Anastrozole

What is Anastrozole?

Anastrozole is given with other treatments like radiation or surgery to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause.

This medicine lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women which can slow down growth of certain types of breast tumors.

Anastrozole is available only as an oral tablet and comes under the brand name Arimidex.

One can buy anastrozole easily from a licensed online pharmacy and save on anastrozole price by grabbing exciting deals & discounts.

Anastrozole for women is also prescribed to treat breast cancer whose condition has worsened after taking Tamoxifen drug.

Uses of Anastrozole

Anastrozole is used for treating breast cancer. It is used only in women who have gone through menopause.

Doctors recommend this medication for treating following medical conditions:

• Treatment of early breast cancer
• First treatment for metastatic breast cancer
• Treatment of advanced breast cancer

How does Anastrozole work?

Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor and works in body by reducing amount of estrogen produced in your body.

This further lowers or stops growth of some breast cancer cells which require estrogen to grow.

How to use Anastrozole?

Before starting treatment with Anastrozole, carefully read patient information leaflet provided with medicine.

If there is any doubt or question about Anastrozole or its dosage then discuss with doctor first.

To attain maximum benefits of this Anastrozole estrogen blocker, you must take it exactly in same way as directed by a doctor.

Take this medicine by mouth with or without food only once a day, as directed by a doctor.

Do not increase dose of this medicine or use Anastrozole tablet more often or for longer than prescribed.

Remember your condition will not improve faster and risk of experiencing side effects will increase if you take Anastrozole too often.

You might be required to take Anastrozole for several years. So, even if you feel well, continue taking it.

Unless doctor tells you to stop this medicine, do not stop taking Anastrozole 1mg tablet.

• Missed dose

In case, you forget to take your medication then just skip missed dose and continue with regular dose at normal time.

Never take two doses at same time just to make up your missed dosage. If you miss doses of Anastrozole often then set an alarm.

• Overdose

If you overdose on Anastrazole and experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling sick then call a doctor immediately.

Precautions and warnings for Anastrazole

Do not take Anastrazole, if you are allergic to it or other ingredients present in this drug.

This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients which can cause you allergic reactions.

Before starting your treatment with Anastrazole, inform doctor about your medical history, especially of:

• Heart disorders like history of a heart attack
• Blood clots
• Bone loss
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease

You need to know that Anastrozole tablets must be taken only by women who have already undergone menopause and cannot become pregnant.

In case, you are pregnant or breast-feeding women then inform doctor before you take this medicine. Anastrozole might harm fetus.

Before undergoing any surgery, inform doctor about taking Anastrozole. 

As this medication can get absorbed through skin and lungs and might harm an unborn baby, pregnant women should not handle Anastrozole.

Anastrozole can also decrease flow of blood to your heart, mainly if you have ever had coronary artery disease.

Call your doctor promptly, if you suffer from new or worsening chest pain or feel short of breath.

Hormonal cancer treatment might weaken your bones. While using this medicine, chance of experiencing a broken bone is likely.

Make sure you discuss with doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

Side effects of Anastrozole

Remember your doctor has advised Anastrozole because he/she thinks its benefits are greater than side effects.

Some mild side effects of Anastrozole tablet disappear as your body adjusts to this medicine.

Like all medications, Anastrozole can also cause side effects but not everyone gets them.

Anastrozole might affect your blood pressure, bone density, and cholesterol.

Your doctor needs to monitor this carefully and might suggest additional treatment if required. 

Bone pain, hot flashes, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, weight gain, or sore throat might occur.

Anastrozole can also cause some serious side effects including:

• Easily broken bones
• Mental or mood changes
• Swelling of muscle, joint, or tendon
• Numb/tingling skin
• Vision changes
• Shortness of breath
• Signs of liver disorder
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Trouble speaking
• Your body's weakness on one side

This medication seldom causes an extremely serious adverse reaction.

If you notice any symptoms of serious allergies like rash, trouble breathing & dizziness then let your doctor know.

Get emergency medical help, if any of your side effects persist or become worse with time.

Interactions

Drug interactions might change how your medicine works or even increase risk of experiencing serious side effects.

Keep a list of products you use including prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements.

Your doctor must know about all other medicines you use so that dosage of Anastrozole can be prescribed accordingly.

Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any other medicines without approval from your doctor.

There are some medicines that interact with Anastrozole and should be avoided including:

• Tibolone
• Estrogens
• Tamoxifen

Storage

It is suggested to store Anastrozole tablets at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Frequently asked questions about Anastrozole (FAQs)

Can Anastrozole cause weight gain?

Yes, Anastrozole for breast cancer might cause weight gain, but it is not considered common.

There might be other reasons as well that can lead to weight gain like menopause.

In case, you gain weight during treatment with Anastrozole then take a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.

You can also consult your doctor or nutritionist to aid you in losing weight.  

Can Anastrozole be taken at night?

Anastrozole can be taken any time of day. Make sure you take it exactly in same way as directed by a doctor.

As directed, you can take it with or without food. Also, do not break, crush, or chew tablets.

Does an Anastrozole tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Anastrozole usually affects hair by making them thin which leads to hair loss. But not everyone experiences this.

Hair thinning possibly occurs due to estrogen lowering effect of Anastrozole medicine.

These effects are not permanent and can return after some time. 

In what conditions should I contact my doctor during treatment with Anastrozole?

In case, you experience any severe adverse reaction to Anastrozole medication then contact a doctor.

It is necessary to inform doctor if you experience prolonged or serious nausea or vomiting, extreme pain & weakness.