What is anastrozole-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, an
anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast
cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain
breast cancers. Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is
involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size
or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. The FDA approved brand
name anastrozole (Arimidex) in 1995.
What brand names are available for anastrozole-oral?
Arimidex
Is anastrozole-oral available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for anastrozole-oral?
Yes
What are the side effects of anastrozole-oral?
Side effects of anastrozole are hot flashes, pain, arthritis,
headache, increased blood pressure, depression, nausea, vomiting, bone pain,
weakened bones, sleeplessness, and rash.
QUESTION
A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
See Answer
What is the dosage for anastrozole-oral?
The recommended dose of anastrozole is one tablet (1 mg) by mouth
once daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with anastrozole-oral?
Anastrozole should not be used with tamoxifen because
tamoxifen can reduce anastrozole levels in the body and decrease its therapeutic
effects.
Estrogens decrease the effect of anastrozole by increasing estrogen levels in
the body.
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Is anastrozole-oral safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Anastrozole is not recommended for pregnant mothers under any
circumstances. Anastrozole may cause fetal harm and terminate pregnancy.
It is not known whether anastrozole enters breast milk. It
should not be administered to nursing mothers to avoid any harm to the newborn.
What else should I know about anastrozole-oral?
What preparations of anastrozole-oral are available?
Tablets: 1 mg
How should I keep anastrozole-oral stored?
Store anastrozole tablets at room temperature, between 20 C – 25 C (68 F
– 77 F).