Anastrozole

Uses	Advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women
Therapy	Anti-Neoplastic, Hormonal Therapy
Side Effects	Hot flushes, joint pain, tiredness, nausea, bone thinning

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Molecule Description

Anastrozole is a prescription medicine used in the management of advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells by lowering the level of oestrogen in the body. It works by blocking an enzyme called aromatase, which the body uses to make oestrogen. Because some breast cancers need oestrogen to grow, lowering oestrogen helps control the disease. Anastrozole is usually part of a long-term treatment plan and works best when taken regularly as prescribed. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, preferably after food to reduce stomach upset. Do not skip doses or take more than prescribed. Common effects include hot flushes, joint pain, tiredness, nausea and weakness. Long-term use can thin the bones, so your doctor may check your bone health. Tell your doctor before starting if you have liver or kidney problems, osteoporosis or a heart condition. This medicine is not for pre-menopausal women, pregnant women or those breastfeeding.

Uses

Anastrozole is used in post-menopausal women to treat advanced breast cancer.

Contraindications

When should one not use Anastrozole

If you are allergic to Anastrozole.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Hot flushes
Joint pain and stiffness
Tiredness
Reduced appetite
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Headache
Excessive sleepiness
General weakness
Skin rash
Thinning of the hair
Thinning of the bones with long-term use

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Anastrozole must not be used during pregnancy. There is limited information on its safety in human pregnancy, and it is only intended for post-menopausal women. Speak to your doctor before taking any medicine in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

The medicine is used in the management of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It should not be used while breastfeeding. Avoid taking any medicines without consulting your doctor during breastfeeding, as they may harm the nursing infant.

Driving

Anastrozole has little effect on the ability to drive. However, muscle weakness and sleepiness are known side effects of this medicine. Be cautious and consult your doctor if you develop these symptoms.

Alcohol

It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment with Anastrozole, as both can cause sleepiness and nausea and can affect the liver.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have liver disease, particularly severe liver disease, or another liver condition.
You have osteoporosis or another condition that affects the strength of your bones, as anastrozole may reduce bone mineral density.
You are taking tamoxifen or an oestrogen-containing medicine, including hormone replacement therapy.
You are still having menstrual periods or are unsure whether you have gone through menopause, as anastrozole is intended for use after menopause.
Treatment with anastrozole is being considered for a child or adolescent, as its effectiveness has not been established for certain paediatric conditions.
You are receiving long-term treatment, as your doctor may need to monitor your bone health.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Anastrozole works by reducing the level of oestrogen, a natural female hormone, in the body. After the menopause, oestrogen is made mainly by an enzyme called aromatase converting other hormones in body tissues. Anastrozole blocks that enzyme, so less oestrogen is available and hormone-sensitive cancer cells are deprived of what they need to grow.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take or plan to take.
Do not take tamoxifen with anastrozole, as this combination may reduce anastrozole levels in your blood and make it less effective.
Do not use oestrogen-containing treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, while taking anastrozole, as they may reduce its effect.

Interactions with food items

Anastrozole should be taken with or after meals to reduce the chance of stomach upset. No other specific food interactions have been established.

Dosage

Overdose

Take Anastrozole strictly as prescribed. If an overdose is taken accidentally, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital where your symptoms will be monitored closely and suitable treatment would be provided.

Missed a Dose

Missing a dose may make the treatment less effective. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If unsure about what to do contact your doctor for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is approved for advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women.It is not recommended to be used in men. Do not consume any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Treatment duration depends on how the cancer responds. Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not stop the medicine without discussing it first.

Yes. Long-term use can reduce bone mineral density and increase the risk of osteoporosis or fractures. Your doctor may arrange bone density scans and advise calcium, vitamin D or lifestyle measures.

Tamoxifen can reduce the effect of anastrozole, so taking them together may make anastrozole less effective. Your doctor will decide which medicine is appropriate for you. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and dosing schedule carefully.

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