Arimidex may decrease blood flow to your heart, especially if you have ever had coronary artery disease (clogged arteries). Seek medical attention if you have new or worsening chest pain, or if you feel short of breath.
Do not use anastrozole if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Arimidex may not work as well if you take it together with estrogen medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings).
Arimidex may increase your risk of 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Arimidex if you are allergic to anastrozole, or if you have not yet completed menopause.
Arimidex is not approved for use in men or children.
You should not take anastrozole if you also take tamoxifen.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
coronary artery disease (clogged artery disease);
high cholesterol; or
osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
Hormonal cancer treatment can weaken your bones. You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using Arimidex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.
Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, anastrozole may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Arimidex. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take Arimidex?
Take Arimidex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Arimidex is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You may take Arimidex with or without food.
You may need to keep taking this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
