Arimidex – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, August 09, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Arimidex is a drug that lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. It can help slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that require estrogen to grow in the body.

Arimidex is used to treat female postmenopausal patients with breast cancer. The drug is usually given to women with cancer that has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).

Arimidex’s generic name is anastrozole.

Known health risks or side effects of Arimidex

Arimidex may cause common side effects such as:

Arthritis; bone, joint, and stomach pain
Bone breaks
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
A headache
High cholesterol levels
Hot flashes
Infection
Pain in other areas of the body
Swelling
Swollen lymph nodes
A throat infection
Tingling or abnormal sensations in the hands and feet
Weight gain

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Blood clots or chest pain
Cancer of the endometrium/the lining of the uterus
Cataracts
Erythema multiforme/Stevens-Johnson syndrome
A heart attack, high blood pressure, or a stroke
Liver inflammation
Low red blood cell count
Low white blood cell count
Weak or broken bones

List of organs that might be affected by Arimidex

An overdose of Arimidex may cause complications like an allergic reaction. Signs may include difficulty breathing; hives; or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Arimidex

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Arimidex, and they can help prevent breast cancer:

Different kinds of colorful fruits and vegetables
Fiber-rich foods like beans, legumes, and whole grains
Foods and spices with anti-inflammatory properties
Foods rich in vitamin D
Soybean-based products

Fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids and flavonoids also have a lot of medical benefits. Studies have shown that these fruits and vegetables can help prevent breast cancer:

Apples
Broccoli
Carrots
Citrus fruits
Dark, green, and leafy vegetables
Eggplant
Kale
Onions
Peaches
Pears
Peppers
Strawberries
Tomatoes

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Arimidex

Treatments and management options that can help prevent the side effects associated with Arimidex include following a healthy diet that includes foods like:

Cruciferous vegetables – Cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or kale. These vegetables have sulforaphane, an antioxidant compound that can block an enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation.
Fish oil – Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory benefits. It can also benefit patients with joint pain. Sources include cold-water fish like trout, sardines, and wild salmon. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives include chia seeds, flax seed, and organic soybeans.
Green tea – Organic green tea has polyphenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Spices and herbs – Turmeric and ginger both have anti-inflammatory properties.

Where to learn more

Summary

Arimidex is a drug that lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. It can help slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that require estrogen to grow in the body.

Arimidex may cause common side effects such as arthritis; bone, joint, and stomach pain; bone breaks; difficulty breathing or swallowing; diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; and a headache.

An overdose of Arimidex may cause complications like an allergic reaction.

Colorful fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, foods and spices with anti-inflammatory properties, and foods rich in vitamin D have similar effects to Arimidex, and they can help prevent breast cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables, fish oil, green tea, and spices and herbs can help prevent the side effects associated with Arimidex.

Sources include:

Health.ClevelandClinic.org

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