Indications
- Anastrozole is employed for treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- It targets breast cancers that are stimulated to grow faster by the natural hormone estrogen.
- Anastrozole reduces the production of estrogen in the body, contributing to slowing or reversing the growth of these specific breast cancers.
Dosage and administration
- Prior to taking anastrozole, read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist. Seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day.
- Use the medication regularly to maximize its benefits, taking it at the same time each day.
- Avoid increasing your dose or using the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so will not hasten improvement and may increase the risk of serious side effects.
- As the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should refrain from handling the medication or inhaling dust from the tablets.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of anastrozole may include hot flashes, headache, bone pain, trouble sleeping, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight gain, tiredness/weakness, increased coughing, or sore throat.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.
- This medication is prescribed because the benefits outweigh potential side effects, and many users do not experience serious issues.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you observe serious side effects, such as easily broken bones, pain/swelling of joints/muscles/tendons, mental/mood changes (like depression), numb/tingling skin, swelling hands/ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual vaginal discharge/bleeding/burning/itching/odor, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, vision changes, or signs of liver disease (persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
- Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects, including chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body.
- While a serious allergic reaction is rare, seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- The provided list is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to anastrozole or other substances, as inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Share your medical history, especially heart disease (history of heart attack), bone loss (osteoporosis), liver disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots, with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
- This drug may cause dizziness. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can intensify this effect. Avoid activities requiring alertness until safe to do so. Limit alcohol intake and discuss marijuana usage with your doctor.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal items.
- Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not handle this medication or inhale dust from the tablets, as it may harm an unborn baby. Anastrozole is primarily for use in women after menopause. If not through menopause, discuss reliable birth control methods with your doctor while taking this medication and for at least 3 weeks after stopping treatment. Products containing estrogen (such as birth control pills) should not be used. Inform your doctor promptly if you become pregnant.
- It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Due to potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.