatigue\u003c/a\u003e†\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eback or joint pain†\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweight gain†\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","attributes":{"style":{"fontSize":"0.8em"}},"source":"\u003cem\u003e* This is a partial list of mild side effects of Arimidex. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eprescribing information\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e† For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect details” section below.\u003c/em\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Serious side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Serious side effects from Arimidex aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eLiver problems, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehepatitis\u003c/a\u003e (inflammation in your liver). Symptoms can include: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003egenerally not feeling well\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epain on the right side of your abdomen\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165749.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ejaundice\u003c/a\u003e (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSkin reactions. Symptoms can include: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eskin sores or ulcers\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eblisters\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eReduced bone mineral density (weakened bones). Symptoms can include: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003ebone fractures\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edecreased height\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eIncreased cholesterol level\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHeart problems. Symptoms can include: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003enew or worsening chest pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eshortness of breath\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eallergic reaction\u003c/a\u003e*\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","attributes":{"style":{"fontSize":"0.8em"}},"source":"\u003cem\u003e* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect details” section below.\u003c/em\u003e"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Side effect details"},{"tagName":"p","source":"You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug\u003cem\u003e. \u003c/em\u003eHere’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Allergic reaction"},{"tagName":"p","source":"As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Arimidex. But it’s not known how often this occurs in people using Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eskin rash\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eitchiness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehives\u003c/a\u003e (raised spots on the skin)\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eswelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eswelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etrouble breathing\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Arimidex. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Side effects after 5 years of treatment"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Both the mild and serious side effects of Arimidex that are listed above were seen in females who took the drug for up to 5 years."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eClinical trials\u003c/a\u003e of Arimidex followed females with early breast cancer who took the drug for 5 years. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.) The trials were continued for an additional 5 years after they stopped taking the drug. No new side effects were reported during this additional time."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have concerns about the side effects that you may have after Arimidex treatment, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you what you may expect after treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Weight gain"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some people using Arimidex may gain weight during treatment. This was a reported side effect in \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trials\u003c/a\u003e of the drug."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Cancer itself as well as cancer treatments can often cause changes in your appetite and body weight. If you’re concerned about weight gain during breast cancer treatment, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage a weight that’s healthy for you."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Back or joint pain"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Joint pain, achiness, and stiffness are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"In \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trials\u003c/a\u003e, joint pain, aches, and stiffness are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medication.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"On average, joint pain seems to begin \u003ca href=\"https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00113?url_ver=Z39.88-2003\u0026rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org\u0026rfr_dat=cr_pub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eabout 6 weeks\u003c/a\u003e after starting an aromatase inhibitor. And it may improve after the first year of taking the drug. Various \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Wiley\" rationale=\"Peer reviewed journal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theoncologist.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0174\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estudies\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e have shown that these joint-related side effects can often be eased with gentle physical exercise, such as walking."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have pain in your joints or your back while you’re taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help manage your discomfort."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Fatigue"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Taking Arimidex can make you feel either weak or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003efatigued\u003c/a\u003e. In \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trials\u003c/a\u003e, weakness and fatigue were fairly common side effects in females taking Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Because of this, it’s important to rest while you’re undergoing cancer treatment. However, the \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/managing-cancer-related-fatigue.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAmerican Cancer Society\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e also notes that staying active is important for managing fatigue. Talk with your doctor about what kind of physical activity is right for you. They can also recommend how much activity you should try to do."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you feel weakness or fatigue during Arimidex treatment, talk with your doctor about the best ways to manage these side effects."}]},{"id":"dosage","title":"Dosage","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex (anastrozole) dosage"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"The following information describes Arimidex dosages that are commonly used or recommended. \u003cstrong\u003eHowever, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.\u003c/strong\u003e Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For additional details on Arimidex’s dosage, see \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-dosage\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-arimidex-dosage\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ethis article\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Drug forms and strengths"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. The drug is available in one strength: 1 milligram (mg)."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Dosage for breast cancer"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The usual dosage of Arimidex for \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e is one 1-mg tablet taken once per day. It’s best to take your dose at the same time each day."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What if I miss a dose?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you forget to take a dose of Arimidex, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Don’t take two doses together to make up for a missed dose."},{"tagName":"p","source":"To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Will I need to use this drug long term?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is meant to be used as a long-term treatment for breast cancer. If you and your doctor determine that Arimidex is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The length of time that you’ll take this drug depends on the type of cancer you’re using it to treat. Below we describe the typical length of time that Arimidex is taken. But to know for sure how long you should take Arimidex, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"For advanced breast cancer"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re taking Arimidex to treat advanced breast cancer, you’ll usually take the drug for as long as your doctor feels this treatment is right for you. (With advanced breast cancer, the cancer has either spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, called \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elocally advanced breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e, or spread to other parts of your body, called \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e.)"},{"tagName":"h4","source":"For early breast cancer"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re taking Arimidex as adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer, you’ll usually take the drug for at least 5 years. Adjuvant treatment is used to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s not currently known whether Arimidex should be continued after these 5 years. And if so, it’s not known for how long after the first 5 years it should be taken."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"National Cancer Institute \" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estudies\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e found that breast cancer is less likely to come back if an aromatase inhibitor is taken for an additional 5 years after the first 5 years of adjuvant therapy. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications.) With this approach to treatment, the drug would be taken for a total of 10 years. However, other studies didn’t show a benefit with extending the treatment beyond the usual 5 years."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition, one \u003ca href=\"https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/5-more-years-of-ais-no-better-than-2-more\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estudy\u003c/a\u003e found that taking Arimidex for a total of 10 years didn’t provide any more benefit than taking it for a total of 7 years."},{"tagName":"p","source":"How long you take Arimidex for early breast cancer will depend on how likely your breast cancer is to come back. It will also depend on your risk of side effects from treatment."}]},{"id":"uses","title":"Uses","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex (anastrozole) uses"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Arimidex to treat certain conditions. Arimidex may also be used \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/off-label-drug-use\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/off-label-drug-use\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eoff-label\u003c/a\u003e for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a condition that is not FDA approved."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Arimidex for breast cancer"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is FDA approved to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e in females who’ve gone through \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Specifically, Arimidex is used to treat the following types of breast cancer:"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cstrong\u003eEarly hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer.