From 01 February the price of a popular aromatase inhibitor will be dramatically reduced. The Arimidex brand of anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, will be reduced from $146.46 per pack to $26.55 per pack.

Aromatase inhibitors, like anastrozole, block the production of estrogen, lowering  the estrogen level and slowing the growth of cancers. Lowering the estrogen level in post-menopausal women using aromatase inhibitors has been proven to be effective in breast cancer treatment.

The drop in price means that from 1 February two brands of anastrozole, DP-Anastrozole and Arimidex, will remain fully funded.

The Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) has also said it will ensure the supply and price of DP-Anastrozole until at least 1 July 2011.
However they are not able to guarantee the supply or price for Arimidex as it is at the discretion of the supplier.

This is an excellent outcome for the 1900 New Zealand women who currently take this medicine. The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation will continue to monitor access to all breast cancer medicines and treatments as a key aspect of our role advocating for the best clinical practice for New Zealand women.