Tablets
Anastrozole is given for breast cancer chemotherapy. It is usually prescribed for postmenopausal women with breast cancer who have already undergone treatment with other antiestrogen medications such as tamoxifen.
The growth of some breast tumors is stimulated by estradiol, a hormone that is produced by adult females. Anastrozole is not directly toxic to cancer cells but rather reduces blood levels of estradiol in the body and thus inhibits the growth of such tumors.
1 mg or 10 mg tablet, taken once daily.
Unknown.
Unknown.
Maintain adequate food and fluid intake. Calorie, protein, and vitamin needs increase in patients with cancer. Good nutrition is essential to cope with the demands of chemotherapy.
Store safely and securely away from heat and light.
Anastrozole is prescribed for once-daily use only. If you are unable to take this medication on a particular day, skip the missed dose and resume your regularly scheduled dose the following day. Do not double the next dose.
This medication is used to treat a chronic condition. You may need to remain on this medication for an extended period, and you should take the drug exactly as prescribed throughout the course of treatment. The decision to stop the drug must be made in consultation with your doctor. Do not stop taking anastrozole on your own, even if you are feeling better. Contact your doctor if you have any questions about the way you feel while taking anastrozole, or if you think that you are experiencing a side effect that would require discontinuation of the drug.
There is no standard duration of therapy with anastrozole, although you can expect to remain on it for several weeks in order to determine if it is effective. Your doctor will determine whether your response to the drug is satisfactory or not, and will recommend the continuation or discontinuation of therapy.
Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients.
The use of anastrozole may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely or perform hazardous work.
Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
Anastrozole must not be used in pregnant women. Although anastrozole is not generally prescribed for premenopausal women, it is important that patients be sure they are not pregnant before starting treatment with this drug.
Use of this drug is not recommended while breast feeding; the benefits must clearly outweigh potential risks. Consult your doctor for advice.
Use of anastrozole is not approved for infants and children.
Patients with cancer are very often weakened by their illness, by poor nutrition, and by the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Such patients are more likely to experience undesirable side effects of a medication. In addition, these side effects may be more pronounced. Follow all medication directions carefully.
No cases of overdose with anastrozole have been reported.
An overdose is unlikely; however, if you have any reason to suspect that one has occurred, call emergency medical services (EMS) to receive evaluation and treatment in the closest emergency facility.
No significant interactions.
No significant interactions.
No significant interactions.