\u003c/strong\u003e For this type of cancer, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading after it’s already been treated with surgery. This type of treatment is called adjuvant treatment. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Early breast cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit. \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eHR-positive cancer\u003c/a\u003e is stimulated to grow by hormones, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cstrong\u003eLocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown. \u003c/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eLocally advanced\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e typically can’t be treated with surgery. For these conditions, Arimidex is given as a first-line treatment. With first-line treatment, the drug is the first treatment used for the cancer."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Locally advanced breast cancer has spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, while metastatic breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body. And while HR-positive breast cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones, HR-unknown cancer may or may not be stimulated to grow by hormones."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cstrong\u003eLocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug tamoxifen.\u003c/strong\u003e Note that if your breast cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative), or it didn’t improve with \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e treatment in the past, it’s unlikely to improve with Arimidex. (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex contains the drug anastrozole. It’s a \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapy\u003c/a\u003e used for breast cancer. Hormone therapies for breast cancer work by stopping estrogen from stimulating the cancer to grow. Specifically, Arimidex is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen that your body makes."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For more information on these conditions, see our \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer hub\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Effectiveness for breast cancer"},{"tagName":"p","source":"One large \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c/a\u003e showed that Arimidex was more effective than tamoxifen in treating early HR-positive breast cancer. (Tamoxifen is another hormone therapy used to treat cancer. It’s a standard treatment option for breast cancer, as recommended in current \u003ca href=\"https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/breast-invasive-patient.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eguidelines\u003c/a\u003e.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For advanced breast cancer, \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trials\u003c/a\u003e have shown that Arimidex treatment was either more effective or similarly effective to tamoxifen treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Two \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estudies\u003c/a\u003e looked at females with advanced breast cancer that had come back or spread after treatment with tamoxifen. For these females, second-line treatment with Arimidex was similarly effective as treatment with another hormone therapy drug called megestrol."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Other uses for Arimidex"},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition to the uses listed above, Arimidex may be used off-label. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a condition that is not FDA approved. Below is information on other possible uses for Arimidex."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for breast cancer treatment in premenopausal females (off-label use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat breast cancer in premenopausal females. (These are females who haven’t gone through menopause.) But sometimes the drug is used off-label in such females to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) cancers. With HR-positive breast cancer, the cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones."},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s important to note that Arimidex works by stopping the aromatase enzyme (a type of protein) from working in your body. This enzyme helps to make your body’s estrogen. However, before females reach menopause, most of their estrogen is made by their ovaries. And only a small amount is made by the aromatase enzyme."},{"tagName":"p","source":"While Arimidex stops the aromatase enzyme from working, it doesn’t stop your ovaries from making estrogen."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you take Arimidex to treat breast cancer before you’ve reached menopause, you’ll also need to take treatment that stops your ovaries from making estrogen. This is typically done with a type of drug called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog. Treatment may also be done using radiation on your ovaries or by having surgery to remove your ovaries."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’d like to know more about using Arimidex for breast cancer before you’ve reached menopause, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for ovarian cancer (off-label use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159675.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eovarian cancer\u003c/a\u003e. However, the \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAmerican Cancer Society\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e notes that hormone therapy is sometimes used to treat a certain type of ovarian cancer called a stromal tumor. (Arimidex is considered a hormone therapy.) Keep in mind that this is an off-label use of the drug."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Stromal tumors start in tissue inside your ovaries that produces estrogen and progesterone. The hormone therapies that are sometimes used to treat this kind of cancer include aromatase inhibitors, such as Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about treatment options for ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer (off-label use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat uterine cancer, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266126.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eendometrial cancer\u003c/a\u003e. (Endometrial cancer affects the lining inside your uterus.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, the American Cancer Society notes that the drug may be helpful for females with either \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eendometrial cancer\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e or \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/uterine-sarcoma/treating/hormone-therapy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eendometrial stromal sarcoma\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e. (Endometrial stromal sarcoma affects the uterine lining, as well as the muscular wall of your uterus.) Keep in mind that these are off-label uses of Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Most endometrial cancers are stimulated to grow by estrogen. First-line treatment of endometrial cancer is usually surgery that’s done to remove the uterus. The ovaries are often removed as well to reduce estrogen production."},{"tagName":"p","source":"But if these treatments don’t work to treat the endometrial cancer, a hormone therapy may be used to further reduce estrogen in your body. Hormone therapies, such as Arimidex, are \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etypically used\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e to treat endometrial cancers that are advanced or that have come back after a past treatment. Arimidex may also be helpful for females who can’t have surgery for their endometrial cancer."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about treatment options for uterine cancer, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for uterine fibroids (off-label use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151405.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003euterine fibroids\u003c/a\u003e. With this condition, you have noncancerous growths in your uterus."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, Arimidex \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212375/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehas been used\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e off-label to reduce the size of fibroids and to help relieve pain that’s caused by them. The drug has also been given to reduce bleeding that’s caused by fibroids when other treatments haven’t worked."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about using Arimidex for uterine fibroids, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe and effective treatment options."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for breast cancer prevention (off-label use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved to prevent breast cancer. However, sometimes it’s used off-label to prevent breast cancer in certain females who have a high risk of the condition."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about using Arimidex to prevent breast cancer, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex for bodybuilding (not a legal use)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is sometimes \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex-bodybuilding\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eused by bodybuilders\u003c/a\u003e and other athletes to offset certain side effects of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246373.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eanabolic steroids\u003c/a\u003e. However, the FDA has not approved this use, and buying Arimidex for this purpose is illegal. In addition, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eWorld Anti-Doping Agency\u003c/a\u003e lists anastrozole as a substance that’s prohibited for use in competitive sports. (Anastrozole is the active ingredient in Arimidex.)"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Arimidex and children"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex isn’t FDA approved for use in children."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The drug has been studied in boys ages 11 to 18 years with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266129.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003egynecomastia\u003c/a\u003e (breast growth in males). It’s also been studied in girls ages 2 to 9 years with early puberty that’s caused by McCune-Albright syndrome. However, Arimidex \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ewasn’t found\u003c/a\u003e to be effective for either of these conditions."}]},{"id":"use-with-other-drugs","title":"Use with other drugs","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex use with other drugs "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Depending on the type of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e you’re using Arimidex to treat, you might take other drugs with Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For example, Arimidex is sometimes taken with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etargeted therapies\u003c/a\u003e to treat advanced breast cancer. (With advanced breast cancer, the cancer has either spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes, called \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elocally advanced breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e, or spread to other parts of your body, called \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Targeted therapies work on specific features of cancer cells. These therapies include drugs such as palbociclib (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326656.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eIbrance\u003c/a\u003e) and ribociclib (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kisqali\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eKisqali\u003c/a\u003e)."