Arimidex is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for some types of breast cancer in females who have gone through menopause. It contains the active ingredient anastrozole. Arimidex may not be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Arimidex. For details about the drug’s uses and more, see this other article on Arimidex.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Arimidex is a safe choice for you.
Arimidex hasn’t been studied in pregnant females. In animal studies, the drug did cause harm to fetuses when it was given to pregnant animals. Keep in mind that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. However, based on how Arimidex works, it could be harmful to a human fetus if taken during pregnancy.
Before starting Arimidex, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. And see your doctor right away if you get pregnant or think you could be pregnant while you’re taking Arimidex.
If you’re a female who’s able to become pregnant, your doctor will check for pregnancy before having you start Arimidex. Note that Arimidex is approved for use in females who have gone through menopause. It’s rare to become pregnant after menopause. If you have not gone through menopause and are able to become pregnant, ask your doctor about breast cancer medications that may be better choices for you.
Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Arimidex may affect you and a child who is breastfed.
It’s not known whether Arimidex passes into human breast milk, or whether it affects how your body makes breast milk. But the drug could be harmful to a child who consumes it in breast milk.
You should not breastfeed while taking this drug or for at least 2 weeks after taking your last dose.
If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Arimidex. They can recommend safe and healthy ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to know how the use of Arimidex may affect your birth control decisions.
Arimidex could harm a fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Arimidex.
If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking this drug. And you should continue using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Arimidex.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
