For most people, taking a new medication may mean switching up your lifestyle a bit and that includes the foods you eat. A food-drug interaction means that a specific nutrient or compound within the food changes the way your body metabolizes the medication, and this can either enhance or reduce the dose your body gets, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The potential results: an increased risk of side effects, many of which can be dangerous, or the drug not working as it was intended.
Before introducing a medication, ask your pharmacist about any food interactions, including with alcohol, and any adjustments you may have to make to your diet.
What is Anastrozole?
Anastrozole is the generic name for the trade name drug (Arimidex) a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors, marketed for the treatment of early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It is also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer.
Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. This medicine is used only in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal).
Many breast cancer tumors grow in response to estrogen. This medicine interferes with the production of estrogen in the body. As a result, the amount of estrogen that the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the growth of the tumor.
How should I take anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Anastrozole (Arimidex) is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully. You may take anastrozole with or without food. You may need to keep taking this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose of Anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose on Anastrozole (Arimidex)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Anastrozole (Arimidex)
Studies have shown that the following foods increase aromatase or estrogen or reduce the effectiveness of Anastrozole (Arimidex) and should be limited or avoided during treatment with Anastrozole (Arimidex) they include:
1. Soy Products: Soy contains phytoestrogens, which can mimic estrogen in the body. Consuming soy products while taking Anastrozole can interfere with the medication’s ability to reduce estrogen levels. Avoid consuming soy milk, soybeans, tofu, and other soy-based products.
2. Flaxseed: Flaxseed is another food that contains phytoestrogens. Consuming flaxseed can reduce the effectiveness of Anastrozole. Flaxseed oil is also not recommended.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol can increase estrogen levels in the body, which can counteract the effects of Anastrozole. It is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
4. Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of Anastrozole, leading to an increase in the medication’s levels in the body. This can increase the risk of side effects. It is best to avoid grapefruit while taking this medication.
5. Fatty Foods: Anastrozole is a medication that is metabolized in the liver. Consuming high-fat foods can increase the workload on the liver, leading to a slower metabolism of the medication. This can lead to an increase in side effects or a decrease in the medication’s effectiveness.
6. Caffeine: Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of Anastrozole. It is recommended to limit caffeine consumption while taking this medication.
7. Dairy Products: Some dairy products, such as milk and cheese, contain high levels of estrogen. Consuming these products can interfere with the effectiveness of Anastrozole. It is best to choose low-estrogen dairy alternatives, such as almond or soy milk.
8. Chamomile Tea: German chamomile might act like estrogen in the body. Exposure to chamomile can worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, and limit the effectiveness of Anastrozole (Arimidex).
9. Corn oil: The inclusion of corn oil in the diet increases the levels of cholesterol, progesterone, estradiol, and insulin. You should avoid corn oil while on Anastrozole (Arimidex).
10. Smoked meat or fish: Meats cooked at high temperatures, such as grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats, have long been associated with carcinogenic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
11. Lemons & limes: Limes are a rich source of plant estrogens called isoflavones which can influence your levels of estrogen and affect how Anastrozole (Arimidex) works.
12. Safflower oil: Fats in the diet, such as those found in safflower oil, are essential for hormone regulation and memory. But they can also influence hormonal balance so it’s best to avoid them while on Anastrozole (Arimidex).
13 Sunflower oil: Sesame and sunflower seeds are among the highest of all estrogenic foods, consuming oil from these seeds while on Anastrozole (Arimidex) can negatively affect how this medication works.
Overall, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while taking Anastrozole. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for specific dietary recommendations based on individual needs and medical conditions.
