Anastrozole is the generic name for the trade name drug Arimidex. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Arimidex when referring to the generic drug name Anastrozole. It is an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain breast cancers. Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. The FDA approved brand name anastrozole (Arimidex) in 1995.
Anastrozole Arimidex Uses
Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women after menopause. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone called estrogen. Anastrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers.