Anastrozole Dosing

Anastrozole dosing guidelines recommend 1 mg a day when using the drug for the treatment of breast cancer. In women with early stages of the disease, the drug could be taken for up to five years; in women whose breast cancer is more advanced, it is taken until the tumor grows or metastasizes. A woman's anastrozole dosing can also be affected by other medications she may be taking.

 

Anastrozole Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of anastrozole (Arimidex®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your anastrozole dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Anastrozole Dosing for Breast Cancer

The recommended dose of anastrozole in postmenopausal women is 1 mg a day. For women with advanced breast cancer, the medication should be taken until the tumor begins to grow or spreads (metastasizes). For women with early breast cancer who have undergone surgery or radiation, it is not known how long anastrozole should be taken. In studies, the drug was continued for at least five years in these situations.
 

General Information on Anastrozole Dosing

Considerations for people taking anastrozole include the following:
 
  • Anastrozole comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day.
     
  • The medication can be taken with or without food. If anastrozole bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For anastrozole to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The drug will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to anastrozole or anastrozole dosing, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;