Anastrozole-oral

Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain breast cancers. Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. The FDA approved brand name anastrozole (Arimidex) in 1995.

Arimidex

The recommended dose of anastrozole is one tablet (1 mg) by mouth once daily.

Anastrozole should not be used with tamoxifen because tamoxifen can reduce anastrozole levels in the body and decrease its therapeutic effects.

Estrogens decrease the effect of anastrozole by increasing estrogen levels in the body.

Before taking anastrozole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as history of heart attack), bone loss (osteoporosis), liver disease, high blood pressure, blood clots.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Anastrozole is used mainly in women after menopause. If you have not gone through menopause, this medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as latex condoms) with your doctor. Products containing estrogen (such as birth control pills) should not be used. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.