Anacare

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Anastrozole is indicated in- Treatment of early breast cancer in hormone receptor positive post-menopausal women. Adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in hormone receptor positive postmenopausal women who have received 2 to 3 years of adjuvant tamoxifen. Reduction in the incidence of contralateral breast cancers in post menopausal women receiving Anastrozole as adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer. Treatment of advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

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Anastrazole exerts its anti-estrogenic effects via selective and competitive inhibition of the aromatase enzyme found predominantly in the adrenal glands, liver, and fatty tissues. Many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning their growth is stimulated and/or maintained by the presence of hormones such as estrogen or progesterone. In postmenopausal women, estrogen is primarily derived from the conversion of adrenally-produced androgens into estrogens by the aromatase enzyme- by competitively inhibiting the biosynthesis of estrogen at these enzymes, anastrozole effectively suppresses circulating estrogen levels and, subsequently, the growth of hormone receptor-positive tumours.

Tamoxifen and/or other therapies containing estrogen should not be co-administered with Anastrozole.

Very common side effects: Hot flushes, asthenia, joint stiffness, arthritis, headache, nausea, rash etc. Common side effects: Hair thinning, allergic reactions, diarrhea, vomiting, somnolence etc.

There is limited clinical experience of overdose of Anastrozole. There are no reports where a patient has taken a dose in excess of 60 mg. No toxicity was observed and no clinically relevant adverse effects have been seen.

Anastrozole must not be administered during pregnancy or lactation.

Anastrozole is not recommended for use in children or in pre-menopausal women as safety and efficacy have not been established in these groups of patients. Anastrozole has not been investigated in patients with severe hepatic or severe renal impairment. The potential risk/benefit to such patients should be carefully considered before administration of Anastrozole. As Anastrozole lowers circulating estrogen levels, it may cause a reduction in bone mineral density with a possible consequent increased risk of fracture.