Description
Arimidex, sold under the generic name anastrozole, is an aromatase inhibitor medication primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is indicated for use as adjuvant therapy following surgery and radiation, as well as for the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
Side effects of anastrozole may include hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The drug works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens in the body. By reducing estrogen levels, anastrozole helps to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.
Anastrozole was approved for medical use in the late 1990s and has since become a standard treatment option for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. It is often preferred over other treatments due to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile.
Medical uses
Anastrozole is primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is specifically approved for adjuvant treatment following surgery and radiation, as well as for the management of advanced breast cancer. Anastrozole is also used off-label in some cases for male patients with conditions related to excess estrogen, such as gynecomastia, and in certain contexts of hormone therapy for transgender individuals.
