Question 1

how does arimidex (anastrozole) work?

Accepted Answer

Lower estrogen: It's an aromatase inhibitor.  It blocks the enzymatic conversion of androgens (male hormone) to estrogen, thereby lowering estrogen level.  It is used to treat breast cancer.

Question 2

is somehow more effective than arimidex (anastrozole)?

Accepted Answer

AIs: There are 3 ais - anastrazole (arimidex), Letrozole (femara), and Exemestane (aromasin).  All show similar clinical benefits in clinical trials.  Some patients will tolerate one better than the others but there is no way to predict which one.  Other hormonal therapy options include tamoxifen, toremifene, and Faslodex (fulvestrant) (an injectible) but none are particularly "more effective" than an ai.

Question 3

can you take arimidex (anastrozole) wih anything else?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Arimidex (anastrozole) does not interact with many drugs in general but always good idea to check with pharmacist/ physician if you are planning to start any new drug/ supplement.

Question 4

can you eat grapefruit while taking arimidex (anastrozole)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: No interaction between grapefruit and arimidex (anastrozole).  (source: medscape/web md).

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: arimidex (anastrozole)?

Accepted Answer

Aromatase: Arimidex, (anastrozole) generic anisastrozole, is an aromatase inhibitor used to decrease the conversion of circulating testosterone to estrogen, and estradiol. My knowledge is limited to male patients, but i believe this medication is also used in  female patients with certain types of cancers. Increasing estrogen levels can be a problem in testosterone replacement therapy, leading to "man boobs.".

Question 6

would it be safe to take cataplex b while taking arimidex (anastrozole)?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: There should not be interactions between cataplex b (vitamin B6 and b12) and arimidex.  However, there may be a role for b vitamins in cancer growth.  In a nov 18, 2009 jama article, vitamin B12 and folate supplementation increased death from cancer. Some anti-cancer drugs work by blocking folate, part of the b vitamin pathway.  I caution oversupplementing with b vitamins if you have had cancer.

Question 7

took arimidex (anastrozole) for 3mo3wks stopped for 10days now. how long will my system take to return to normal?

Accepted Answer

Arimidex (anastrozole): The half-life is 46.8 hours so roughly round that off to 48 hours for two days. We consider a medication to be out of the person system once five half-lives have elapsed. In your case that would be there in 10 days after stopping the medication. Therefore it should be out of your system at this point. Best wishes and have a happy new year.

Question 8

i have a feeling that arimidex (anastrozole) is causing/irritating my caugh. is this a possible side effec and what is the best alternative medication?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Cough is not a known side effect of arimidex (anastrozole). I would like to know the reason for which you are taking arimidex (anastrozole). I doubt that you are taking it for breast cancer where it is one of 3 drugs called aromatase inhibitors, the other two have similar benefits yet are different drugs...So one of these drugs may be an option if you wanted to explore.

Question 9

any side effects of arimidex (anastrozole)?

Accepted Answer

Many: Hot flashes, diarrhea, other menopausal symptoms are common, but not severe. Occasionally abnormal lipids. Can cause joint stiffness and aches. Done density is reduced. Sounds aweful but is actually well tolerated.

Question 10

why did arimidex (anastrozole) cause me to have anxiety?

Accepted Answer

This is not typical: Arimidex (anastrozole) is also known as Anastrozole. It is not known to cause anxiety in patients who use it. Depression and mood changes are more common side effects of the medication. Sometimes a change in mood can seem like it is anxiety related. Let the doctor who prescribes the medication know that this is happening.

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How does arimidex (anastrozole) work?

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Is somehow more effective than arimidex (anastrozole)?

A member asked:

Can you take arimidex (anastrozole) wih anything else?

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Can you eat grapefruit while taking arimidex (anastrozole)?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: arimidex (anastrozole)?

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Would it be safe to take cataplex b while taking arimidex (anastrozole)?

A member asked:

Took arimidex (anastrozole) for 3mo3wks stopped for 10days now. how long will my system take to return to normal?

A member asked:

I have a feeling that arimidex (anastrozole) is causing/irritating my caugh. is this a possible side effec and what is the best alternative medication?

A member asked:

Any side effects of arimidex (anastrozole)?

A member asked:

Why did arimidex (anastrozole) cause me to have anxiety?

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