Anastrozole

Anastrozole is used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods). This medication is also used in women, who have experienced menopause, as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body. This medication is also used to treat breast cancer in women whose breast cancer has worsened after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Anastrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

Anastrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take anastrozole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take anastrozole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You may need to take anastrozole for several years or longer. Continue to take anastrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking anastrozole without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Anastrozole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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weakness</li>
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headache</li>
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hot flashes</li>
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sweating</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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nausea</li>
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vomiting</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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constipation</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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heartburn</li>
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weight gain</li>
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joint, bone, or muscle pain</li>
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breast pain</li>
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mood changes</li>
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depression</li>
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difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
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nervousness</li>
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dizziness</li>
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vaginal bleeding</li>
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vaginal dryness or irritation</li>
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pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet</li>
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dry mouth</li>
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hair thinning</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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chest pain</li>
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sore throat, cough, fever, chills, swollen glands, or other signs of infection</li>
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swelling, redness, or warmth in hand or arm</li>
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difficult, painful, or urgent urination</li>
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blurred vision or vision changes</li>
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yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
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pain in the upper right part of the stomach</li>
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skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters</li>
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rash</li>
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hives</li>
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itching</li>
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shortness of breath</li>
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difficulty swallowing or breathing</li>
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swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li></ul>Anastrozole may cause or worsen osteoporosis. It can decrease the density of your bones and increase the chance of broken bones and fractures. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication and to find out what you can do to decrease these risks.Anastrozole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking anastrozole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to anastrozole, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in anastrozole. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); raloxifene (Evista); and tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, osteoporosis (condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily), liver, or heart disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.