Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole) is an aromatase inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery (or possibly chemotherapy and radiation) to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back Preventive treatment for those at risk for bone loss may minimize adverse effects of anastrozole. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox). Anastrozole-related bone loss appears to be manageable and, therefore, any risk to bone health should be weighed against its overall efficacy and tolerability profile for the treatment of hormone-sensitive early-stage postmenopausal breast cancer. How to use Anastrozole. Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking anastrozole and each time you get a refill. Conclusions. The addition of oral risedronate in post-menopausal breast cancer patients receiving anastrozole has a favorable effect on BMD. Patients with pre-treatment osteopenic to osteoporotic status should be treated with a combination of both therapies in order to avoid bone loss induced by aromatase inhibition. Anastrozole is used for chemoprevention of breast cancer, but it is not licensed for this indication. Easy-to-read patient leaflet for Anastrozole. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects. Purpose. The administration of aromatase inhibitors is associated with bone loss in postmenopausal women. We assessed changes in bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline to 60 months of treatment in patients receiving anastrozole as initial adjuvant therapy. For the Consumer. Applies to anastrozole: oral tablet. Along with its needed effects, anastrozole may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.