Anastrozole (Arimidex) is an aromatase inhibitor often utilized during post-cycle therapy (PCT) to lower estrogen levels and build muscular physique. Bodybuilders especially appreciate this medication’s powerful impact in creating hormonal balance while simultaneously shaping a more defined physique.
Arimidex can also reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence among women. In this article we’ll look at how Arimidex use can best serve these purposes.
Timing
Timing Arimidex use properly can have a dramatic impact on its effectiveness. Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor that acts quickly to decrease estrogen synthesis in the body, and postmenopausal women may notice drastic reductions of their estrogen levels within 24 hours of taking Arimidex. Due to this rapid impact, Arimidex should be taken during and before any cycle containing steroids that aromatize to estrogen (such as Anavar).
Arimidex is often prescribed to women* postmenopausal who have experienced menopause to treat certain forms of breast cancer. Doctors may recommend Arimidex alongside other medications to help slow or stop tumor growth in addition to surgery and radiation therapy treatments, and may even use Arimidex alone or in combination with drugs like Tamoxifen and Trastuzumab (Herceptin) in treating advanced or metastatic HR+ breast cancer that has spread.
If a woman has early stage HR+ breast cancer, doctors typically advise her to take Arimidex or another aromatase inhibitor for five years post surgery to lower the chances of cancer recurrence. If the disease has spread to lymph nodes, however, additional adjuvant hormonal therapy will typically be recommended; this practice is known as adjuvant hormonal therapy.
Arimidex has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bodybuilding use, so its usage should only be undertaken after consulting with medical professionals. Furthermore, any unwanted side effects caused by using it with anabolic steroids remain unknown at this point; there are no official FDA guidelines available on how the drug should be utilized when used for bodybuilding.
Arimidex comes as a tablet to be swallowed and only has one dosage strength: 1 milligram daily. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage based on your individual needs and should take it around the same time each day to ensure consistent blood levels. For best results, take Arimidex around the same time each day so as to maintain even blood levels throughout.
Dosage
If your doctor prescribes Arimidex for you, they may give a specific dosage and suggest other treatments to minimize potential side effects, if applicable. But beware! Any adverse reactions could happen at any time; serious ones are uncommon but be sure to tell your physician immediately if symptoms worsen over time or disrupt quality of life.
The exact dosage you require depends on the type and stage of breast cancer you have as well as how well your response to medication. As a starting point, we suggest taking one tablet daily on an empty stomach either with or without food; try not to increase or alter its frequency more than prescribed.
Clinical studies have proven Arimidex effective at slowing the progression of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancers as well as any that have come back after having been treated with another drug known as Tamoxifen. Furthermore, Arimidex may be prescribed off-label to premenopausal women (those not yet experiencing menopause).
Generic versions of drugs may offer significant savings over brand name versions; these drugs contain the same active substance and are considered just as safe and effective.
Arimidex can increase your risk of serious cardiovascular or blood vessel issues, including heart attack in females* with ischemic heart disease (a condition which restricts the flow of blood to your heart). Your physician may advise more frequent monitoring during and post treatment with Arimidex or another treatment option.
Arimidex is an extremely potent estrogen replacement therapy drug, so long-term exposure may cause changes to your estrogen levels and alter how you look and feel. If any changes arise in appearance or behavior, discuss it with your healthcare provider immediately and keep a record of any side effects so both can gain more insight into how well the drug is working for you.
Precautions
Arimidex (anastrozole) is a medication that works by blocking estrogen production in your body, decreasing levels of it and potentially slowing cancer development. It is used to treat early breast cancer that’s hormone receptor positive or HR+; which means its growth is affected by estrogen hormone levels in your system. Arimidex may also help prevent future instances of returning or worsening after surgery and treatments are completed; Arimidex typically comes as a pill you swallow once daily for best results.
Arimidex may also be prescribed off-label to treat other forms of cancer. This occurs when a drug approved for one use can also help treat another condition.
Your doctor may suggest you take Arimidex off-label for treating ovarian cancer, though it isn’t FDA approved to do so. Some research has demonstrated its efficacy; often prescribed alongside chemotherapy drugs.
Some Arimidex users have experienced liver inflammation. Your physician will monitor your liver health during and after taking Arimidex.
Before beginning Arimidex therapy, inform your healthcare provider of any existing cardiovascular or blood vessel conditions you have, such as stroke or blood clots. Arimidex may increase your risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks in females* with ischemic heart disease – this includes problems with blood flow to their hearts.
If you have Hepatitis C, Arimidex should only be taken after consulting your physician and getting their approval. Hepatitis C can be an infected liver that poses severe danger or even life-threatening risks.
Researchers conducted clinical trials that led to Arimidex’s approval and examined its relative effectiveness compared with tamoxifen (another medication used to treat breast cancer). Their research indicated that Arimidex performed similarly; furthermore, extended use did not provide more benefit than continuing for 5 years of adjuvant therapy as scheduled.
Adverse Reactions
Women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer typically require 10 years of adjuvant hormonal therapy with Arimidex to reduce the chance of cancer returning (recurrence). Arimidex may also be combined with oral tamoxifen or drugs which target specific parts of cancer cells for an enhanced effect known as neoadjuvant hormonal therapy treatment plan.
Some women may experience side effects from Arimidex that range from mild and temporary, such as itchy skin or headaches, to more serious ones that need medical intervention. If this occurs for you, consult your physician immediately as severe side effects could require different medicines to manage. If the discomfort continues or becomes bothersome, please notify him or her immediately.
Arimidex may increase your risk of serious heart or blood vessel conditions, particularly if you suffer from ischemic heart disease (an impairment to blood flow to your heart). If this condition exists for you, your physician may advise more frequent monitoring or suggest different medication as treatment options.
Your doctor may also prescribe Arimidex for other conditions, such as gynecomastia (breast growth in males) and early puberty caused by McCune-Albright syndrome in girls. Studies conducted on boys ages 11-18 years with gynecomastia as well as girls 2-9 years with this syndrome found no adverse side effects when used this way, although its efficacy couldn’t be proven either way.
Arimidex can harm fetuses in animal studies. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, notify your physician immediately; its effects could pass through breast milk and have negative impacts on breastfeeding babies as well.
IF YOU DO DECIDE TO TRY AND CONCEIVE, it is best to discontinue taking Arimidex immediately and speak to your physician in regards to getting another prescription during gestation.
Arimidex should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment at or below room temperature, in an airtight container to protect it from moisture, out of reach of children and pets to reduce chances of accidental ingestion by accident. When no longer necessary or expired medications come due for disposal consult your physician to discuss safe disposal methods.
