Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer for those who no longer have menstrual period.
Take Anastrozole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Anastrozole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- breast cancer during your pre-menopausal years (have menstrual periods whether regular or irregular and are considered to be in your reproductive years)
- severe kidney disease
as Anastrozole may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Anastrozole, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Anastrozole.
Do not breastfeed if you are being treated with Anastrozole.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- risk for osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
- heart disease
- moderate to severe liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- high level of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood
Some genetic traits can affect this medicine’s efficacy. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to take genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you.
For as long as you are taking Anastrozole, your bone mineral density, liver function test and cholesterol level must be monitored regularly to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
Anastrozole may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: hot flushes, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bone, joint or muscle pain, rashes, increased cough and vaginal dryness or bleeding.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines that contain oestrogen or any other medicines for the treatment of cancer such as tamoxifen.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.