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition, if you’re at risk of weakened bones with Arimidex treatment, you might take a medication called a bisphosphonate to help protect your bones. Examples of bisphosphonates include alendronate (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fosamax\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fosamax\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eFosamax\u003c/a\u003e) and risedronate (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/actonel\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/actonel\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eActonel\u003c/a\u003e)."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’d like to know more about taking other drugs with Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you."}]},{"id":"alternatives","title":"Alternatives","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Alternatives to Arimidex"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Other drugs are available that can treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat breast cancer include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapies\u003c/a\u003e other than Arimidex, such as: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003etamoxifen (Soltamox)*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eletrozole (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eFemara\u003c/a\u003e)*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eexemestane (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aromasin\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAromasin\u003c/a\u003e)*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efulvestrant (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/faslodex\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eFaslodex\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etoremifene (Fareston)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/targeted-therapy-for-metastatic-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etargeted therapies\u003c/a\u003e, such as: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eeverolimus (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326055.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAfinitor\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eabemaciclib (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/verzenio\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eVerzenio\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epalbociclib (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326656.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eIbrance\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eribociclib (\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/kisqali\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eKisqali\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158401.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003echemotherapy drugs\u003c/a\u003e, such as: \u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003edoxorubicin\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eepirubicin (Ellence)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epaclitaxel (Abraxane)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edocetaxel (Taxotere)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ecapecitabine (Xeloda)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ecyclophosphamide\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003csmall\u003e\u003cem\u003e* These drugs are also used for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Adjuvant treatment is given to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back after it’s been treated with surgery.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/small\u003e"}]},{"id":"arimidex-vs-tamoxifen","title":"Arimidex vs. tamoxifen","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex vs. tamoxifen "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"You may wonder how Arimidex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Arimidex and \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e are alike and different."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Ingredients"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Tamoxifen is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and tamoxifen are \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapies\u003c/a\u003e that are used to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. These drugs work by stopping the hormone \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e from stimulating cancer cells to grow and spread."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. It works by stopping estrogen from being made in your body by the aromatase enzyme. (Enzymes are certain proteins that help chemical reactions happen inside your body.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Tamoxifen is a type of hormone therapy called a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It works by stopping estrogen from attaching to cancer cells in your body."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Uses"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is approved to treat breast cancer in females who have gone through \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e. Specifically, Arimidex is used to treat the following types of breast cancer in certain situations:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003elower the risk of early \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e from coming back or spreading after it has already been treated with surgery (called adjuvant treatment)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efirst-line treatment (the first treatment prescribed) for \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elocally advanced\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003elocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For details about these uses of Arimidex, see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex (anastrozole) uses\u003c/a\u003e” section above."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Tamoxifen is approved for use in both males and females. In fact, it can be prescribed for all females, regardless of whether they’ve reached menopause. Tamoxifen is used to:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003elower the risk of early estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer from coming back or developing in the opposite breast after surgery (called adjuvant treatment)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etreat ER-positive metastatic breast cancer \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003elower the risk of invasive breast cancer (cancer that’s developed in the breast tissue or lymph nodes) after surgery and radiation treatment in females with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ductal-carcinoma-in-situ\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)\u003c/a\u003e*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ehelp prevent breast cancer in females who have high risk of developing the condition\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003csmall\u003e\u003cem\u003e*\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e With DCIS, which is the earliest form of breast cancer, cancer cells are only found in your milk ducts.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/small\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Drug forms and administration"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex comes as tablets that you take by mouth once per day."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Tamoxifen comes as tablets that you take by mouth either once or twice per day. Tamoxifen tablets used to be sold as the brand-name drug Nolvadex. However, this brand-name drug has been discontinued."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Tamoxifen is also available in a liquid form that’s sold as the brand-name drug Soltamox. This form is also taken by mouth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Side effects and risks"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and tamoxifen can cause some similar and some different side effects. Below are examples of these side effects."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Mild side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"These lists contain examples of mild side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs (when taken individually)."},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with Arimidex:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003esore throat\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweakness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecarpal tunnel syndrome\u003c/a\u003e (a nerve condition that affects your wrist)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with tamoxifen:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003evaginal discharge or bleeding\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with both Arimidex and tamoxifen:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003ehot flashes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eperipheral edema\u003c/a\u003e (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elymphedema\u003c/a\u003e (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emood changes, such as depression\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003efatigue\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epain, such as joint or back pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003earthritis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erash\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enausea and vomiting\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einsomnia\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheadache\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebone pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Serious side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs (when taken individually)."},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with Arimidex:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eincreased cholesterol level\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheart problems\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with tamoxifen:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eblood clots in your veins or lungs*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estroke\u003c/a\u003e*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003echanges in the lining of your uterus that could lead to cancer in your uterus*\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecataracts\u003c/a\u003e (cloudiness in the lens of your eye)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ehigh calcium level in your blood\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003echanges to your blood cell levels, such as low levels of either platelets or white blood cells\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with both Arimidex and tamoxifen:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003esevere \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eallergic reaction\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eliver problems, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehepatitis\u003c/a\u003e (liver inflammation)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eskin reactions\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ereduced bone mineral density (weakened bones)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","attributes":{"style":{"fontSize":"0.8em"}},"source":"\u003cem\u003e* \u003ca href=\"https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8d731e7e-3b04-49a2-a0f6-3779422174cc/spl-doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eTamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/boxed-warnings\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/boxed-warnings\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eboxed warning\u003c/a\u003e for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\u003c/em\u003e"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Effectiveness"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and tamoxifen have different FDA-approved uses. But they’re both used as adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer and as treatment of advanced breast cancer in females who’ve gone through menopause."