Anastrozole - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Anastrozole is a drug to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Anastrozole can be given to patients whose condition does not improve after treatment with tamoxifen

Anastrozole works by lowering estrogen levels in the body by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. That way, it is hoped that the size of the tumor will shrink and the growth of cancer cells can be inhibited.

Please note, anastrazole should not be used by men, children or women who have not been through menopause.

Anastrozole trademark: Anamidex, Anzonat, Aramidex, ATZ, Bracer, Brecazole

What is Anastrozole

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Antistrogen
Benefits	Coping with breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Consumed by	Adult
Anastrozole for pregnant and lactating women	Category X: Animal and human studies have shown fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. Anastrozole is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets

Warning Before Taking Anastrozole

There are several things you should pay attention to before using anastrozole, namely:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Anastrozole should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you haven't gone through menopause. Anastrozole should not be given to patients with these conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, coronary heart disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, or low bone density.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment with this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking anastrozole.

Anastrozole Dosage and Instructions

The dose of anastrozole as an adjunct therapy for treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women is 1 mg, once a day. The duration of treatment can be done up to 5 years

The doctor will adjust the dose given to the patient's age, condition, and body response to treatment.

How to Take Anastrozole Correctly

Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking anastrozole

Anastrozole can be taken before or after meals. Take anastrozole at the same time each day. Swallow anastrozole tablets whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush, split or chew the medicine as this may affect its effectiveness.

Take anastrozole regularly. Do not start or stop taking medication or increase or decrease the dose of medication without consulting your doctor first.

If you forget to take anastrozole tablets, take them as soon as you remember if the distance to the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Anastrozole can cause reduced bone density. Therefore, you will be asked to have a bone density test before and during treatment with this drug.

Store anastrozole in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and at room temperature. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Anastrozole Interaction with Other Drugs

Some of the interaction effects that can occur if anastrozole is used together with other drugs, including:

• Increased risk of formation of blood clots and blood clots that can clog blood vessels when used with thalidomide
• Reduced effect of anastrozole when used with estrogen or drugs containing estrogen
• Decreased blood levels of anastrozole when used with tamoxifen

Anastrozole Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that can occur after taking anastrozole, including:

• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting
• stomach ache
• Constipation or diarrhea
• No appetite
• Weight gain
• Weak or tired
• Cough
• Sore throat

Check with your doctor if these side effects don't improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or any of the following serious side effects:

• bone pain
• Bones are easily broken or cracked
• Joint pain or stiffness in the joints
• Stiff or sore muscles
• Depression
• Mood changes
• Numbness or tingling
• short breath
• Excessive vaginal discharge, painful vaginal discharge, or vaginal itching and itching
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
• Chest pain or weakness on one side of the body
• Changes in vision, such as blurred vision
• severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, jaundice