Anastrozole, also known by its brand name Arimidex, is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Here are some key points about Anastrozole:

Uses
- Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Used as an adjuvant (postsurgical) treatment.
- Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: Show Full Answer

Anastrozole, also known by its brand name Arimidex, is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Here are some key points about Anastrozole:

Uses:
- Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Used as an adjuvant (postsurgical) treatment.
- Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: Effective when the cancer is hormone receptor-positive or its status is unknown.
- Advanced Breast Cancer: Used when cancer has progressed after treatment with tamoxifen.

Mechanism:
- Estrogen Reduction: Blocks the enzyme aromatase, which helps produce estrogen, thereby reducing estrogen levels and slowing the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Administration:
- Dosage: Taken orally once a day, either with or without food.
- Duration: Often taken for several years, as prescribed by a doctor.

Side Effects:
- Common Side Effects: Hot flashes, weakness, arthritis, joint pain, upper respiratory infection, high blood pressure, depression, nausea and vomiting, rash, osteoporosis, back pain, insomnia.
- Monitoring: Patients are monitored for osteoporosis and may need medications to strengthen bones.

Precautions:
- Not Suitable For: Women of childbearing age or those with past hypersensitivity to anastrozole.
- Caution: Should be used with caution in women with high cholesterol, elevated risk for osteoporosis, or a history of heart disease.
- Interaction: Should not be taken at the same time as tamoxifen.

Effectiveness:
- Prevention of Recurrence: Clinical trials have found that aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole prevent breast cancer recurrence about 30% more effectively than drugs such as tamoxifen.

Additional Information:
- Combination with Other Treatments: Often used along with treatments like ovarian ablation or suppression in premenopausal women to shut down estrogen production from the ovaries.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MyBCTeam:
- [Arimidex (Anastrozole) for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/treatments/arimidex)
- [Letrozole vs. Anastrozole for Breast Cancer: A Comparison](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/letrozole-vs...)
- [Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer](https://www.mybcteam.com/resources/hormonal-the...)

 This AI-generated response comes from MyBCTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Letrozole vs. Anastrozole for Breast Cancer: A Comparison | MyBCTeam

Arimidex (Anastrozole) for Breast Cancer | MyBCTeam