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Anastrozole

  • 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 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

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
  • If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or 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
  • 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.
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting Drink plenty of liquid. 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.

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

Other side-effects include hot flushes, thinning of the hair, vaginal dryness, vaginal bleeding (usually in the first few weeks of treatment), anorexia, loss of appetite, joint pain or stiffness, skin rashes, allergic reactions and reduced bone strength . 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 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3784		 DocRef:
dils3789		 Last Updated:
10 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Jan 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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