Anastrozole and Cost: How to Find Savings and More

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Also, talk with your doctor about your risk of blood clots. If you’re taking certain medications or have other medical conditions, your risk may be higher.

It can make you more likely to get a broken bone (fracture). It is important not to stop taking hormonal therapy without telling your doctor. If side effects cannot be managed, your doctor may suggest a different type of hormonal therapy. We explain the most common side effects of this treatment here. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist may also give you other medicines to take home.

After 14 days of treatment, estradiol levels were lowered by about 80%. And estradiol levels continued to be reduced for 6 days after stopping treatment. Arimidex belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme (a type of protein) called aromatase. Arimidex is considered an estrogen blocker because it decreases the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. It isn’t a steroid drug or a type of chemotherapy (traditional drugs used to treat cancer).

What Is Anastrozole and How Does It Work?

Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using Arimidex. Arimidex may increase your risk of Finasteride costs a stroke or blood clot. Call your doctor at once if you have sudden numbness or weakness, (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance. Anastrozole tablet does not work in women with breast cancer who have not gone through menopause (premenopausal women).

If you have serious side effects from Arimidex, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Arimidex. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. For example, if you have nausea, it may go away right after you stop taking Arimidex. Other side effects, such as liver problems or osteoporosis (weakened bones), may remain even after you stop treatment.

If you are worried about this, ask your nurse for advice on hair care. If you do not feel like eating 3 big meals a day, try to eat small, frequent meals or snacks instead. Flushes usually stop a few months after treatment ends. Hot flushes are a common side effect of this treatment. If you have black or brown skin, your skin colour may deepen.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Anastrozole sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Ask your doctor for ways to prevent these effects or make them less severe. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet.

Other medicines

You may have a blood test to check the level of cholesterol. Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for advice on diet, or prescribe medicines to control your cholesterol levels. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any skin changes.

Take all your medicines exactly as they have been explained to you. Do not stop taking any of your medicines unless they tell you to. Many breast cancers rely on the hormone oestrogen (or estrogen) to grow.