Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Arimidex (Anastrozole) is a third‑generation aromatase inhibitor used as adjuvant therapy for hormone‑receptor‑positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. At 1 mg once daily, it achieves >96 % estrogen suppression by blocking the aromatase enzyme, reducing recurrence risk more effectively than tamoxifen in head‑to‑head trials
PubMed
The Lancet
Anastrozole – 1 mg oral tablet
Anastrazole; anastrozol

ICI‑D1033; ZD‑1033

Aromatase Inhibitor (AI)
Arimidex®
Anastrozole competitively and reversibly binds to the aromatase enzyme, blocking the conversion of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) to estrogens (estrone and estradiol) in peripheral tissues. This decreases circulating estrogen levels by ≥85 %, depriving estrogen‑dependent breast cancer cells of their growth stimulus
Adjuvant Treatment: Hormone‑receptor‑positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women

Extended Therapy: Following 2–3 years of tamoxifen, to complete a total of 5 years of endocrine treatment

Metastatic Breast Cancer: In postmenopausal women with disease progression after antiestrogen therapy

Off‑Label: Endometriosis and gynecomastia in men (specialist use)
Standard Dose: 1 mg orally once daily, with or without food

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered on the same day; do not double doses
Early breast cancer: 5 years total endocrine therapy (alone or following tamoxifen)
PubMed

Metastatic setting: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Formulation: Film‑coated tablet

Strength: 1 mg

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only (S4/AU, Rx‑only)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Contraindicated—estrogen suppression is teratogenic and excreted in milk
Wikipedia

Bone Health: Increases risk of osteoporosis and fractures; baseline and periodic bone density monitoring recommended
Wikipedia

Hepatic/Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment required, but monitor liver enzymes in severe hepatic disease and creatinine in renal dysfunction

Elderly: Use standard dose; monitor fall risk, bone density, and lipid profile
Hot flashes, arthralgia, myalgia

Fatigue, nausea, headache

Osteoporosis, bone fractures

Vaginal dryness, libido reduction

Serious (rare):

Thromboembolic events (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)

Severe joint disorders (osteoarthritis acceleration)

Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation)

Hepatotoxicity (transaminase elevation)
Bone Loss: Initiate calcium/vitamin D supplementation and consider bisphosphonates in high‑risk patients
Wikipedia

Cardiovascular: Use caution in those with preexisting cardiac disease; monitor lipids and ECG if indicated

Musculoskeletal: Manage arthralgia with analgesics or switch to alternative endocrine therapy if intolerable

Drug Withdrawal: Do not abruptly discontinue; consult oncologist for tapering or switching strategies
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic, Endocrine Therapy

Pharmacologic Class: Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitor

Legal Category: Prescription Only Medicine
Tamoxifen: No significant interaction; sequential therapy improves outcomes
PubMed

CYP3A4 Inhibitors / Inducers: Anastrozole metabolism minimally affected; no dosage adjustment usually needed

Anticoagulants: Monitor INR if on warfarin, as estrogen suppression may affect clotting factors

Statins: Monitor lipid profile; anastrozole can unfavorably alter cholesterol levels
ATAC Trial (2002): Demonstrated superior disease‑free survival with anastrozole versus tamoxifen after 5 years, with fewer thromboembolic events but increased osteoporosis and arthralgia
PubMed
The Lancet
Long‑Term ATAC Analysis: Continued benefit in recurrence reduction up to 10 years, supporting extended follow‑up
The Lancet
EBCTCG Meta‑Analysis: Confirms aromatase inhibitors reduce breast‑cancer mortality by ~15 % compared to tamoxifen in postmenopausal women.
Arimidex provides estrogen suppression in hormone‑dependent breast cancer, whereas Blackmores Conceive Well Gold supplies nutritional support for preconception health. Women completing Arimidex therapy should undergo survivorship planning before considering conception and then transition to fertility supplementation under medical supervision.

FAQs – Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Q1. How quickly does Arimidex lower estrogen?
A: ≥85 % reduction in estradiol levels occurs within 3–4 days of daily dosing
Q2. Can Arimidex be used in premenopausal women?
A: No. Estrogen suppression is inadequate without ovarian suppression; not indicated.

Q3. What supportive medications are needed?
A: Calcium/vitamin D; consider bisphosphonates if bone‑density decline is significant.

Q4. Is monitoring required during therapy?
A: Yes—bone mineral density, lipid profile, liver function tests, and symptom review every 6–12 months.

Q5. What if I experience severe joint pain?
A: Manage with NSAIDs, physiotherapy, or discuss switching to an alternative AI or tamoxifen.

Q6. How long is Arimidex therapy recommended?
A: Typically 5 years; extended-duration (up to 10 years) may be considered based on recurrence risk.

Q7. Can Arimidex affect cholesterol?
A: Yes—can increase LDL; monitor and manage with lifestyle or lipid-lowering agents.
Arimidex, Anastrozole, Aromatase Inhibitor, Breast Cancer Adjuvant Therapy, Postmenopausal Endocrine Treatment, ATAC Trial, Estrogen Suppression, EZ Chemist, Bone Health Monitoring, Hormone‑Receptor‑Positive Breast Cance