Arimidex (anastrozole) 

Anastrozole is used for: 

Treating breast cancer in women who have been through menopause, including women with disease progression after tamoxifen therapy. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. 

Anastrozole is an  aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering blood estradiol concentrations, which may decrease  the size and  growth of the tumor. 

Do NOT use Anastrozole if: 

• you are allergic  to any ingredient in Anastrozole
• you are taking estrogen or tamoxifen

Before using  Anastrozole : 

Some medical conditions may interact  with Anastrozole . Tell your doctor  or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of  the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding 
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements
• if you have allergies  to medicines, foods, or other substances 
• if  you have liver problems  or high cholesterol  or lipid levels 

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anastrozole . Tell  your health care provider  if you are  taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: 

• Estrogen or tamoxifen because they may decrease Anastrozole 's effectiveness 

This may not be a complete list of all  drug interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Anastrozole may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine. 

How to use Anastrozole : 

Use Anastrozole as directed by  your doctor. Check the label on the medicine  for exact dosing instructions. 

• Take Anastrozole by mouth with or without food. 
• If you miss a dose of Anastrozole , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time  for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your  doctor or pharmacist. 

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anastrozole . 

Important safety information: 

• Anastrozole may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Anastrozole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. 
• Lab tests, including blood cholesterol or bone mineral density, may be performed while you use Anastrozole . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. 
• Anastrozole should not be used  in CHILDREN; safety  and effectiveness  in children have not been confirmed. 
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Anastrozole has been shown  to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact  your doctor. You will need to discuss  the benefits and risks  of using Anastrozole while you are pregnant. It is not known if Anastrozole is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anastrozole , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to  your baby.

If OVERDOSE is suspected: 

Contact  your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. 

Proper storage of Anastrozole : 

Store Anastrozole at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anastrozole out of the reach of children and away from pets. 

General information: 

• If you have any questions about Anastrozole, please talk  with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. 
• Anastrozole is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed.  Do not share it with other people. 
• If  your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with  your doctor. 

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anastrozole. If  you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with  your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.