Arimidex

What is it?

Composition

Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole in a dosage of 1 mg per tablet. Excipients include:

• Lactose monohydrate
• Povidone
• Croscarmellose sodium
• Magnesium stearate

These ingredients provide stability, consistency and absorption of the drug in the body. The main active ingredient, anastrozole, is responsible for inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, which is especially important in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women

How to use?

Dosage: The recommended dose of Arimidex is 1 mg taken once daily. The tablets can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions and not change the dosage on your own.

Duration of treatment: The length of time you take the drug depends on the stage and type of cancer. In adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, treatment may last up to five years. In the treatment of metastatic cancer, the drug is taken until the tumor progresses.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

How does it work?

Arimidex (anastrozole) works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which plays a key role in the synthesis of estrogen. In postmenopausal women, the main source of estrogen is the conversion of androgens to estrogen via aromatase. By blocking this process, Arimidex significantly reduces estrogen levels in the blood. This is especially important in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer, since reducing estrogen helps slow or stop the growth of tumors that rely on this hormone to thrive.

Anastrozole’s mechanism of action makes it an effective treatment for both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women, especially in cases where the tumor has not responded to other hormonal drugs, such as tamoxifen.

Indications

Arimidex is used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Primary indications include:

• Adjuvant treatment of hormone-sensitive early breast cancer in women who have completed menopause.
• Primary treatment of locally advanced or metastatic hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
• Secondary treatment after disease progression in patients who have previously been treated with tamoxifen.

The drug reduces estrogen levels in the body, which helps slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors

Contraindications

Arimidex has a number of contraindications that are important to consider before starting treatment:

• Hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any of the components of the drug. Reactions may include anaphylaxis, angioedema and urticaria.
• Pregnancy and lactation, as the drug may cause harm to the fetus or infant.
• The drug is not intended for use in women who have not yet completed menopause, as its effectiveness and safety in this group have not been established.
• Combined use with tamoxifen, as this may reduce the effectiveness of both drugs.

Before starting treatment with Arimidex, it is important to consult a doctor to exclude the presence of these contraindications and avoid possible complications

Side effects

Arimidex may be associated with a number of side effects that vary in severity. The most common side effects include:

• Hot flushes are one of the most common side effects seen in many women.
• Joint and muscle pain, including arthralgia and myalgia, which can significantly affect daily activities.
• Fatigue and weakness, which can reduce overall quality of life.
• Osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures, as Arimidex reduces bone density.
• Increased blood cholesterol levels, which may require additional monitoring.

In rare cases, more serious side effects are possible, such as allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis) and cardiovascular problems, especially in patients with pre-existing heart disease.