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 Y2
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
antiestrogenic 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. I am currently looking at the product list
of a reliable European anabolics dealer, who sells
Arimidex in
packages of 28 tablets for $250. 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.
On a list from a Greek supplier (a country where drugs are
government subsidized) for example, the price was nearly $100 better
per box. Privately compounded versions of "liquid
Arimidex" have
also been formulated "for research purposes" and are currently
circulating the black market. They contain a high concentration of
anastrozole (1 mg to 4mg/ml) in a liquid solution, which can be used
orally, and represent very cost-effective alternatives for buying
the brand name drug (typically selling for $5 per milligram or
less).
