Anastrozole (Arimidex – Anastronat) 1 mg tablet is a potent and selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat estrogen-responsive breast cancer for those who no longer have a menstrual period or postmenopausal women.
Anastrozole exerts its anti-estrogenic properties through selective and competitive inhibition of the aromatase enzyme which is predominantly found in the adrenal glands, liver, and fatty tissues.
Drug = Anastrozole
Strength = 1 mg
Manufacturer = Natco
Quantity per sleeve = 30 Tabs
How To Take Anastrozole (Arimidex – Anastronat) 1 mg Tablet
This medicine may be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Anastrozole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take Anastrozole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Dosage of Anastrozole (Arimidex – Anastronat) 1 mg Tablet
Adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer; Breast cancer in postmenopausal women As monotherapy in hormone receptor-positive advanced cases or in patients with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy: 1 mg once daily. Treatment may be continued up to 5 years for adjuvant therapy or until tumour progression for advanced breast cancer.
Missed Dose of Anastrozole (Arimidex – Anastronat) 1 mg Tablet
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double a dose under any circumstances.
Overdose
If you think you may have used Anastrozole more than the usual dose, please seek medical help immediately.
Contraindications
People with the following medical conditions should not take Anastrozole:
- As monotherapy in pre-menopausal women with breast cancer
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <20 mL/min)
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Side Effects
Anastrozole may have the following side effects:
- Osteoporosis
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Urticaria
- Ischemic heart disease
- Lymphoedema
- Angina pectoris
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Cataract
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Xerostomia
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Weakness
- Bone fracture
- Accidental injury
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Arthritis
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Back pain
- Ostealgia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Paresthesia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Mood disorder
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Urinary tract infection
- Pelvic pain
- Mastalgia
- Vulvovaginitis
- Vaginal dryness or bleeding
- Pharyngitis
- Cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sinusitis
- Rash
- Vasodilation
- Hypertension
- Hot flushes
Warnings of Anastrozole (Arimidex – Anastronat) 1 mg Tablet
Do not use Anastrozole in people with the following conditions:
- Breast cancer during your pre-menopausal years
- Severe kidney disease
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Risk for osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
- Heart disease
- Moderate to severe liver disease
- Mild to moderate kidney disease
- High level of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and non-prescription medicines.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Anastrozole.
How Does It Work?
Anastrozole works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme by preventing the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to estradiol and estrone respectively, leading to a decrease in serum estradiol concentration, decreased tumor mass, or delayed progression in patients with tumors responsive to hormones.
Uses
Anastrozole is used to treat the following conditions:
- Adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer
- Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Special Precautions and Connected Warnings
Take special precautions if you have the following conditions:
- Patient with hyperlipidemia
- Pre-existing osteopenia
- Ischemic cardiac disease
- Moderate to severe hepatic or mild to moderate renal impairment
- Avoid alcohol
Storage Conditions
- Store between 20-25°C.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- Do not use Anastrozole that is expired or out of the expiry date.
- As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
