Anastrozole Tablets for Breast Cancer

What Anastrozole Is and How It Works

Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in adults. It helps lower estrogen levels, which can slow or stop the growth of certain tumors. This page explains how the treatment works, safe use, and how to access it with US shipping from Canada, including options if paying without insurance.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Marketed under the brand name Arimidex®, this medicine blocks the aromatase enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen. Lower estrogen reduces stimulation of estrogen-sensitive cancer cells. It is commonly used as adjuvant therapy after surgery, as first-line therapy for advanced disease, or after tamoxifen when disease progresses. For a deeper overview, see our guide What Is Anastrozole and browse condition resources under Breast Cancer.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for postmenopausal adults with hormone receptor–positive early breast cancer as adjuvant therapy, and for advanced or metastatic disease. It may also be used after tamoxifen in patients whose tumors continue to grow. It is not intended for premenopausal use unless guided by a specialist and ovarian suppression is managed. People who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not take it.

Some people search for Arimidex online, but treatment choices should be made with a clinician who knows your history. Tell your prescriber about liver concerns, bone health issues, cardiovascular history, or any past allergic reactions to this class of therapy. Review all medicines and supplements so they can check for interactions.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions from your prescriber and the official label. The standard adult schedule is one tablet by mouth once daily, taken at about the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water. If the label provides different directions for your situation, follow those instructions.

Try to build a consistent routine. A pill organizer or reminder app can help you stay on track. If you vomit soon after a dose, do not take an extra tablet unless your prescriber instructs otherwise. Do not split, crush, or chew unless the official label allows it. Avoid starting or stopping any other hormone therapies unless your oncology team agrees.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as film‑coated tablets. The commonly available strength is anastrozole 1 mg oral tablet. Availability, packaging, and manufacturer may vary by pharmacy and country of origin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a tablet, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular time. Do not take two doses at once. Keeping a steady daily time helps maintain consistent blood levels. If you frequently miss doses, speak with your care team about strategies to improve adherence.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light. Keep them in the original container with the pharmacy label intact. Always keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, pack your supply in a carry‑on bag with a copy of your prescription and your prescriber’s contact details. Use a daily travel reminder to avoid missed doses across time zones. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

By lowering estrogen production, this treatment helps reduce the risk of recurrence in early breast cancer and helps control tumor growth in advanced settings. It is taken by mouth, which many patients find convenient compared with injections or infusions. Consistent daily dosing supports steady exposure, and it can be combined with other therapies when your oncology team recommends it.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hot flashes
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Tiredness
• Mood changes
• Skin rash
• Bone thinning or fracture risk over time

Serious effects are less common but can include liver problems, severe allergic reactions, and cardiovascular events. Bone mineral density may decrease during long-term use; your clinician may monitor bone health and discuss calcium, vitamin D, lifestyle changes, or other measures. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, yellowing of the eyes, or swelling of the face or throat. Report persistent joint pain or new neurological symptoms to your prescriber.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Estrogen-containing therapies can counteract this medicine’s effect and are usually avoided during treatment. Tamoxifen may reduce anastrozole’s effectiveness and is generally not combined at the same time. Share a complete list of medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements like St. John’s wort. Use caution with significant liver disease. This treatment is not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your oncology team about bone health monitoring and cholesterol checks during therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptoms such as hot flashes or joint discomfort may appear as your body adjusts. Many effects can be managed with supportive care. Your oncology team may order periodic labs and imaging to assess disease control. Staying consistent with daily dosing is important, even if you feel well. Keep follow-up appointments and report any new symptoms. Do not stop therapy unless your prescriber advises it, as continuity can be part of your treatment plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Other aromatase inhibitors such as exemestane and letrozole may be recommended depending on your cancer profile and prior treatments. For certain hormone receptor–positive advanced cases, a CDK4/6 inhibitor like Verzenio can be combined with endocrine therapy. In HER2‑positive disease, targeted options such as Tukysa may be used with other agents under specialist guidance. Treatment selection should be individualized by your oncology team. Costs, including Arimidex price, can differ across therapies and pharmacies.

To understand how this therapy compares with another aromatase inhibitor, read our overview Aromasin Vs Arimidex and our background piece on Exemestane 25 Mg Tablets. For injectable endocrine options, see Fulvestrant Injection.

Pricing and Access

We offer anastrozole Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada via our licensed partners. Check current pricing and product details on this page before you place an order. If you’re looking for savings, compare the generic and brand listings and consider multi‑month fills when appropriate. For occasional promotions, visit our promotions page. Explore more oncology options under Cancer.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and package size. If a specific product is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative within the same class or an appropriate add‑on therapy. When comparing anastrozole tablets online, review the manufacturer, strength, and quantity listed on the page. If you have questions about equivalence, consult your oncology team or pharmacist.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are postmenopausal adults with hormone receptor–positive disease who can adhere to daily oral therapy and attend regular follow-up. Those with untreated osteoporosis, active liver disease, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally not candidates. Bone density testing may be advised before and during therapy. If costs are a concern, consider multi‑month supplies, setting refill reminders, and comparing brand to generic options. Patients paying cash may look for anastrozole cash pay options when appropriate.

When you store or travel with your medicine, keep the original label for verification and pack enough for trips. For more background, see our educational article Aromasin Guide and our condition hub under Canada.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Treatment goal: Is the plan adjuvant, metastatic control, or both?
• Duration: How long might I stay on endocrine therapy?
• Monitoring: What tests check bone health and liver function?
• Combinations: Should I add a CDK4/6 inhibitor or other agent?
• Interactions: Which medicines or supplements should I avoid?
• Side effects: What can help manage joint pain or hot flashes?
• Follow-up: How often should I schedule visits and labs?

Authoritative Sources

Review official labeling and regulatory resources for complete safety information:

• FDA DailyMed: Anastrozole Tablets
• AstraZeneca: Arimidex Prescribing Information
• Health Canada: Anastrozole (DPD)

Ready to proceed? You can place an order today with prompt, express shipping that Ships from Canada to US. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s guidance.