Anastrozole, known commercially as Arimidex, is a drug indicated for the treatment of initial and advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
This drug can be purchased in pharmacy for a price of 120 to 812 reais, depending on whether the person chooses the brand name or generic, requiring the presentation of a prescription.
The recommended dose of anastrozole is 1 1 mg tablet, orally, once daily.
Anastrozole works by inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase, leading, as a result, to the reduction of estrogen levels, which are female sex hormones.Reducing levels of these hormones has a beneficial effect on postmenopausal women who have breast cancer.
This remedy should not be used by people hypersensitive to any of the components of the formula, pregnant women, women who wish to become pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition, it is also not recommended for children or women who are not yet menopausal, since anastrozole reduces circulating estrogen levels, it can reduce bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures.
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with anastrozole are hot flashes, weakness, joint pain, joint stiffness, joint inflammation, headache, nausea, injury 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 and increased blood cholesterol may also occur.