Arimidex
What you should know about Arimidex
The information in this leaflet applies only to your
medicine, Arimidex, please read it carefully. It gives you
important information but it can't tell you everything. If
you have any questions, or are not sure about anything,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is your medicine?
Arimidex comes in tablets and each tablet contains 1
milligram of anastrozole.
Each tablet contains a number of inactive ingredients
which allow it to be made. These are lactose macrogol,
magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose,
polyvidone, sodium starch glycollate and titanium
dioxide.
Arimidex comes in blister packs of 28 and 84 tablets.
Arimidex belongs to a group of medicines called
aromatase inhibitors. This means that it interferes with
some of the actions of aromatase, an enzyme within the
body which affects the level of certain female sex
hormones such as oestrogens.
Who has made your medicine?
The product licence holder of Arimidex is: Zeneca
Limited, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
The manufacturer of Arimidex is: Zeneca
Pharmaceuticals Group, 587 Old Baltimore Pike,
Newark, Delaware 19702, USA.
What is your medicine for?
Arimidex is used to treat advanced breast cancer in
post-menopausal women.
When should Arimidex not be used?
 Arimidex must not be taken by pre-menopausal
women, pregnant women or mothers who are breast
feeding their babies.
 Arimidex must not be taken by patients with certain
disorders or diseases which affect the liver or kidneys.
 Arimidex must not be taken by patients who are taking
oestrogen-containing medicines, for example
hormone replacement therapy.
 Arimidex should not be given to children.
 Arimidex should not be used if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to Arimidex or to any particular
ingredient.
 The tablets are only for you and must never be given
to anyone else.
What precautions should be taken with Arimidex?
Before taking your medicine, tell your doctor if:
- you are taking any other medicines including those
which you have bought.
- you are suffering from any disorder or disease which
affects your liver or kidneys.
Your tablets are unlikely to adversely affect your
ability to drive a car or to operate machinery. However,
some patients may occasionally feel weak or sleepy. If
this happens to you, ask your doctor for advice.
If you go into hospital let the medical staff know you
are taking "Arimidex".
As mentioned earlier your tablets contain lactose
sodium starch glycollate and titanium dioxide which may
cause a problem in a small number of patients who are
sensitive to them.
Only stop taking your tablets if your doctor tells you .
How should I take my Arimidex?
Follow your doctor's instructions about when and how to
take your tablets. Please READ THE LABEL on the
container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not
sure.
The usual adult dose is one tablet taken daily.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
Try to take you r tablet at the same time each day.
You should take Arimidex as prescribed. However if
you miss a dose do not take an extra dose. Just resume
your usual schedule.
If you take more than your normal dose contact your
doctor or nearest hospital.
Do not stop taking your tablets even if you are feeling
well, unless your doctor tells you.
What undesirable events may be experienced with
Arimidex?
As with all medicines, undesirable events are sometimes
experienced. With Arimidex these may include:
hot flushes
thinning of the hair
vaginal dryness
anorexia (loss of appetite)
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
feeling weak
headache
sleepiness
skin rash
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible events. You
may not have any of them.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think you have
any of these or any other problems with your tablets.
How should I store Arimidex?
You should keep your tablets below 30°C.
Keep your tablets in the container they came i n.
If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, return
any left-over tablets to your pharmacist.
Do not take your tablets after the expiry date on the
container.
Keep your tablets in a safe place where children
cannot see or reach them. Your tablets could harm them
.
Date of preparation of leaflet: May 1996.
Arimidex is a trade mark.
Distributed by: Zeneca Pharma, King's Court, Water
Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AZ.