Anastrozole
Cytostatic · Aromatase inhibitor
Indications
Advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen or other anti-oestrogens.
Dosage
Adults: 1 tab daily. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Hot flushes, sweating, vaginal irritation, hair thinning, GI disturbance, asthaenia, somnolence, headache, rash, alopecia, anorexia, sensory disturbances, musculoskeletal pain, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, raised LFTs, hypercholesterolaemia, vaginal bleeding.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Pre-menopausal women. Precautions: Renal or hepatic impairment. Monitor bone mineral density in women with or at risk of osteoporosis.
Interactions
Oestrogens, tamoxifen, LHRH analogues.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is rash, unrelieved nausea or vomiting, burning or pain on urination, sudden or severe mood changes, anxiety, confusion, palpitations, flu-like symptoms, difficulty in breathing, leg pain, calf-swelling. Take sufficient calcium and follow an exercise program because drug may reduce bone mineral density. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. For headache, consult prescriber for analgesic. Increased tumour, bone or pelvic pain may decrease with continued use, if not, consult prescriber for appropriate analgesic. Report menopausal status to prescriber accurately because drug is contraindicated and ineffective in premenopausal women. Keep follow-up appointments.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of estradiol reduction: 70% reduction after 24 hours; 80% after two weeks of therapy. Duration of estradiol reduction: 6 days. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Extensively hepatic (approx. 80%). Half-life elimination: Approx. 50 hours. Time to peak, plasma: Approx. 2 hrs without food; 5 hrs with food. Excretion: Feces; urine.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.