Anastrozole is an nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, primarily used for treating breast cancer in post-menopausal women by inhibiting the body's production of estrogen. It is less frequently prescribed to treat metastasis in both pre and post-menopausal women, and when treatment with other medications, usually tamoxifen, is not producing results.

Anastrozole is also known by the brand name Arimidex.

Who Uses Anastrozole?

Anastrozole is usually prescribed to treat early or advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women, or to prevent the development of breast cancer in women at high risk.

In some cases it is prescribed to pre-menopausal women to prevent the spread, or metastasis, of cancer.

Anastrozole is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, or after other treatments have failed to produce good results. In some patients Anastrozole is more effective if started after two or more years of treatment with tamoxifen, or it may replace tamoxifen if the condition does not improve or worsens with tamoxifen treatment.

A pregnancy test is sometimes required before Anastrozole is prescribed.

How does it Work?

Anastrozole works by inhibiting estrogen production and lowering estrogen levels in the body. Many types of breast cancer thrive on estrogen, so lowering estrogen production causes the cancer to slow, shrink, or stop growing. In some cases it may prevent cancer from developing in the first place, or prevent it from spreading to the other breast or other parts of the body.

Other treatments which impact hormone levels, such as estrogen replacement therapies or birth control pills, may greatly interfere with Anastrozole's effectiveness. For this reason it is important the prescribing physician is aware of all other prescription and non-prescription medications being taken for the duration of treatment.

How is it Taken?

Anastrozole is a tablet taken once daily, preferably around the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food.

Dosage and duration of treatment will vary a lot depending on the condition being treated and patient response. It is not unusual for treatment to last 5 years or longer, and for dosage to be adjusted several times during treatment.

Missed doses should be taken when remembered. If it is near time for the next dose, it may be skipped entirely. Double doses should be avoided.

Physician instructions should be followed carefully while taking Anastrozole for maximal effectiveness.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: anastrozole

Inactive ingredients: polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, povidone, lactose

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Anastrozole should not use this medication. This product contains lactose.

Adverse Effects:

Side effects are rare, usually mild, and frequently stop after the body adjusts to treatment. If side effects persist, are severe, or worsen, a physician should be consulted:

• Headache
• Hot flashes
• Sweating
• Stomachache, nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness, irritation or bleeding
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Hair thinning

More serious side effects warrant immediate medical attention:

• Chest pain
• Painful or urgent urination
• Vision changes
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Pain in the upper right of the stomach
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin lesions or ulcers
• Rash, hives, itching or other symptoms of an allergic reaction

Anastrozole may decrease bone density in some women, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures or breaks. Frequent bone density tests may be requested for high-risk patients.

Contraindications and Interactions:

This medication is only for post-menopausal women and certain pre-menopausal women. It is not for use by men or children.

Anastrozole is harmful to nursing and unborn babies.

Why Anastrozole?

Like any cancer, breast cancer is a frightening and life-changing event. While there is no certain cure for cancer, Anastrozole has proven effective at combating or even preventing breast cancer in many patients, even when other treatments fail to produce results. For most women, the potential benefits far outweigh the possible risks.