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Generic Arimidex: Anastrozole 1 mg Price, Dosing and Side Effects
Generic Arimidex (anastrozole 1 mg) explained: what affects the anastrozole price, how to take it daily, side effects, bone health and key interactions.
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Generic Arimidex is the common name people use for anastrozole 1 mg tablets, a hormone treatment taken after breast cancer by women who have been through the menopause. Because treatment usually lasts several years, many people look for generic Arimidex to keep the anastrozole price manageable. Generic anastrozole contains the same active ingredient as the original brand and usually costs much less.
This guide explains what anastrozole does, how to take it, which side effects and interactions to know about, and what affects the price. It is general information to help you talk with your cancer team, not a replacement for their advice.
Key takeaways
- Generic Arimidex (anastrozole 1 mg) is used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- The usual dose is one 1 mg tablet once a day, often for around five years or as your doctor advises.
- It should not be taken together with tamoxifen, or with oestrogen-containing products such as HRT, unless your cancer doctor says so.
- Hot flushes, joint pain and bone thinning are among the main side effects, so bone checks are part of treatment.
- Generic tablets have the same active ingredient as the brand, which keeps the anastrozole price lower.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
What is generic Arimidex used for?
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. After the menopause, most of the oestrogen in the body is made in tissues such as body fat by an enzyme called aromatase. Anastrozole blocks this enzyme, which lowers the oestrogen level.
Many breast cancers are hormone-receptor-positive, which means oestrogen helps them grow. Reducing oestrogen can slow these cancers or lower the chance of them coming back. Doctors prescribe anastrozole for postmenopausal women:
- after surgery for early breast cancer, to reduce the risk of the cancer returning (adjuvant treatment)
- after a period of tamoxifen, as a switch to finish the hormone treatment course
- for advanced breast cancer, to help keep the disease under control
Anastrozole and letrozole work in a very similar way. If you want to understand how the two compare, read our guide to anastrozole vs letrozole.
How to take anastrozole 1 mg
The usual dose is one 1 mg tablet once a day, with or without food. Swallow it whole with water, at about the same time each day.
For early breast cancer, treatment commonly lasts around five years in total, but your doctor will decide the right length for you. Some women take anastrozole for the whole time, and others switch to it after tamoxifen. For advanced breast cancer it is usually continued for as long as it is working.
- Missed dose: take it when you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Do not take two tablets together.
- Too many tablets: contact your doctor or get medical help straight away.
- Do not stop early without speaking to your cancer doctor, even if you feel well. Side effects can often be managed.
Safety: who should not take anastrozole
Anastrozole is only for women who have been through the menopause. It should not be taken by:
- women who have not reached the menopause, unless a specialist is also using treatment to switch off the ovaries
- anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
- anyone allergic to anastrozole or any of the tablet’s ingredients
Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, osteoporosis or a past fracture, or high cholesterol, so the right checks can be planned. Anastrozole is not used in children.
Interactions
- Tamoxifen: anastrozole and tamoxifen should not be taken together. Combining them does not add benefit and may reduce how well the treatment works. They can be used one after the other. Read more in our guide on how to buy generic tamoxifen online.
- Oestrogen-containing products: HRT, some vaginal oestrogen creams or pessaries, and some herbal menopause products can work against anastrozole. Ask your cancer doctor before using any of them.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.
Side effects
Most side effects come from lower oestrogen levels. Common ones include:
- hot flushes
- joint pain or stiffness
- feeling weak or tired, headache
- feeling sick, mild diarrhoea
- skin rash, hair thinning
- vaginal dryness
- tingling, numbness or pain in the hand (carpal tunnel symptoms)
- a rise in cholesterol
If you feel weak or sleepy, take care with driving or using machines.
Bone health
Lower oestrogen can thin the bones over time and raise the chance of fractures. Your doctor will usually arrange a bone density scan near the start of treatment and may repeat it. They may suggest calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, and in some cases a bone-protecting medicine. Take supplements only as your doctor advises.
When to get medical help
Get urgent help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction with blistering. Contact your doctor if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, signs of a stroke or blood clot, a fall or bone pain, or any side effect that worries you.
Generic Arimidex: why it costs less
Generic anastrozole contains the same active ingredient, in the same 1 mg strength, as the original brand. The maker of a generic does not repeat the long research programme behind the first version of the medicine, and several manufacturers compete. Together, these factors keep the anastrozole price lower.
Because hormone treatment usually runs for years, a lower price helps many women take every daily dose without gaps, which matters for how well it works.
What affects the anastrozole price?
The price of generic Arimidex can vary. These are the main factors:
| Factor | How it changes the price | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Branded vs generic | Generic anastrozole is usually much cheaper than the original brand. | The active ingredient (anastrozole) and strength on the label. |
| Pack size | Larger packs, or several packs at once, often cost less per tablet. | Order only the quantity your prescription covers. |
| Strength | Anastrozole is usually supplied as 1 mg tablets, so price differences mainly come from pack size and maker. | The pack says 1 mg and matches your prescription. |
| Delivery | Shipping cost and time vary by destination. | Delivery details shown before you pay. |
A simple way to compare the anastrozole price is cost per month. With one tablet a day, a month of treatment is about 30 tablets.
Armotraz 1: generic anastrozole 1 mg tablets
At RxPillTab we stock Armotraz 1 (Anastrozole 1 mg Tablets). Each tablet contains 1 mg of anastrozole, the same active ingredient and strength as the original brand, making it a generic for Arimidex taken once a day as prescribed.
You can browse other breast cancer and cancer-related medicines on our oncology medicines page. Only switch between hormone treatments on your doctor’s advice.
How to buy generic anastrozole online safely
When you buy medicine online, the same care applies as anywhere else. Follow these steps:
- Have a valid prescription. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine, and anastrozole always needs one from your doctor.
- Check the strength. Make sure the product is anastrozole 1 mg and matches your prescription.
- Check the pack and quantity. Work out how many tablets you need for the coming months, and read the patient leaflet when it arrives.
- Plan for delivery time. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. Reorder before you run low so you do not miss doses. Our how to order page explains the steps.
- Tell your doctor. Let your cancer team know where you get your tablets, keep your follow-up and bone checks, and report any side effects.
To buy generic Arimidex online with confidence, and to learn about customs rules for your country, read our guide to buying generic medicines online. If you have a question about your order, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic Arimidex the same as the brand?
Generic Arimidex contains the same active ingredient, anastrozole 1 mg, as the brand. The tablet may look different and use different inactive ingredients. If you have an allergy, check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
Why is the anastrozole price lower for generic tablets?
Generic makers do not repeat the original research, and several companies compete to supply the medicine. This keeps the anastrozole price lower. Pack size and delivery costs also affect the total.
Can I take anastrozole and tamoxifen together?
No. They should not be taken at the same time. Some women take tamoxifen first and then switch to anastrozole, but only as planned by the cancer doctor.
Can I use HRT while taking anastrozole?
Products containing oestrogen, including HRT, can work against anastrozole. Speak to your cancer doctor before using any of them, including vaginal oestrogen products.
How long do I take generic Arimidex?
For early breast cancer, many women take it for around five years, sometimes after a period on tamoxifen. Your doctor will tell you how long is right for you. Do not stop without speaking to them first.
Do I need a prescription to order anastrozole?
Yes. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. You should also stay under regular review with your doctor, including bone health checks.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .