Anastrozole

Introduction

Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.

Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox). Anastrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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How it works?

Hormones are chemical substances that are produced by glands in the body, which enter the bloodstream and can cause effects in other parts of the body. For example, the hormone testosterone is made in the testicles and is responsible for male characteristics such as deepening voice and increased body hair. The use of hormone therapy to treat cancer is based on the observation that cancer cell growth can partially depend on hormone binding to receptors on the cancer cell surface.

Hormone therapies can work through methods such as stopping the production of a certain hormone or interfering with hormone binding to the cancer cell receptor. The different types of hormone therapies are categorized by their function and/or the type of hormone that is affected.

Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. This means it blocks the enzyme aromatase (found in the body’s muscle, skin, breast and fat), which is used to convert androgens (hormones produced by the adrenal glands) into estrogens. Tumor cells dependent on estrogens grow less when there is no estrogen.

Side Effects

Hot flashes, headache, trouble sleeping, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight gain, tiredness/weakness, increased coughing, or sore throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

More information

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Dosages

Anastrozole is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.You may take anastrozole with or without food.

You may need to keep taking this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anastrozole administration to adolescent males shows a rapid absorption and distribution followed by a slow elimination phase, similar to postmenopausal women. The drug was well tolerated.

User reviews

Review 1
Taken anastrazole for 4 years. Having debilitating joint pain, difficulty walking. Will definitely need to consider stopping this medication. Need quality of life. Don’t let the physicians make you feel like your crazy

Review 2
My experience with Anastrozole has been beneficial. Following a double mastectomy and removal of the majority of my right arm lymph nodes, significant chemo and radiation, I started Anastrozole in 2013. None of the side effects have been too bad or debilitating, so I am very fortunate and grateful for this drug for the significant benefits. I will have to stop in a couple of years and that makes me nervous! As so many reviews here are about major issues, it’s important to know that’s not always the case.

Review 3

I’m 66. I’ve been on Arimidex 6 months. That was following a lumpectomy (stage 1 invasive ductile carcinoma 1.6 cm) and 33 radiation treatments. The first month I had no side effects. Second month I started to get sleep disruption, mood swings. Now I’ve progressed to having joint pain, worst in my left shoulder and elbow ( surgery side) Pain in left chest/breast where the tumor was removed. In the last two weeks my right thumb started to stiffen up – trigger finger. Sleep disruption went away after a month but it has returned during the sixth month. I was taking Arimidex 2 hours before bed & I’m going to try taking it first thing in the morning and see if it stops the sleep disruption. In the last month or two I have started to feel basically unwell & very stiff, especially when I wake up in the morning and I’m feeling kind of depressed. I do yoga twice a week and try to walk twice a week as well. Perhaps I will increase my exercise Blessings. Good luck to you.

Review 4

I had stage I lobular breast cancer, with clear lymph nodes. I chose a skin spearing mastectomy and no radiation or chemo. I will complete my five years of anastrozole treatment in two months. I am 67 years old, and I have to say, I did not have all those side effects as I many women in this site have had. I did loose a lot of hair( but Rogaine has helped a lot). I I am tired often but still have a lot of energy once I get up. The medicine has affected my bones, since before I started taking I had osteopenia. Although this medicine is very hard on your bones and joints, I have never thought of stop taking it. Maybe because I never had hot flashes or insomnia I have been able to tolerate it and I personally don’t think it’s so horrible. I highly recommend to stick with the treatment. Five years go by pretty quick.