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Anastrozole

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Do not stop taking anastrozole even if you are feeling well, unless your doctor tells you.
Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the person treating you that you are taking anastrozole.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About anastrozole

Type of medicine	Hormone antagonist
Used for	Treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Also called	Arimidex®
Available as	Tablets

Some breast cancers need the hormone oestrogen to grow. In women who have had their menopause, the main source of oestrogen is through the change of androgens (sex hormones) into oestrogens. Anastrozole works by preventing this change therefore reducing the amount of oestrogen in the body.

Before taking anastrozole

Before taking anastrozole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you have not gone through the menopause.
If you have a family history of osteoporosis (bone thinning).
If you are taking oestrogen-containing medicines, for example hormone replacement therapy.
If you are taking tamoxifen.

Anastrozole should not be given to children

How to take anastrozole

Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Try to take your tablet at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.
If you miss a dose don't worry, just wait until the next dose is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not stop taking anastrozole even if you are feeling well, unless your doctor tells you to.
Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist, or other medical professional, that you are taking anastrozole.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
Anastrozole lowers the levels of female hormones in the body which may lead to thinning of the bones. This can reduce bone strength therefore you may be required to have bone density tests before and during your treatment.

Can anastrozole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, tiredness, loss of strength	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor
Hot flushes, thinning of the hair, vaginal dryness, vaginal bleeding (usually in the first few weeks of treatment), weight loss, joint pain, reduced bone strength	If troublesome, speak to your doctor

Important: If you experience severe skin reactions with ulcers or blisters, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing contact your doctor at once.

If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store anastrozole

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Arimidex®, AstraZeneca UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2007, accessed December 2008.
British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

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Last Reviewed: 8 Dec 2008

Version: 23

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