Arimidex, also known as anastrozole, is used for the treatment of cancer in women who have passed through menopause. By lowering levels of estrogen in a woman's body, it slows the growth of cancerous tumors that require estrogen in order to develop. It is often implemented if your cancer has progressed even after undergoing treatment with tamoxifen, another drug used to treat cancer. Arimidex is accompanied by a variety of side effects; knowing what they are may help you better manage them as they arise.
Common Side Effects
According to eMedTV.com, the most common side effects include hot flashes, fatigue, headaches, pain in your joints, bouts of nausea and/or vomiting, changes in your mood, arthritis, sore throat and bone pain.
Less Common Side Effects
These side effects occur less frequently, in up to 11 percent of those taking Arimidex, according to eMedTV. They include back pain, difficulty breathing, the onset of osteoporosis, bones which are fractured easily, water retention in your arms or legs, constipation, high cholesterol levels, weight gain, pain in your breast, urinary tract infection, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness and diarrhea.
Serious Side Effects
If you experience any of the following, you should report them immediately to your doctor, Drugs.com suggests. These side effects occur in up to 19 percent of patients taking the drug, eMedTV reports. They include depression, high blood pressure, inexplicable vaginal bleeding, chest or jaw pain accompanied by shortness of breath (signs of a heart attack), anxiety and signs of a blood clot which include swelling, pain or tenderness, especially in your legs.
Rare Side Effects
Arimidex also has rare side effects associated with it, although they only occur in 3 to 7 percent of patients who take it, according to eMedTV. These include fever or chills, burning or tingling sensation in your body, muscle or pelvic pain, vaginal infections, dry mouth, sweating, thick vaginal discharge, indigestion, sinus infection and anemia.
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