What is this medicine for

It is used to treat breast cancer in women along with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation. It is used in women after menopause (end of monthly menstrual periods).

How does it work

It is in a class of medications called nonsteriodal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of oestrogen the body makes. This lowers the chance for spread of the cancer.

How should this medicine be used

Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

Common side effects of this medicine

Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and staying in cool places may help. Feeling tired or weak. Headache. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Joint pain. Not able to sleep. Cough. Sore throat. High cholesterol level. Vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge. Weak bones

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. - If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. - Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. - Do not change the dose or stop this drug. - Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking this medicine

If you have an allergy to anastrozole or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you have not stopped your period.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure. Trouble breathing. Swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm. Very bad headache. Signs of low mood (depression), thoughts of killing yourself, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Not able to eat. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Yellow skin or eyes. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take it with other medicines

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store this medicine

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Hormonal Chemotherapy