Arimidex Warnings and Precautions

Understanding Arimidex warnings and precautions prior to taking the drug can help ensure a safe and successful treatment process. The medication may not be appropriate for women who have osteoporosis or women who are breastfeeding. It likely will not be given to a woman who is pregnant. Arimidex warnings and precautions also extend to people who are allergic to any ingredients used to make the drug.

Arimidex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Arimidex® (anastrozole) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Arimidex Warnings and Precautions

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Arimidex include the following:
 
  • It is not known if Arimidex is safe and effective for breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women, although it is sometimes used in an off-label fashion for this use.
     
  • Arimidex (as well as most medications that decrease the effects of estrogens) can lead to osteoporosis. If you already have osteoporosis (or are at risk for the condition), your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes or medication to protect you from fractures (see Osteoporosis Prevention).

 

  • In one study comparing Arimidex with tamoxifen, some women who took Arimidex had a higher risk for heart attack (or other similar cardiac "events") or angina. In particular, the risk was increased in women who already had heart disease. An increased risk (compared to tamoxifen) was not seen for other women.

 


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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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