Anastrozole

Information about Anastrozole

Anastrozole Uses

Anastrozole is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is used with other treatments such as surgery or radiation to treat breast cancer in women who have attained menopause.

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.

Common side effects of Anastrozole

Headache, Hot flashes, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Nausea1a, Osteoporosis, Skin rash, Weakness
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
04 Mar 2020 | 10:20 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Anastrozole

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Expert advice for Anastrozole

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions for Anastrozole

Anastrozole

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.

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