ANASTROZOLE

Generic Name : ANASTROZOLE

TradeName : ALTRAZ tab ALTROL tab ANABREZ tab ARIMIDEX tab ARMOTRAZ tab REDEST tab STAZONEX tab

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is prescribed for early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause including women with disease progression after tamoxifen therapy. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Pregnancy, hypersensitivity, premenopausal women

When it is to be taken : Adjuvant treatment in early breast cancer; Advanced or locally advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women: 1 mg/day.

How it should be taken : This medication available in the form of tablet to take by mouth once a day, with or without food.

Special Instruction :
*It may cause dizziness. Avoid alcohol. *Caution should be exercised patients with history of moderate or severe liver impairment, excess fat. *Do the lab test for menopause if status is doubtful. *Bone mass density (bone mineral density) test should be conducted at the start of the therapy and at regular intervals thereafter.

Side Effects :
HEART:
Widening of blood vessels; hypertension; sudden cardiac death, blood clot in veins; insufficient blood supply to brain.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Lack of energy, mood disturbances; headache; depression; sleeplessness; dizziness; abnormal sensations; anxiety; increased tightness of muscle; fatigue.
SKIN:
Rash; sweating, redness of the skin, mucous membrane infection.
EYE AND ENT
Inflammation of pharynx, clouding of eye lenses.
GI:
Stomach disturbance; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea; loss of appetite; indigestion, gastro intestinal disorder; dry mouth.
GENITOURINARY:
Breast pain, urinary tract infection; inflammation of vagina; breast neoplasm, vaginal bleeding; whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge; vaginal dryness.
Blood-Lymphatic:
Lymph nodes swelling; decrease in hemoglobin; and white blood cells.
LIVER:
Increased level of liver enzymes, jaundice.
HYPERSENSITIVITY:
Allergic reactions including hypersensitivity reaction, rapid swelling of the dermis, and skin rash.
METABOLIC-NUTRITIONAL:
Edema; high blood cholesterol, weight gain.
MUSCULOSKELETAL:
Inflammation of joints; joint pain; back pain, bone pain; an increased risk of fracture; fracture; pelvic pain; muscle pain.
RESPIRATORY:
Difficulty in breathing, increased cough; sinus or sinusitis; inflammation of bronchus.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Hot flashes; pain; accidental injury; infection; chest pain, flu syndrome; cyst, neoplasm; tumor flare.

Other Precautions :
Monitor cholesterol levels and bone mineral density periodically.

Storage Conditions :
Oral: Store at 20-25°C. Store it in airtight container.