- What is anastrozole-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for anastrozole-oral?
- Is anastrozole-oral available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for anastrozole-oral?
- What are the side effects of anastrozole-oral?
- What is the dosage for anastrozole-oral?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with anastrozole-oral?
- Is anastrozole-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about anastrozole-oral?
What is anastrozole-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain breast cancers. Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. The FDA approved brand name anastrozole (Arimidex) in 1995.
What are the side effects of anastrozole-oral?
Side effects of anastrozole are hot flashes, pain, arthritis, headache, increased blood pressure, depression, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, weakened bones, sleeplessness, and rash.

SLIDESHOW
Breast Cancer Awareness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for anastrozole-oral?
The recommended dose of anastrozole is one tablet (1 mg) by mouth once daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with anastrozole-oral?
Anastrozole should not be used with tamoxifen because tamoxifen can reduce anastrozole levels in the body and decrease its therapeutic effects.
Estrogens decrease the effect of anastrozole by increasing estrogen levels in the body.
Latest MedicineNet News
Daily Health News
Trending on MedicineNet
Is anastrozole-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Anastrozole is not recommended for pregnant mothers under any circumstances. Anastrozole may cause fetal harm and terminate pregnancy.
It is not known whether anastrozole enters breast milk. It should not be administered to nursing mothers to avoid any harm to the newborn.
What else should I know about anastrozole-oral?
What preparations of anastrozole-oral are available?
Tablets: 1 mg
How should I keep anastrozole-oral stored?
Store anastrozole tablets at room temperature, between 20 C – 25 C (68 F – 77 F).

QUESTION
A lump in the breast is almost always cancer. See AnswerSummary
Anastrozole (Arimidex)is prescribed for post-surgical treatment of breast cancer in women who are postmenopausal. Side effects drug interactions, dosage, storage, and safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
Related Disease Conditions
-
Endometriosis
Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They also can be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Endometriosis may not produce any symptoms, but when it does the most common symptom is pelvic pain that worsens just prior to menstruation and improves at the end of the menstrual period. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pain during sex, pain with pelvic examinations, cramping or pain during bowel movements or urination, and infertility. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
-
Gynecomastia (Enlarged Male Breasts)
Gynecomastia, an enlargement of the gland tissue in the male breast is caused by an imbalance of hormones. Certain medical conditions may also lead to gynecomastia such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, disorders of the male sex organs, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and medications. Gynecomastia is generally treated with medication, and if necessary, surgery.
-
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is an invasive tumor that develops in the mammary gland. Breast cancer is detected via mammograms, breast self-examination (BSE), biopsy, and specialized testing on breast cancer tissue. Treatment of breast cancer may involve surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Breast cancer risk may be lowered by managing controllable risk factors.
-
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound. Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include pain in the breast, skin change in the breast area, bruise on the breast,sudden swelling of the breast, nipple retraction or discharge, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
-
Paget Disease of the Breast (Paget's Disease of the Nipple)
Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown. Symptoms and signs include redness, scaling, and flaking of the nipple skin. A biopsy and imaging studies are needed to diagnose the disease. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and adjuvant therapy.
-
Breast Cancer Treatment by Stage
Treatment of breast cancer depends upon the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Some of the various treatments include: hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, and adjuvant therapy.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Cancer Report Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.