Anastrozole Uses
Anastrozole is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is used with other treatments such as surgery or radiation to treat breast cancer in women who have attained menopause.
How Anastrozole works
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This can lower or stop the growth of some breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
Common side effects of Anastrozole
Headache, Nausea, Osteoporosis, Weakness, Diarrhea, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Joint inflammation, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Rash, Vaginal bleeding, Vaginal dryness, Vomiting, Decreased appetite, Sleepiness, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Sensory disturbance, Hot flushes, Increased alkaline phosphatase level in blood, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Increased aspartate aminotransferase, Hair loss, Allergic reaction, Bone pain.
Arimidex 1 mg Tablets is an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-cancer medication use for the adjuvant or initial treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Estrogen causes or increases growth of certain breast cancers. Arimidex works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women.
EXPERT ADVICE FOR ANASTROZOLE
- Anastrozole is used for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Take it at the same time everyday.
- It may cause weakness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Nausea may occur on starting treatment with this medicine but should go away with time. If nausea is bothersome, take it after meal.
- Your doctor may regularly check your Vitamin D level and bone mineral density and suggest supplements, if needed.
- Do not take Anastrozole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ANASTROZOLE
Anastrozole
Q. Does Anastrozole cause weight gain?
Yes, Anastrozole may cause weight gain, but it is not very common. There could be other reasons as well which can lead to weight gain such as menopause. However, if you gain weight while taking Anastrozole, take low-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to help you lose weight.
Q. Does Anastrozole cause hair loss?
Yes, Anastrozole commonly affects the hair by making them thin which further leads to hair loss. However, it does not occur in everyone. Hair thinning probably occurs due to estrogen lowering effect of Anastrozole. These effects are not permanent and may revert after some time. If it concerns you then talk to your doctor for another alternative medicine to avoid damage to hair.
