Arimidex(Anastrozole)

Manufacturer: Astra Zeneca
Substance: Anastrozole
Packing: 28 tabs. 1 mg

Arimidex, with the generic name Anastrozole, is a new drug in body building because firstly is developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women. It is manufactured by Zenica Pharmaceuticals and was approved for use in the United States at the last decade of ex-century. Specifically, Arimidex is the first in a new class of third-generation selective oral aromatase inhibitors. It mainly acts by blocking the enzyme aromatase, subsequently blocking the production of estrogen. Due to many forms of breast cancer cells are stimulated by estrogen, it is hoped that by reducing amounts of estrogen in the body the progression of such a disease can be halted. This is the basic premise behind Nolvadex, except this drug blocks the action and not production of estrogen. The effects of Arimidex can be quite dramatic to say the least. A daily dose of one tablet (1 mg) can produce estrogen suppression greater than 80% in treated patients. With the powerful effect this drug has on hormone levels, it is only to be used (clinically) by post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed following treatment with Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate). Side effects like hot flushes and hair thinning can be present, and would no doubt be much more severe in pre-menopausal patients.        

 Owing to it’s main friend is Nolvadex, oftentimes, Anastrozole is compared to Nolvadex as these two drugs are purposely for the reduction of estrogenic activity in the body to halt or delay the progression of cancer. However, Anastrozole is reportedly a more effective drug in combating estrogen-related concerns. This is because as an aromatase inhibitor it blocks the aromatase enzyme, thereby preventing the production of estrogen. Nolvadex, on the other hand, only hinders the action and not the production of this hormone. This is why Anastrozole is considered as the second-line defense against breast cancer. When advanced breast cancer has progressed following treatment of Nolvadex, Anastrozole is usually prescribed. In cases of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women, however, Anastrozole is approved for initial use rather than as a second-line defense. So, male bodybuilders who use steroids have to know that Anastrozole can be effective drug in combating excess estrogen. It is usually taken with Nolvadex to ensure estrogen-related side effects are avoided. If used with such drugs as Propecia, it results to more ideal success.

Daily dosage for males is from 1 mg to 3 mg. For women, a maximum dosage of 1 mg per day is enough to combat estrogenic side effects. Because Anastrozole has a short active life, dosages are usually taken two to six times a day at equal intervals. During PCT (Post Steroid Cycle Therapy), athletes normally start with higher dosage then implement a progressive decrease in dosage. The PCT protocol typically runs for seven to 14 days.

The most common Arimidex side effects included:
Hot flashes, weakness or fatigue, headaches, pain, sore throat, back pain, difficulty breathing, accidental injury, insomnia, swelling or water retention in the arms or legs, abdominal pain (stomach pain) and loss of appetite.

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