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In a \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c/a\u003e of females with early breast cancer, 5 years of Arimidex treatment after surgery was more effective than 5 years of tamoxifen treatment after surgery for preventing:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003etheir cancer from coming back after surgery\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etheir cancer from spreading to other areas of their body\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etheir cancer from occurring in their other (unaffected) breast \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edeath\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#rowellsl1186580838410\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003estudy\u003c/a\u003e looked at treatment in females with advanced breast cancer. In this study, first-line treatment with Arimidex was more effective than first-line treatment with tamoxifen in slowing down the growth and spread of the cancer. For this study, most of the females had HR-positive cancer. The hormone receptor status wasn’t known in some of the females."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Costs"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is a brand-name drug. It’s also available in generic form. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Tamoxifen is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and some brand-name forms. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, the dosage your doctor prescribes, your location, and the pharmacy you use."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Visit \u003ca href=\"https://perks.optum.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eOptum Perks\u003c/a\u003e to find coupons and savings for Arimidex and tamoxifen."}]},{"id":"arimidex-vs-letrozole","title":"Arimidex vs. letrozole","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex vs. letrozole "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"You may wonder how Arimidex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Arimidex and letrozole are alike and different."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Ingredients"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Letrozole is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.) Letrozole is sold as the brand-name drug \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/femara\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eFemara\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and letrozole are both \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapies\u003c/a\u003e that are used to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. Hormone therapies for breast cancer work by stopping \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e from stimulating the cancer to grow and spread. Both of these drugs belong to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Uses"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and letrozole are approved to treat breast cancer in females who have gone through \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e. Specifically, these drugs are used to treat the following types of breast cancer in certain situations:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003elower the risk of early \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e from coming back or spreading after it has already been treated with surgery (called adjuvant treatment)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efirst-line treatment (the first treatment prescribed) for \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/locally-advanced-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elocally advanced\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316558.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetastatic breast cancer\u003c/a\u003e that’s either HR-positive or HR-unknown\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003elocally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that’s come back or spread after treatment with the cancer drug \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For details about these uses, see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#uses\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex (anastrozole) uses\u003c/a\u003e” section above."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition, letrozole is also approved to lower the risk of early HR-positive breast cancer from coming back after surgery that’s followed by 5 years of tamoxifen treatment. Arimidex is used off-label for this purpose. (With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for one purpose is prescribed for another.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Drug forms and administration"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Both Arimidex and letrozole come as tablets that are taken by mouth once per day."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Side effects and risks"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and letrozole both contain a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Mild side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"These lists contain examples of mild side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with letrozole, or with both drugs (when taken individually)."},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with Arimidex:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003esore throat\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eback pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003earthritis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einsomnia\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecarpal tunnel syndrome\u003c/a\u003e (a nerve condition that affects your wrist)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elymphedema\u003c/a\u003e (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of your arm, which causes swelling in the area)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emood changes, such as depression\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with letrozole:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eno unique mild side effects\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with both Arimidex and letrozole:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003ehot flashes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweakness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003efatigue\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epain, such as joint or bone pain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheadache\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enausea and vomiting\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erash\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peripheral-edema\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eperipheral edema\u003c/a\u003e (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet that’s caused by fluid retention)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweight gain\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Serious side effects"},{"tagName":"p","source":"These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Arimidex, with letrozole, or with both drugs (when taken individually)."},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with Arimidex:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eliver problems, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehepatitis\u003c/a\u003e (liver inflammation)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eskin reactions\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheart problems\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with letrozole:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eno unique serious side effects\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan occur with both Arimidex and letrozole:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003esevere \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eallergic reaction\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ereduced bone mineral density (weakened bones)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eincreased cholesterol level\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Effectiveness"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex and letrozole are both FDA approved for use in females who’ve gone through menopause. These drugs can be used for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer and as treatment of advanced breast cancer."},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003ca href=\"https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2016.69.2871\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical study\u003c/a\u003e found Arimidex and letrozole to be similarly effective for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In addition, the \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"American Cancer Society\" rationale=\"Highly respected international organization\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eAmerican Cancer Society\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e considers these drugs to be similarly effective for treating both early and advanced breast cancer."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Costs"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is a brand-name drug. It’s also available in generic form. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Letrozole is an active ingredient that’s available in both generic and brand-name forms."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Visit \u003ca href=\"https://perks.optum.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eOptum Perks\u003c/a\u003e to find coupons and savings for Arimidex and letrozole."}]},{"id":"faq","title":"FAQ","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Common questions about Arimidex"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Arimidex."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"How much does Arimidex increase survival?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"The Lancet\" rationale=\"Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2015 review\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e of breast cancer studies looked at survival rates after using certain \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapies\u003c/a\u003e for early \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"According to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that results of Arimidex treatment may vary from person to person."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"When you stop taking Arimidex, the drug that’s left in your body will be gradually broken down by your liver. How long Arimidex stays in your system can vary from person to person. But most of the drug is usually removed from your body within about 10 days."},{"tagName":"p","source":"While in your body, Arimidex works to lower your \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e level. This hormone level will stay low for up to 6 days after you’ve stopped taking the drug. This is the period of time until your body starts to gradually begin making estrogen again."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you had side effects related to low estrogen, such as hot flashes, these should start to lessen as your estrogen level increases."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Stopping Arimidex doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-dependence\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-dependence\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003edependence\u003c/a\u003e, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trials\u003c/a\u003e show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex can lower your estrogen level significantly after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered more after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c/a\u003e found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c/a\u003e looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"In this trial, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Over this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e for adjuvant treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Out of the females whose breast cancer was \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone receptor-positive (HR-positive)\u003c/a\u003e,* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, of those with HR-positive breast cancer who took tamoxifen, up to 10.2% had their cancer come back."