Anastrozole

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.

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.

Adults Including the Elderly: One tablet (1 mg) to be taken orally once a day.
Children: The use of Anastrozole is not recommended in children, as efficacy has not been established
Renal Impairment: No dose change is recommended.
Hepatic Impairment: No dose change is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

Hormonal Chemotherapy

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.