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    HomeMedication GuideAnastrozole safety
    Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitorFDA-Approved

    Anastrozole: Patient Information & Safety Notes

    Also known as Arimidex

    Other names: arimidex

    Anastrozole is an FDA-approved aromatase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogen. It is approved for breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women. It is also used off-label in males on testosterone replacement therapy to manage estrogen elevation.

    FDA-approved for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women (Arimidex). Off-label use in males for estrogen management during testosterone replacement therapy is compounded/off-label and not an FDA-approved indication.
    Reviewed by the OmniRx Health clinical team•Last reviewed Jul 4, 2026

    In plain language

    What Anastrozole is used for

    • FDA-approved: adjuvant and advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women
    • Off-label: estrogen management in males on testosterone replacement therapy

    Taking this medicine

    How it is administered

    • Oral tablet
    • Subcutaneous injection (compounded, combined with testosterone)

    Read before you decide

    Risks and precautions

    Risks and warnings

    • Hot flashes
    • Joint pain, stiffness
    • Bone density loss (osteoporosis risk with long-term use)
    • Nausea, fatigue, weakness
    • Mood changes

    Who should not take it

    • Pregnancy (teratogenic — absolute contraindication)
    • Premenopausal women (for breast cancer indication)
    • Severe hepatic impairment

    Common questions

    Patient questions

    Why is anastrozole used with testosterone therapy?

    Testosterone can be converted (aromatized) to estradiol. In some men, this causes elevated estrogen levels leading to gynecomastia, water retention, or mood changes. Anastrozole reduces this conversion. Its use in this context is off-label and must be managed by a provider monitoring estradiol levels.

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    Testosterone Therapy

    This information is educational — not medical advice.

    This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

    Have medication questions?

    A licensed OmniRx provider can review your health history and medication list. Availability and treatment options are determined individually.

    Sources & References

    Learn more about where our data comes from and how we write and review medical content.