Arimidex A Hormonal Agent for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Description
A medicine given to postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
How It Is Given
Taken by mouth once a day.
Role of Arimidex and How It Works
Breast cancer growth may be estrogen dependent. It is important to suppress estrogen for this reason. Aromatase is the principle enzyme in the body that converts androgen to estrogen in postmenopausal women. Arimidex is a medicine that inhibits aromatase that then prevents the formation of estrogen and keeps the estrogen levels in the blood minimized.
Who Can Use Arimidex
Arimidex is used for women who no longer have working ovaries. This includes postmenopausal women as well as younger women of premenopausal age who no longer have working ovaries. Arimidex should not be taken by women with working ovaries or pregnant women.
Common Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Muscle aches
Less Common Side Effects
- Swelling of the arms and/or legs
- Pain
- Blood clots
If you have any of the less common side effects, contact your doctor.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/18/2008
Reproduced, with permission, from the 1989-2005 United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed in 6/2005 by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Department of Nursing, Madison WI. UWH #5539
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