Generic Arimidex

 

 

Anastrozole under the brand name Arimidex treats breast cancer effectively in postmenopausal women after surgery by blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens. High levels of estrogen increase the severity of breast cancer as well as breast tumors because this sex hormone can cause hyperplasia (abnormal increase in the number of cells) and differentiation at estrogen receptor sites. Estrogen is what some breast cancer cells need to grow rapidly. Decreasing the levels of estrogen can hamper the growth of these cancer cells.

 

Arimidex (Anastrozole) as an aromatase inhibitor works by preventing the action of the enzyme aromatase that carries out the androgen-to-estrogen transformation process. It binds to the aromatase enzyme reversibly through competitive suppression. Anastrozole is also indicated to treat metastases (the spreading of cancer to another part of the body) in post-menopausal women.

 

What to Know about Anastrozole

 

Before commencing Anastrozole treatment, you should have important pieces of information about this generic drug.

 

Taking Arimidex (Anastrozole) along with tamoxifen or an estrogen drug can affect its effectiveness. So, tell your doctor about these medications before going for Anastrozole treatment. Anastrozole therapy demands a long-term commitment from your end. You may need to continue this medicine for up to 5 years. Careful following of your doctor’s instructions will keep you in good stead.

 

If you are allergic to Anastrozole, or you have current medical conditions such as serious kidney or liver disease, or you’re yet to pass your menopause phase, you should inform your doctor before using the drug. Your doctor may advise you not to use Arimidex (Anastrozole) or prescribe you a dose alteration or special tests for safe administration of the medicine. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women shouldn’t use Arimidex as it can cause damage to your unborn child.

 

What to Discuss with Your Doctor about Anastrozole

 

It is always advisable to discuss a number of things with your doctor before beginning the generic Arimidex therapy. These include:

 

Tell your doctor if you’re allergic to Anastrozole. Generally, the doctor will recommend you not use this medication. Tell your doctor if you have allergic reaction to any other drugs, or if you suffer from severe kidney or liver disease, or if you’ve not totally gone through menopause. In such cases, dose adjustments of Anastrozole or special tests are usually prescribed by your doctor.

 

FDA Pregnancy Category D: As Arimidex (Anastrozole) is listed in FDA pregnancy category D, it is not safe for pregnant women to take this drug as it can be harmful for their unborn baby. Tell your doctor before using Arimidex if you’re pregnant or may become pregnant during the treatment. A pregnancy test is normally recommended before embarking on Anastrozole therapy to make sure you’re not pregnant. Though there is no confirmation yet on whether Arimidex (Anastrozole) passes into breast milk, breastfeeding women should not use this generic drug without informing their doctor.