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003csmall\u003e\u003cem\u003e* With HR-positive breast cancer, the cancer is stimulated to grow by hormones, including estrogen.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/small\u003e"}]},{"id":"how-it-works","title":"How it works","isCollapsable":false,"header":["How Arimidex works "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is approved to treat certain types of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e in females who’ve gone through \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155651.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emenopause\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What breast cancer is"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast start to grow and multiply (make more cells) more quickly than usual. With most breast cancers, the abnormal cells are stimulated to grow by the hormone \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If your breast cancer is stimulated by hormones, such as estrogen, certain tests will show that the cancer cells have receptors (attachment sites) for those hormones. This type of breast cancer is called \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hr-or-her2-breast-cancer-diagnosis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone receptor-positive (HR-positive)\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"HR-positive cancers can be treated with \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapies\u003c/a\u003e that lower the estrogen level in your body. And because most breast cancer is HR-positive, hormone therapies are also sometimes used to treat breast cancer with unknown receptor status."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What Arimidex does"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex is a hormone therapy that’s used to treat certain forms of breast cancer. It’s a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Arimidex works by stopping (inhibiting) the action of an enzyme called aromatase. (Enzymes are certain proteins that help chemical reactions happen inside your body.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The aromatase enzyme makes estrogen out of steroid hormones in your body, such as testosterone. Aromatase is found in various tissues, including your brain, fat, and skin."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Before menopause, estrogen is mainly produced by your ovaries. And just a small amount is made by the aromatase enzyme. But after menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen. At that point, the aromatase enzyme is the main way that your body makes estrogen. (And in males, estrogen is also mainly produced by the aromatase enzyme.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"By stopping aromatase from working, Arimidex lowers the amount of estrogen in your body. This helps to stop estrogen from stimulating breast cancer to grow and spread."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"How long does it take to work?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex will start working soon after you begin taking it. But you won’t be able to notice this. Your doctor may order different kinds of tests during your treatment to check whether the drug is working for you."}]},{"id":"arimidex-and-alcohol","title":"Arimidex and alcohol","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex and alcohol "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Alcohol isn’t known to \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einteract\u003c/a\u003e with Arimidex. However, if you have certain side effects of Arimidex, drinking alcohol could worsen them. These side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Drinking large amounts of alcohol while you’re taking Arimidex can increase your risk of osteoporosis (weak, thin bones). Because of this risk, it’s best to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol during Arimidex treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Alcohol is also known to raise your risk of developing \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. But at this time, it’s not known whether drinking alcohol after you’re diagnosed with breast cancer can make your cancer worse or make it more likely to come back after treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you drink alcohol and you’re concerned about how this could affect your breast cancer or its treatment, talk with your doctor. They can give you advice on how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink."}]},{"id":"interactions","title":"Interactions","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex interactions "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex can \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-interactions\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einteract\u003c/a\u003e with several other medications."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Arimidex and other medications"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Below are some of the medications that can interact with Arimidex. This section does not list all the drugs that may interact with Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Before taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/vitamins-minerals-supplements\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/vitamins-minerals-supplements\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003evitamins, herbs, and supplements\u003c/a\u003e you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex and tamoxifen"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Like Arimidex, \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/tamoxifen-oral-tablet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etamoxifen\u003c/a\u003e is a \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone therapy\u003c/a\u003e that’s used to treat \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebreast cancer\u003c/a\u003e. But taking tamoxifen with Arimidex can lower the amount of Arimidex in your body. This can make Arimidex less effective for you."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Because of this interaction, you should not take tamoxifen with Arimidex. However, if recommended by your doctor, it’s fine to take Arimidex after you’ve finished taking tamoxifen."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Arimidex and drugs that contain estrogen"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Taking Arimidex with drugs that contain \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e could make Arimidex less effective for you. Because of this, you should not take these types of drugs while you’re using Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Examples of drugs that contain estrogen include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181726.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehormone replacement therapy (HRT)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003evaginal estrogen products, such as creams and tablets\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebirth control medications, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-birth-control-pills\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-birth-control-pills\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003epills\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-patch\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-patch\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003epatches\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265504.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003evaginal rings\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have questions about using medications that contain estrogen with Arimidex, talk with your doctor."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Arimidex and herbs and supplements"},{"tagName":"p","source":"There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Arimidex. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For example, it’s possible that supplements such as red clover or wild yam could make Arimidex less effective. (These supplements are used by some to reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"This interaction is possible because these supplements contain \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ephytoestrogens\u003c/a\u003e, which are weak estrogen-like substances found in certain plants. There isn’t enough information available to say for sure whether taking phytoestrogens can affect your breast cancer treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements with Arimidex."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Arimidex and foods"},{"tagName":"p","source":"There aren’t any foods that are known to interact with Arimidex. Talk with your doctor to find out if there are any foods you should avoid during Arimidex treatment."}]},{"id":"overdose","title":"Overdose","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex overdose "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Using more than the recommended dosage of Arimidex can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Arimidex than your doctor recommends."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"What to do in case of overdose"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its \u003ca href=\"https://www.poisonhelp.org/help/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.poisonhelp.org/help/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eonline tool\u003c/a\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eBut if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.\u003c/strong\u003e"}]},{"id":"how-to-take","title":"How to take","isCollapsable":false,"header":["How to take Arimidex "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"You should take Arimidex according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"When to take"},{"tagName":"p","source":"You can take your Arimidex dose at any time of the day. But try to stick with the same time each day."},{"tagName":"p","source":"To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Taking Arimidex with food"},{"tagName":"p","source":"You can take Arimidex either with or without food."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Can Arimidex be crushed, split, or chewed?"},{"tagName":"p","source":"No, you should not crush, split, or chew Arimidex tablets. Instead, you should swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist."}]},{"id":"expiration","title":"Expiration","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex expiration, storage, and disposal"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"When you get Arimidex from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecurrent stance\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Storage"},{"tagName":"p","source":"How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex tablets should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F/20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Disposal"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you no longer need to take Arimidex and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eFDA website\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication."}]},{"id":"cost-and-coupons","title":"Cost and coupons","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex cost and coupons"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"As with all medications, the cost of Arimidex can vary."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and the pharmacy you use."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Your insurance plan may require you to get prior authorization before approving coverage for Arimidex. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the request and let you and your doctor know whether your plan will cover Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Arimidex, contact your insurance company."