Arimidex Special Precautions

ARIMIDEX is not recommended for use in children, as safety and efficacy have not been established in this group of patients.
ARIMIDEX should not be used in premenopausal women (see Contraindications). The menopause should be defined biochemically (luteinizing-hormone [LH], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and/or estradiol levels) in any patient where there is doubt about hormonal status. There are no data available for the use of anastrozole with LHRH analogues. This combination should not be used outside clinical trials.
There are no data to support the safe use of ARIMIDEX in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment, or patients with severe impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/min).
As ARIMIDEX lowers circulating oestrogen levels it may cause a reduction in bone mineral density with a possible consequent increased risk of fractures. This possible increased risk should be managed according to treatment guidelines for managing bone health in post-menopausal women.
Women with osteoporosis or at risk of osteoporosis should have their bone mineral density formally assessed by bone densitometry at the commencement of treatment and at regular intervals thereafter. Treatment or prophylaxis for osteoporosis should be initiated as appropriate and carefully monitored.
This product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Effects on ability to drive and operate machinery: ARIMIDEX is unlikely to impair the ability of patients to drive and operate machinery.
However, asthenia and somnolence have been reported with the use of ARIMIDEX and caution should be observed when driving or operating machinery while such symptoms persist.