Anastrozole

Generic name: anastrozole
Brand name: Arimidex

Dosage form: Tablet
Root of administraton: Oral
Dose: 1 mg
Drug classes: Aromatase inhibitors, Hormones / antineoplastics

Mechanism of action: Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.

Drug usage cases: Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen

Drug contra indications: Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems
• coronary artery disease (clogged artery disease)
• high cholesterol
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density

Side effects: Anastrozole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• numbness, prickly feeling, pain, or weakness in your hands or wrists;
• symptoms of bone fracture–bruising, swelling, tenderness, pain that worsens with movement;
• liver problems–right-sided upper stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or eyes, and not feeling well; or
• signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Warnings: Anastrozole may decrease blood flow to your heart, especially if you have ever had coronary artery disease (clogged arteries). Seek medical attention if you have new or worsening chest pain, or if you feel short of breath.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, anastrozole may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of anastrozole. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using anastrozole, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.