Anastrozole is an anticancer medication which was approved for its medical use on 27th December 1995.

Anastrozole Tablet has been developed to treat early and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have not responded to other anticancer therapies. It is also indicated as a second-line therapy to prevent hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and to treat male gynaecomastia.

Anastrozole is available as a film-coated tablets in the dose 1mg that is indicated for oral intake daily, with or without meals. 

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Anastrozole Tablet are hot flashes, stiff joints, tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome, hair thinning, rash, nausea, vaginal dryness, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, high blood cholesterol levels, increased sweating, bone pain and musculoskeletal pain. Call your healthcare provider if you experience persistent chest pain, numbness or allergic reactions after taking this tablet. 

Anastrozole Tablet is not recommended for premenopausal women and women who are pregnant/breastfeeding. During the Anastrozole Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood count, serum calcium, vitamin D, lipid profile, liver function tests and bone mineral density to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have or had lung problem, heart problem, liver disease or kidney problem. 

Anastrozole Tablet may cause fertility problems in men and women. This Tablet is not recommended for pregnant women due to its ability to cause fetal harm. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Pregnancy testing is recommended for women of reproductive potential within at least 7 days before starting Anastrozole treatment. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during and for 3 weeks after the last dose of Anastrozole. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Anastrozole.

Anastrozole can cause tiredness, dizziness and excessive sleepiness. If you feel tired or weak, you should avoid driving or handling machines.

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2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives, 8th Edition, 2019, 330-353.
3. Azabelle Peters, Prasanna Tadi, Aromatase inhibitors, StatPearls [Internet], [Revised on Jul 2022] [Accessed on 26th Oct 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557856/ 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.