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Arimidex (generic name is anastrozole)
is a very new drug developed for the treatment of advanced
breast cancer in women. It is manufactured by Zenica
Pharmaceuticals and was approved for use in the United
States at the end of December 1995. Specifically, Arimidex
is the first in a new class of third-generation selective
oral aromatase inhibitors.. It acts by blocking the enzyme
aromatase, subsequently blocking the production of estrogen.
Since many forms of breast cancer cells are stimulated by
estrogen, it is hoped that by reducing amounts of estrogen
in the body the progression of such a disease can be halted.
This is the basic premise behind Nolvadex, except this drug
blocks the action and not production of estrogen. The
effects of Arimidex can be quite dramatic
to say the least. A daily dose of one tablet (1 mg) can
produce estrogen suppression greater than 80 % in treated
patients. With the powerful effect this drug has on hormone
levels, it is only to be used (clinically) by
post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed following
treatment with Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate). Side effects
like hot flushes and hair thinning can be present, and would
no doubt be much more severe in pre-menopausal patients.
For the steroid using male athlete,
Arimidex
shows great potential. Up to this point, drugs like Nolvadex
and Proviron have been our weapons against excess estrogen.
These drugs, especially in combination, do prove quite
effective. But
Arimidex appears able to do
the job much more efficiently, and with less hassle. Its use
is only now catching on, but early reports have been
excellent. A single tablet daily, the same dose use
clinically, seems to be all one needs for an exceptional
effect (some even report excellent results with only 1/4
tablet daily). When used with strong, readily aromatizing
androgens such as Dianabol or testosterone, gynecomastia and
water retention can be effectively blocked. In combination
with Propecia (finasteride, see Proscar), we have a great
advance. With the one drug halting estrogen conversion and
the other blocking 5-alpha reduction (testosterone,
methyltestosterone and Halotestin only), related side
effects can be effectively minimized. Here the strong
androgen testosterone could theoretically provide incredible
muscular growth, while at the same time being as tolerable
as nandrolone. Additionally the quality of the muscle should
be greater, the athlete appearing harder and much more
defined without holding excess water.
There are some concerns with using an aromatase inhibitor
such as this during prolonged steroid treatment however.
While it will effectively reduce estrogenic side effects, it
will also block the beneficial properties of estrogen from
becoming apparent (namely its effect on cholesterol values).
Studies have clearly shown that when an aromatase inhibitor
is used in conjunction with a steroid such as testosterone,
suppression of HDL (good) cholesterol becomes much more
pronounced. Apparently estrogen plays a role in minimizing
the negative impact of steroid use. Since the estrogen
receptor antagonist Nolvadex is shown not to display an
anti-estrogenic effect on cholesterol values, it is
certainly the preferred from of estrogen maintenance for
those concerned with cardiovascular health.
Arimidex has another principle drawback,
namely the great price of this drug. Tablets can easily sell
for $10 each, becoming quite costly with regular use.
Clearly the price of an ancillary drug can be much greater
than the steroids themselves, a situation destined not to be
popular with recreational bodybuilders. Competitors on the
other hand are likely to welcome this item. It can ward off
the side effects of strong androgen therapy much better than
Nolvadex and/or Proviron, making heavy cycles much more
comfortable. As the number of countries manufacturing this
drug increases, we may be able to look forward to a
reduction in price. Privately compounded versions of
"liquid Arimidex° have also been
formulated "for research purposes" and are
currently circulating the black market. Generic tabs are
also available and these two forms represent a very
cost-effective alternative for buying the brand name drug.
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