Anastrozole, known by the trade name Arimidex, is a drug that is indicated for the treatment of initial and advanced breast cancer in women in the postmenopausal stage.
This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies for a price of about 120 to 812 reais, depending on whether the person chooses the brand or the generic, requiring the presentation of a prescription.
How to use
The recommended dose of anastrozole is 1 tablet of 1mg, orally, once daily.
How it works
Anastrozole acts by inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase, leading, as a consequence, to the reduction of the level of estrogens, which are female sex hormones. The reduction in the levels of these hormones has a beneficial effect on women who are in the post-menopausal stage and who have breast cancer.
Who should not use
This remedy should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formula, pregnant women, women who wish to become pregnant or women who are breastfeeding.
In addition, it is also not recommended for children or women who have not yet entered menopause. As anastrozole reduces circulating estrogen levels, it can cause a reduction in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during anastrozole treatment are hot flashes, weakness, joint pain, joint stiffness, joint inflammation, headache, nausea, lesions and redness of the skin.
In addition, hair loss, allergic reactions, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, carpal tunnel syndrome, increased liver and bile enzymes, vaginal dryness and bleeding, loss of appetite, increased blood cholesterol levels can also occur, bone pain, muscle pain, tingling or numbness of the skin and loss and alteration of taste.
