How and when to take anastrozole - Brand name: Arimidex

Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage

Anastrozole comes as 1mg tablets. The usual dose is 1 tablet, taken once a day.

Try to take your anastrozole at the same time each day, as this will make it easier to remember. You can choose a time that suits your routine.

How to take it

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.

You can take anastrozole with or without food.

How long to take it for

You'll usually take anastrozole for 5 years. However, sometimes your doctor will advise if you need to take it for longer.

You might take just anastrozole for the whole of the 5-year course of treatment, or you might take another breast cancer medicine called tamoxifen first, for 2 to 3 years, and then change to anastrozole for the remaining time.

Anastrozole is sometimes used to treat cancer if you cannot have surgery, or to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back after surgery. In this case, your specialist will tell you how long to take it for.

Anastrozole can also be used to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer if you've been through the menopause and have a medium or high risk of breast cancer because of your family history. In this case you'll usually take it for 5 years.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your anastrozole, just skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

If you take too many anastrozole tablets, you may get symptoms like feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the anastrozole packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.