Anastrozole
Introduction To Anastrozole
Anastrozole is used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It can also be used as the first line treatment of advanced breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body.
Anastrozole belong to a class of drug called aromatase inhibitors, which decreases the amount of estrogen in the body. It should be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you.
The most common side effects of the medicine include hot flushes, nausea, rashes, joint pain, osteoporosis, and weakness. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you are not gone through menopause and still having menstrual periods, or you have a problem with the liver or kidney. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may perform some blood tests to check for vitamin D level or bone density.
Uses of Anastrozole
- Breast cancer
Benefits of Anastrozole
Breast cancer
Anastrozole relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody
discharge from nipple or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. It
works by altering the production of those hormones in the body that are
essential for the growth and spread of breast cancer. It may also interact
with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its growth.
Side effects of Anastrozole
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Anashil
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Osteoporosis
- Skin rash
- Weakness
How to use Anastrozole
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Anastrozole may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Anastrozole works
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This can lower or stop the growth of some breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
Quick tips
- Anastrozole is used for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Take it at the same time everyday.
- It may cause weakness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Nausea may occur on starting treatment with this medicine but should go away with time. If nausea is bothersome, take it after meal.
- Your doctor may regularly check your Vitamin D level and bone mineral density and suggest supplements, if needed.
- Do not take Anastrozole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Anastrozole if I’m pregnant?
Anastrozole is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingUNSAFE
Can I take Anastrozole if I’m breastfeeding?
Anastrozole is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Anastrozole safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Anastrozole. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Anastrozole?
Anastrozole may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Anastrozole if I have/had kidney diseases?
Anastrozole should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Anastrozole may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Anastrozole in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Anastrozole if I have/had liver diseases?
Anastrozole should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Anastrozole may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Anastrozole in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Anastrozole cause weight gain?
Yes, Anastrozole may cause weight gain, but it is not very common. There could be other reasons as well which can lead to weight gain such as menopause. However, if you gain weight while taking Anastrozole, take low-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to help you lose weight.
Q. Does Anastrozole cause hair loss?
Yes, Anastrozole commonly affects the hair by making them thin which further leads to hair loss. However, it does not occur in everyone. Hair thinning probably occurs due to estrogen lowering effect of Anastrozole. These effects are not permanent and may revert after some time. If it concerns you then talk to your doctor for another alternative medicine to avoid damage to hair.
Q. Why do bodybuilders use Anastrozole?
Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids for bodybuilding take Anastrozole to reduce the production of estrogen which is a side effect of anabolic steroids. An increase in estrogen levels in bodybuilders may result in high pitched female voice, shrinking of the testicles or penis, and breast enlargement. In order to avoid such characteristics bodybuilders take Anastrozole.
Q. Can Anastrozole be taken at night?
Anastrozole can be taken anytime of the day. Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.
Q. While on Anastrozole how should patients be monitored?
While you are taking Anastrozole your doctor will get blood tests done to check blood cell counts and investigate liver and kidney functions. Along with that, the doctor may advise a bone scan if you are at risk for osteoporosis, which may also occur due to Anastrozole treatment.
Q. In what situations should I contact my doctor, while taking Anastrozole?
You should contact your doctor if you experience any serious adverse reaction. It is important to inform the doctor in case of prolonged or severe nausea or vomiting, extreme weakness, and extreme pain. Along with that, consult your dotor if you have taken more than the recommended dose of Anastrozole.
Q. What is the most important information that I should know about Anastrozole?
The most important information that you need to be aware of while using Anastrozole is that it can cause heart disease. Women who have early breast cancer and have blockage of arteries in the heart may have an increase in symptoms of decreased blood flow to their heart. Seek help if you experience shortness of breath or have a new or worsening chest pain.
Q. Which medicines should not be used with Anastrozole?
Anastrozole should not be used with tamoxifen as it may lower the effectiveness of Anastrozole. The working of Anastrozole gets affected by medicines which contain estrogen such as birth control pills, estrogen creams, vaginal rings, and vaginal suppositories.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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