Anastrozole is use alone or with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat early breast cancer in women who experience menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods). Moreover, This medication is also use in women, who experience menopause, as a first treatment of breast cancer that spreads within the breast or to other areas of the body. Furthermore, this medication is also use to treat breast cancer in women whose breast cancer has worsene after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
Thus, Anastrozole is in a class of medications call nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. Moreover, It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
How should this medicine be used?
Anastrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. In addition, it is usually take once a day with or without food. Take anastrozole at around the same time every day. Moreover, Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take anastrozole exactly as directed. Furthermore, Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may need to take anastrozole for several years or longer. Thus, Continue to take anastrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking anastrozole without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other uses for this medicine
Anastrozole is also sometimes use to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing the disease. In addition, talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.
Moreover, this medication may be prescribe for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking anastrozole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to anastrozole, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in anastrozole. Thus, Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. In addition, Be sure to mention any of the following: medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); raloxifene (Evista); and tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, osteoporosis (condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily), liver, or heart disease.
- you should know that anastrozole should only be taken by women who have undergone menopause and cannot become pregnant. However, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should tell your doctor before you begin taking this medication. Anastrozole may harm the fetus.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Moreover, Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Anastrozole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weakness
- headache
- hot flashes
- sweating
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- weight gain
- joint, bone, or muscle pain
- breast pain
- mood changes
- depression
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- nervousness
- dizziness
- vaginal bleeding
- vaginal dryness or irritation
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- dry mouth
- hair thinning
Some side effects can be serious. So, If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- chest pain
- sore throat, cough, fever, chills, swollen glands, or other signs of infection
- swelling, redness, or warmth in hand or arm
- difficult, painful, or urgent urination
- blurred vision or vision changes
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters
- rash
- hives
- itching
- shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
In addition, Anastrozole may cause or worsen osteoporosis. It can decrease the density of your bones and increase the chance of broken bones and fractures. Moreover, Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication and to find out what you can do to decrease these risks.
Anastrozole may cause other side effects. Thus, Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. In additioon, Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Moreover, Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needs. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Moreover, If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. In addition, Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to anastrozole.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Furthermore, Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
In addition, It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. Thus, You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admit to a hospital. Moreover, It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
To learn more about Anastrozole, Visit Core Medical Group Websites.
