Arimidex has been shown to increase breast cancer survival rates. Your type of breast cancer and how advanced it is (how much it has spread) affects how likely it is to recur (worsen or return).
In a study of females taking Arimidex as a first treatment for advanced breast cancer, it took an average of 11.1 months for the cancer to worsen. In comparison, in females who took tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox), it took an average of 5.6 months before their cancer worsened.
In this study, Arimidex wasn’t compared with a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). So it’s not known how much the drug might improve survival or recurrence compared with no treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about Arimidex’s effectiveness for your type of cancer, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the best treatment option for your condition and what to expect from your treatment.