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Anastrozole |
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What is Anastrozole and why is it prescribed? Anastrozole is a first-line treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It slows the growth of advanced cancer within the breast and cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has spread to other parts of the body following treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex), another anticancer drug. Anastrozole combats the kind of breast cancer that thrives on estrogen. One of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland is converted to a form of estrogen by an enzyme called aromatase. Anastrozole suppresses this enzyme and thereby reduces the level of estrogen circulating in the body. Anastrozole, like many other anticancer medications, may prolong survival and improve quality of life. To keep this medication working properly, it's important to continue taking it even when you don't feel well. If you develop bothersome side effects, call your doctor. How should you take Anastrozole? Follow your doctors directions for taking Anastrozole. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose if you remember within 12 hours. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Anastrozole at room temperature. Are there any Anastrozole side effects? Anastrozole side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Anastrozole side effects may include abdominal pain, back pain, bone pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, hot flashes, loss of appetite, nausea, pain, pelvic pain and stiffness, "pins and needles", rash, shortness of breath, sore throat, stomach and intestinal upset, swelling of arms and legs, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. Less common or rare Anastrozole side effects may include accidental injury, anxiety, blood clots, breast pain, bronchitis, confusion, drowsiness, feeling of illness, fever, flu-like symptoms, fractures, hair thinning, heart attack, high blood pressure, increased appetite, infection, insomnia, itching, joint pain, muscle pain, nasal or sinus inflammation, neck pain, nervousness, severe blisters in the mouth or other mucous membranes, sluggishness, stroke, sweating, temporary tumor growth, tense muscles, urinary tract infection, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Anastrozole? If Anastrozole is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. At present, no drug interactions are known. Are there any special warnings about Anastrozole? Because Anastrozole may raise the level of cholesterol in your blood, your doctor may periodically do blood tests to check. |
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