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Drug coupons"},{"tagName":"p","source":"You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Arimidex. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. \u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/copayment-vs-coinsurance\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecopays\u003c/a\u003e or benefits."},{"widget":{"widgetFormat":"drug-cost-savings","widgetTitle":"Save on your Arimidex prescription","postDrugSlug":"arimidex","manufacturers":[{"id":"2140281000|Arimidex","drugSlug":"arimidex","name":"Arimidex","drugType":"brand","options":[{"form":"Tablet","dossages":[{"formulationId":"62559067030","dosage":"1mg","commonQuantities":[{"value":6,"display":"6 Tablets"},{"value":7,"display":"7 Tablets"},{"value":10,"display":"10 Tablets"},{"value":12,"display":"12 Tablets"},{"value":30,"display":"30 Tablets"},{"value":60,"display":"60 Tablets"},{"value":90,"display":"90 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She has more than 20 years of experience providing evidence-based, easy-to-understand information about medications for the general public. She received her BPharm from the University of Manchester and completed her registration training at the Royal London Hospitals NHS Trust. She is also a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/08/H-Marshall-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":6949,"name":{"display":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS","first":"Molly","last":"Becze, PharmD, BCPS"},"userLogin":"mbecze","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/molly-becze-pharmd-bcps","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eThis individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDr. Molly Becze is a board certified pharmacotherapy clinical pharmacist working in the Seattle metro area. Dr. Becze specializes in clinical pharmacy and chronic disease management. She is passionate about improving patient understanding of health conditions and medication-related issues.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of Alberta, PharmD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLicensed Pharmacist\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoard Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAffiliations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ashp.org/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.accp.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Molly-Becze-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-3364870","updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"editor":"Ami Knox","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2020-02-15":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","medicallyReviewedBy":"Zara Risoldi Cochrane, PharmD, MS, FASCP"},"2024-07-29":{"updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","copyEditor":"Kim Shaw"},"2024-07-09":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1720485764,"display":"July 9, 2024"},"published":{"date":1581790500,"display":"February 15, 2020"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1722279078,"display":"July 29, 2024"},"modified":{"date":1730491173,"display":"November 1, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"cesData":{"metaDescription":"Arimidex (anastrozole) is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used for certain types of breast cancer. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more.","title":"Arimidex: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more","iab_tag_tier_1":[],"iab_tag_tier_2":[],"mpdTags":[{},{},{},{},{}]}}}},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Financial and insurance assistance"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you need financial support to pay for Arimidex, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available."},{"tagName":"p","source":"AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Arimidex, offers a program called Arimidex Patient Direct, which can help lower the cost of your prescription. This program also provides support from pharmacists."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-250-2483 or visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.arimidex.com/about-arimidex-patient-direct/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eprogram website\u003c/a\u003e."}]},{"id":"pregnancy","title":"Pregnancy","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex and pregnancy "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex hasn’t been studied in pregnant females. In \u003ca href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de#ID_9783d175-f0b6-4ad4-bc62-f415d18c8bb1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eanimal studies\u003c/a\u003e, the drug did cause harm to fetuses when it was given to pregnant animals. Keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. However, based on how Arimidex works, it could be harmful to a human fetus if taken during pregnancy."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Before starting Arimidex, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. And see your doctor right away if you get pregnant or think you could be pregnant while you’re taking Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re a female who’s able to become pregnant, your doctor will check for pregnancy before having you start Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."}]},{"id":"birth-control-needs","title":"Birth control needs","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex and birth control "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Arimidex could harm a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ebirth control\u003c/a\u003e needs while you’re using Arimidex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking this drug. And you should continue using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Arimidex."}]},{"id":"breastfeeding","title":"Breastfeeding","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex and breastfeeding"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s not known whether Arimidex passes into human breast milk, or if it affects how your body makes breast milk. But the drug could be harmful to a child who consumes it in breast milk."},{"tagName":"p","source":"You should not breastfeed while using this drug or for at least 2 weeks after taking your last dose."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Arimidex. They can recommend safe and healthy ways to feed your child."}]},{"id":"precautions","title":"Precautions","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Arimidex precautions"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Before taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor about your health history. Arimidex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllergy to Arimidex.\u003c/strong\u003e Do not take Arimidex if you’re \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eallergic\u003c/a\u003e to anastrozole (the active ingredient in Arimidex) or to any of the inactive ingredients in Arimidex. If you’re unsure about your medication allergies, talk with your doctor.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIschemic heart disease.\u003c/strong\u003e With this condition, the blood flow to your heart is lower than usual. This is due to narrowed arteries that supply blood to your heart. If you have \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8886.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eangina\u003c/a\u003e (a type of chest pain) or you’ve ever had a \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151444.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eheart attack\u003c/a\u003e, taking Arimidex could worsen your heart problems. Talk with your doctor about any heart issues before taking Arimidex. And call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening chest pain, or shortness of breath while you’re taking Arimidex.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh cholesterol levels.\u003c/strong\u003e Arimidex can increase your \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316190.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003echolesterol level\u003c/a\u003e. During Arimidex treatment, you’ll have blood tests to check your cholesterol level. If your level rises too high, your doctor may recommend \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-medications\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-medications\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emedication to help lower your cholesterol\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOsteoporosis.\u003c/strong\u003e Arimidex can weaken your bones. This can cause new or worsening \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155646\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155646\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eosteoporosis\u003c/a\u003e (weak, thin bones). The drug also increases your risk of breaking a bone. Your doctor may want to measure your bone mineral density while you’re taking Arimidex. If you have osteoporosis, or any risk factors for developing this condition, you may need to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-medication\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-medication\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emedication to help protect your bones\u003c/a\u003e during Arimidex treatment. (Risk factors for osteoporosis include having a family history of osteoporosis, inactivity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248958.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecalcium\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003evitamin D\u003c/a\u003e.) Talk with your doctor about your risk of bone density loss while you’re taking Arimidex.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSevere liver problems.\u003c/strong\u003e Arimidex hasn’t been studied in people with severe liver problems. Though rare, this drug may cause liver problems, such as \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hepatitis\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehepatitis\u003c/a\u003e (liver inflammation). Let your doctor know if you’ve had any liver issues before taking Arimidex. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMenstruation. \u003c/strong\u003eIf you’re still having periods (menstruating), talk with your doctor before taking Arimidex. The drug is approved for use only by females in postmenopause. (This means you’ve gone through menopause and no longer have periods.) If you’re still having periods, ask your doctor whether treatments other than Arimidex are better choices for you.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePregnancy.\u003c/strong\u003e Arimidex may cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. For more information, please see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#pregnancy\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#pregnancy\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex and pregnancy\u003c/a\u003e” section above.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreastfeeding.\u003c/strong\u003e Do not take Arimidex if you are breastfeeding. For more information, please see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#breastfeeding\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#breastfeeding\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex and breastfeeding\u003c/a\u003e” section above.\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For more information about the potential negative effects of Arimidex, see the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#side-effects\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/arimidex#side-effects\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eArimidex side effects\u003c/a\u003e” section above."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eSex and gender\u003c/a\u003e exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c/strong\u003e Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/arimidex-tableta-oral\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eRead this article in Spanish.