What is the brand name for Anastrozole?
The brand name for Anastrozole is Arimidex.
PTCE Top 200 · #194
Anastrozole
Arimidex
Anastrozole is the generic name for the brand-name drug Arimidex. It is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer (postmenopausal). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Anastrozole ranks #194 and is one of the most frequently tested oncology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Anastrozole |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Arimidex |
| Drug class | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Class group | Oncology |
| Common use | breast cancer (postmenopausal) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Anastrozole used for?
Adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women; treatment of advanced breast cancer (product-specific).
What drug class is Anastrozole?
Anastrozole is an Aromatase inhibitor in the Oncology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Anastrozole
- arrow_rightHot flashes
- arrow_rightJoint pain (arthralgia)
- arrow_rightWeakness/fatigue
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBone loss/osteoporosis
- arrow_rightVaginal dryness
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEstrogen-containing therapies can reduce anastrozole effectiveness (avoid)
- arrow_rightTamoxifen may reduce anastrozole levels/effect (avoid coadministration)
Is Anastrozole a controlled substance?
No. Anastrozole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Anastrozole (PTCE mnemonic)
ARI-midex ARRests aromatase — anastroZOLE blocks estrogen synthesis (post-menopausal breast cancer). Hot flashes, joint pain, ACCELERATED bone loss (DEXA scans), ↑cholesterol; NOT for premenopausal.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Anastrozole blocks estrogen SYNTHESIS (aromatase) for postmenopausal breast cancer — contrast with tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen RECEPTORS; bone loss is the monitoring watch.
Anastrozole FAQ
What is Anastrozole used for?
Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer (postmenopausal). Adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women; treatment of advanced breast cancer (product-specific).
What drug class is Anastrozole?
Anastrozole is an Aromatase inhibitor (Oncology group).
Is Anastrozole a controlled substance?
No. Anastrozole is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Drill Anastrozole the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).