Arimidex - What is it?
Arimidex, active ingredient anastrozole, is a medication that is available by prescription only and is used for the treatment of breast cancer in women that are post menopausal. This medication has been specifically approved for the treatment of post menopausal women that have: metastatic breast cancer or advanced breast cancer in which the status of the hormone receptor isn't known or that is positive for hormone receptors, advanced breast cancers that haven't responded to tamoxifen, and early types of breast cancer that are positive for hormone receptors.
Who Manufactures It?
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals is the maker of Arimidex.
How It Works?
Arimidex belongs to the class of medications known as aromatoase inhibitors. The body makes the enzyme called aromatase. This helps the body to make estrogens, especially the kind called estradiol. For women that are post menopausal, most of the body's estrogen is produced with the help of aromatase. When these enzymes are blocked, the amount of estrogen that the body has is reduced.
Since many forms of breast cancer are sensitive to the hormone called estrogen, this means that the tumor grows from estrogen. When you have a estrogen sensitive tumor, it contains receptors on the outside of the cells. Estrogen works with the receptors like a key works with a lock. When there is a connection, it allows the cancer to grow.
Potential Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects include: nausea, weakness and fatigue, hot flashes, arthritis, headaches and pain.
