For many of the 2500 New Zealanders who develop breast cancer each year, the focus is on getting the best possible treatment to overcome the illness and keep it away.
Breast cancer – it’s part of life for many New Zealand women.
But for women with ‘oestrogen receptor positive’ breast cancer, chances of survival have been given a boost.
Recent studies have shown that when it comes to this type of cancer, newer drug therapy is amounting to better results.
NEW FINDINGS*
A number of studies have compared the long-standing treatment, tamoxifen, with a newer treatment called Arimidex®, both of which are used to treat oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Results have shown that Arimidex is more likely to stop breast cancer coming back than tamoxifen. In fact, it reduces the chance of recurrence by 41% compared to tamoxifen.
These results are also evident in patients who have been on tamoxifen for two to three years, who then switch to Arimidex. In women whose cancer does come back, it comes back later for those on Arimidex than those on tamoxifen.
Side-effects such as hot flushes, vaginal bleeding, an increased risk of cancer of the lining of the womb, blood clots and strokes are also lower in women taking Arimidex than those on tamoxifen.
ABOUT ARIMIDEX
Arimidex contains the active ingredient anastrozole. It works by blocking the enzyme aromatase to stop the production of oestrogen in post-menopausal women.
By reducing the amount of oestrogen in a woman’s body, Arimidex helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
It also reduces the risk of cancer coming back, whether taken at the start of hormonal therapy or if replacing tamoxifen partway through cancer therapy.
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY
Arimidex is fully funded for post menopausal women with advanced oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer and for women with early stage disease who are intolerant to tamoxifen.
For women not meeting the funding criteria, AstraZeneca runs a sample programme through selected pharmacies.
Do not use if you have not experienced menopause or if you are a child,
you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Caution required with liver or
kidney disease, if you’re on medicines containing oestrogen or other
prescription or overthe- counter medicines or herbal products. Arimidex
reduces circulating oestrogen levels and there may be a reduction in
bone mineral density. Possible side-effects are hot flushes,
weakness, joint pain/stiffness, vaginal dryness, hair-thinning, rash,
nausea, diarrhoea and headache. These are generally mild or moderate. Use strictly as directed and if symptoms persist or you have side-effects consult your doctor. Normal doctors’ fees and pharmacy charges apply.
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Talk to your GP about Arimidex
Visit www.arimidex.co.nz
or phone 0800 274 643 for more information
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0800 274 643 for
*ATAC
Trialists’ group, 2005. Lancet 365: 60–62. Jonat, W, 2006. Lancet Oncol
7: 991–96. Arimidex is a Prescription Medicine from AstraZeneca,
Auckland, for the treatment of early and advanced breast cancer in
oestrogenreceptor-positive post-menopausal women. It*ATAC Trialists’
group, 2005. Lancet 365: 60–62. Jonat, W, 2006. Lancet Oncol 7: 991–96.
Arimidex is a Prescription Medicine from AstraZeneca, Auckland, for the
treatment of early and advanced breast cancer in oestrogen contains
anastrozole 1mg. For further information please visit
www.arimidex.co.nz. Trademarks herein are the property of the
AstraZeneca group, AstraZeneca Limited, PO Box 1301, Auckland. Tel (09)
623 6300 or Freephone 0800 363 200. TAPS NA2069
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