Arimiplex
General information:
Manufacturer: Axiolabs
Substance: Anastrozole
Pack: 25 tabs (1 mg/tab)
Active Life: 48 hours
Drug Class: Aromatase inhibitor (Oral)
Average Dose: 0.25 - 1.0 mg/day
Acne: Yes
Water Retention: No
High Blood Pressure: May reduce bp when using aromatizable steroids
Liver Toxic: Yes
Decrease HPTA function: No
Arimiplex (Anastrozole) is a newer 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. A single tablet daily (1 mg), the
same dose use clinically, seems to be all one needs for an exceptional
effect (some even report excellent results with only 0.25 mg 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), we have a great
advance. With the one drug halting estrogen conversion and the other
blocking 5-alpha reduction , 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.
Anastrozole 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" are also available.
Generic tabs are also available and these two forms represent a very
cost-effective alternative for buying the brand name drug.