\u003c/a\u003e"},{"tagName":"script","attributes":{"type":"application/ld+json"},"source":"\n{\n\"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\"mainEntity\": [{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"How much does Arimidex increase survival?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"A 2015 review of breast cancer studies looked at survival rates after using certain hormone therapies for early breast cancer. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)\n\nAccording to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment.\n\nIf you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that results of Arimidex treatment may vary from person to person.\"\n}\n},{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"When you stop taking Arimidex, the drug that’s left in your body will be gradually broken down by your liver. How long Arimidex stays in your system can vary from person to person. But most of the drug is usually removed from your body within about 10 days.\n\nWhile in your body, Arimidex works to lower your estrogen level. This hormone level will stay low for up to 6 days after you’ve stopped taking the drug. This is the period of time until your body starts to gradually begin making estrogen again.\n\nIf you had side effects related to low estrogen, such as hot flashes, these should start to lessen as your estrogen level increases.\n\nStopping Arimidex doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you.\n\nIf you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, clinical trials show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.)\n\nIf you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so.\"\n}\n},{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Arimidex can lower your estrogen level by about 70% after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered by about 80% after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex.\"\n}\n},{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug.\n\nHowever, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one clinical trial found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased.\n\nIf you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug.\"\n}\n},{\n\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\"name\": \"What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?\",\n\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\"text\": \"Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent breast cancer recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)\n\nOne clinical trial looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.)\n\nIn this study, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body.\n\nOver this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment.\n\nOut of the females whose breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive),* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, of those with HR-positive breast cancer who took tamoxifen, up to 10.2% had their cancer come back.\"\n}\n}]\n}\n"}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"isDisclaimer":false,"isOwnedAndOperatedPresent":false,"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"displayLink":"cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about.html","link":"https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about.html","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"About breast cancer. (n.d.)."}},{"displayLink":"dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de","link":"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acbfaaa9-503c-4691-9828-76a7146ed6de","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Arimidex - anastrozole tablet. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":"cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq","link":"https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Breast cancer treatment (adult) (PDQ) - health professional version. (2020)."}},{"displayLink":"breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition","link":"https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Diet and nutrition. (n.d.)."}},{"displayLink":"thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/fulltext","link":"https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/fulltext","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Early Breast Cancer Trialists\u0026rsquo; Collaborative Group (EBCTCG). (2015). Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in early breast cancer: Patient-level meta-analysis of the randomised trials."}},{"displayLink":"breastcancer.org/research-news/5-more-years-of-ais-no-better-than-2-more","link":"https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/5-more-years-of-ais-no-better-than-2-more","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Extending aromatase inhibitor treatment for 5 more years no better than 2 more years. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":" https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm","link":"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations."}},{"displayLink":"ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00113?url_ver=Z39.88-2003\u0026rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org\u0026rfr_dat=cr_pub","link":"https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00113?url_ver=Z39.88-2003\u0026rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org\u0026rfr_dat=cr_pub","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Gupta A, et al. (2022). Management of aromatase inhibitor\u0026ndash;induced musculoskeletal symptoms.\u0026nbsp;"}},{"displayLink":"cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet","link":"https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Hormone therapy for breast cancer. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":"nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6fd92634-c9c5-457e-808c-a4614e8db7db/spl-doc","link":"https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6fd92634-c9c5-457e-808c-a4614e8db7db/spl-doc","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Letrozole tablets, for oral use. (2023)."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212375/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212375/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Moroni RM, et al. (2014). Pharmacological treatment of uterine fibroids."}},{"displayLink":"nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/breast-invasive-patient.pdf","link":"https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/breast-invasive-patient.pdf","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"NCCN guidelines for patients: Invasive breast cancer. (2024)."}},{"displayLink":"theoncologist.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0174","link":"https://theoncologist.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0174","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Nyrop KA, et al. (2017). Randomized controlled trial of a home-based walking program to reduce moderate to severe aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia in breast cancer survivors."}},{"displayLink":"ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2016.69.2871","link":"https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2016.69.2871","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Smith I, et al. (2017). Comparative efficacy and safety of adjuvant letrozole versus anastrozole in postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive, node-positive early breast cancer: Final results of the randomized phase III Femara versus anastrozole clinical evaluation (FACE) trial."}},{"displayLink":"nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8d731e7e-3b04-49a2-a0f6-3779422174cc/spl-doc","link":"https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8d731e7e-3b04-49a2-a0f6-3779422174cc/spl-doc","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Tamoxifen citrate tablets, USP. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":"wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited","link":"https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"The prohibited list. (n.d.)."}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":961,"name":{"display":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","first":"Helen","last":"Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS"},"link":"/authors/helen-marshall-bpharm-mrpharms","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eHelen Marshall is a UK-registered pharmacist specializing in drug information. She has more than 20 years of experience providing evidence-based, easy-to-understand information about medications for the general public. She received her BPharm from the University of Manchester and completed her registration training at the Royal London Hospitals NHS Trust. She is also a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/08/H-Marshall-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":6949,"name":{"display":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS","first":"Molly","last":"Becze, PharmD, BCPS"},"userLogin":"mbecze","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/molly-becze-pharmd-bcps","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eThis individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDr. Molly Becze is a board certified pharmacotherapy clinical pharmacist working in the Seattle metro area. Dr. Becze specializes in clinical pharmacy and chronic disease management. She is passionate about improving patient understanding of health conditions and medication-related issues.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of Alberta, PharmD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLicensed Pharmacist\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoard Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAffiliations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ashp.org/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.accp.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Molly-Becze-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-3364870","updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"editor":"Ami Knox","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2020-02-15":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","medicallyReviewedBy":"Zara Risoldi Cochrane, PharmD, MS, FASCP"},"2024-07-29":{"updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","copyEditor":"Kim Shaw"},"2024-07-09":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1720485764,"display":"July 9, 2024"},"published":{"date":1581790500,"display":"February 15, 2020"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1722279078,"display":"July 29, 2024"},"modified":{"date":1730491173,"display":"November 1, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"readNext":{"items":[{"title":["What medications are available to treat breast cancer?"],"text":["There are many different types of medications to treat breast cancer. Learn more about the medications that treat breast cancer here."],"link":"/articles/breast-cancer-medication","imageAlt":"What medications are available to treat breast cancer?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/chemotherapy-medications-breast-cancer-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":957,"name":{"display":"Beth Sissons","first":"Beth","last":"Sissons"},"userLogin":"bethsissons","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/beth-sissons","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eBeth lives in London and works as a freelance writer on a range of projects. Along with writing regular articles for Medical News Today, she writes for the Horniman Museum, an anthropology museum in South London. This involves recording minutes for conferences, blogging for their website, and documenting their process of curating art exhibitions. She loves theatre, yoga, and cycling in her spare time.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about hormone therapy for breast cancer"],"text":["Hormone therapy is a type of treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Learn more about how it works, side effects, alternatives, and more. "],"link":"/articles/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer","imageAlt":"What to know about hormone therapy for breast cancer","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/GettyImages-1167108544_thumb-732x549.jpeg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Angelica Balingit, MD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Angelica_Balingit_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":2878,"name":{"display":"Mary West","first":"Mary","last":"West"},"userLogin":"mwest","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/mary-west","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eMary West is a freelance writer based in Louisiana. