ARIMIDEX side effects

Prescription ARIMIDEX® (anastrozole) is only for postmenopausal women. ARIMIDEX should not be taken if you are pregnant because it may harm your unborn child.

ARIMIDEX should not be taken with tamoxifen or estrogen-containing therapies.

Based on information from a study of patients with early breast cancer, women with a history of blockages in heart arteries (ischemic heart disease) who take ARIMIDEX may have a slight increase in this type of heart disease compared with similar patients who take tamoxifen.

ARIMIDEX (anastrozole) can cause bone softening/weakening (osteoporosis), increasing the chance of fractures. In a clinical study in early breast cancer, there were more fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) with ARIMIDEX (10%) than with tamoxifen (7%).

In a clinical study in early breast cancer, some patients taking ARIMIDEX had an increase in cholesterol. Skin reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function have also been reported.

In the early breast cancer adjuvant clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache.

In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX (anastrozole).

See Important Safety Information below, and talk to your doctor to see if ARIMIDEX is right for you.

Please see full Prescribing Information. For more information, see your doctor.

Managing side effects of ARIMIDEX

ARIMIDEX may cause side effects. Some may be serious. Stop taking ARIMIDEX and call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain or shortness of breath; these can be symptoms of heart disease
  • Skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters
  • Signs or symptoms of a liver problem
    • A general feeling of not being well
    • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
    • Pain on the right side of your abdomen
In the early breast cancer clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include
Hot flashes Joint symptoms
Weakness Mood changes/depression
Pain Insomnia
Rash Sore throat
Nausea and vomiting High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
 Fractures*
Swelling of arms/legs Headache
*Fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) occurred more frequently with ARIMIDEX than with tamoxifen (10% vs 7%).

Fortunately, there may be things you can do to help manage some of them. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing, and to determine what's right for you.

Simple ways of managing your side effects may include keeping hydrated and eating small amounts of bland food until you know you can tolerate more. Try to remain active, but remember to ask for help from family and friends when you need it.

Learn more coping techniques that may help you during treatment