What is the most important information I should know about arimidex?

Before taking arimidex, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take arimidex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

What is arimidex?

Arimidex blocks the use of estrogen by certain types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.

Arimidex is used to treat breast cancer.

Arimidex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take arimidex?

Before taking arimidex, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take arimidex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Arimidex is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that arimidex is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take arimidex if you are pregnant. It is not known whether arimidex passes into breast milk. Do not take arimidex if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take arimidex?

Take arimidex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Arimidex is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Arimidex can be taken with or without food.

Store arimidex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of arimidex is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison control center for advice if you suspect that a very large dose of arimidex has been ingested.

What should I avoid while taking arimidex?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking arimidex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of arimidex?

Stop taking arimidex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to arimidex.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take arimidex and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea;
• nausea or vomiting;
• constipation;
• weakness;
• muscle or bone pain;
• headache;
• hot flashes;
• shortness of breath or coughing;
• dizziness;
• swelling or water retention;
• loss of appetite;
• vaginal dryness;
• weight gain; or
• rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect arimidex?

There are no known interactions between arimidex and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with arimidex.