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Medical News Today, Small Business Today Magazine, and Livestrong. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in health-related fields from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What is the first-line treatment for breast cancer?"],"text":["The first-line treatment options for breast cancer depend on a variety of factors. Learn more here."],"link":"/articles/first-line-breast-cancer-therapy-options","imageAlt":"What is the first-line treatment for breast cancer?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/first-line_treatment_GettyImages1447515608_Thumb-732x549.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1586,"name":{"display":"Hana Ames","first":"Hana","last":"Ames"},"userLogin":"hames","links":{"website":"http://www.hrawriting.com","facebook":"www.facebook.com/hrawriting","linkedin":"","twitter":"hrawriting","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/hana-ames","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eHana is a freelance writer from the United Kingdom. She\u0026#8217;s a graduate of The University of Bedfordshire, with a degree in English. She writes on a wide variety of topics, but most extensively on health and wellness. She loves researching new topics and learning new things.\u003cbr /\u003e\nIn her free time, Hana is an avid reader and enjoys playing board games, cooking, and spending time with her three cats and two dogs. She also loves to travel, in particular visiting Seattle and Amsterdam.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":1240,"height":1550,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/WhatsApp-Image-2023-05-16-at-09.17.18.jpeg"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["Verzenio (abemaciclib) price, savings, and coupon"],"text":["Verzenio is precribed for breast cancer. 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(With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)According to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment.If you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that results of Arimidex treatment may vary from person to person."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens when you stop taking Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When you stop taking Arimidex, the drug that’s left in your body will be gradually broken down by your liver. How long Arimidex stays in your system can vary from person to person. But most of the drug is usually removed from your body within about 10 days.While in your body, Arimidex works to lower your estrogen level. This hormone level will stay low for up to 6 days after you’ve stopped taking the drug. This is the period of time until your body starts to gradually begin making estrogen again.If you had side effects related to low estrogen, such as hot flashes, these should start to lessen as your estrogen level increases.Stopping Arimidex doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you.If you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, clinical trials show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.)If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Arimidex can lower your estrogen level by about 70% after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered by about 80% after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug.However, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one clinical trial found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased.If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent breast cancer recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)One clinical trial looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.)In this study, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body.Over this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment.Out of the females whose breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive),* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, of those with HR-positive breast cancer who took tamoxifen, up to 10.2% had their cancer come back."}}]},"extractedDrugSchema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does Arimidex increase survival?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A 2015 review of breast cancer studies looked at survival rates after using certain hormone therapies for early breast cancer. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasn’t spread from either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit.)According to this review, taking an aromatase inhibitor, such as Arimidex, for 5 years reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer within the following 5 years by 40%. This means that people taking an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years have a 40% lower risk of death from breast cancer compared with people using no hormone treatment.If you have questions about survival rates for people taking Arimidex, talk with your doctor. 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(Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.) And stopping Arimidex suddenly (sometimes called “stopping cold turkey”) should not cause any problems for you.If you’ve been taking Arimidex to lower the risk of your breast cancer coming back, clinical trials show that your risk is still lowered for at least 5 years after you stop treatment. (This applies to people who’ve taken Arimidex for about 5 years of treatment.)If you’re thinking about stopping Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of doing so."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does Arimidex lower your estrogen?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Arimidex can lower your estrogen level by about 70% after 24 hours following your dose of the drug. The level will typically be lowered by about 80% after you’ve taken Arimidex every day for 2 weeks. Your estrogen level may stay this low for up to 6 days after you stop taking Arimidex."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Will I have any permanent damage after using Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It’s not likely that you will. In fact, side effects of Arimidex usually go away once you’ve stopped taking the drug.However, Arimidex can weaken your bones while you’re taking it. And some females can develop osteoporosis from this. (With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one clinical trial found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased.If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent breast cancer recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)One clinical trial looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. (For adjuvant treatment, Arimidex is given to lower the risk of the breast cancer coming back or spreading, after it’s already been treated with surgery.)In this study, breast cancer did come back in some people. It came back either in the same breast, in the other breast, or in another part of their body.Over this 5-year study, breast cancer came back in 10.4% of females who took Arimidex. In comparison, breast cancer came back in 12% of females who took the cancer drug tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment.Out of the females whose breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive),* cancer came back in 8.6% of females who took Arimidex. 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She has more than 20 years of experience providing evidence-based, easy-to-understand information about medications for the general public. She received her BPharm from the University of Manchester and completed her registration training at the Royal London Hospitals NHS Trust. She is also a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/08/H-Marshall-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":6949,"name":{"display":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS","first":"Molly","last":"Becze, PharmD, BCPS"},"userLogin":"mbecze","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/molly-becze-pharmd-bcps","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eThis individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDr. Molly Becze is a board certified pharmacotherapy clinical pharmacist working in the Seattle metro area. Dr. Becze specializes in clinical pharmacy and chronic disease management. She is passionate about improving patient understanding of health conditions and medication-related issues.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of Alberta, PharmD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLicensed Pharmacist\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoard Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAffiliations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ashp.org/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.accp.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Molly-Becze-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-3364870","updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"editor":"Ami Knox","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2020-02-15":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","medicallyReviewedBy":"Zara Risoldi Cochrane, PharmD, MS, FASCP"},"2024-07-29":{"updateReason":["The article was updated to reflect a change in medical guidelines or practice standards.","Language in this article was updated to reflect our commitment to conscious and inclusive language.","The article was updated with additional information to ensure it provides our readers with a comprehensive overview of the topic.","The article was updated with current verified sources and links to relevant information."],"authors":"Helen Marshall, BPharm, MRPharmS","editor":"Ami Knox","copyEditor":"Kim Shaw"},"2024-07-09":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Molly Becze, PharmD, BCPS"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1720485764,"display":"July 9, 2024"},"published":{"date":1581790500,"display":"February 15, 2020"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1722279078,"display":"July 29, 2024"},"modified":{"date":1730491173,"display":"November 1, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"cesData":{"metaDescription":"Arimidex (anastrozole) is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used for certain types of breast cancer. 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Could this offer insights on new preventive and therapeutic avenues?"},{"title":"Health misinformation and disinformation: How to avoid it","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-misinformation-and-disinformation-how-to-avoid-it","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/featureinconvo-misinformation-732x549.jpg","summary":"How can we learn to spot inaccurate and even malicious health information? Why do we fall so easily for false health info, and how can we update our mistaken beliefs? 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(With osteoporosis, you have thin, weak bones.) You also have an increased risk of breaking a bone with Arimidex treatment. But one clinical trial found that after stopping Arimidex, the risk of breaking a bone was no longer increased.If you’re concerned about long-term side effects or permanent damage caused by Arimidex, talk with your doctor. They can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using this drug."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What percentage of people have breast cancer recurrence while they’re taking Arimidex?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Like all drugs, Arimidex doesn’t work for everyone. And this drug is less likely to prevent breast cancer recurrence if your cancer is estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative). (ER-negative cancer doesn’t need estrogen in order to grow.)One clinical trial looked at Arimidex as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in females who were postmenopausal. 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