|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (an
AS troe
zole) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Arimidex® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to anastrozole or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. |
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal
females. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Anastrozole prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer
cells. This decreases spread of the cancer. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you have high cholesterol or are taking a cholesterol-lowering
agent, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
If you are taking tamoxifen, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool
environment may help.
Feeling tired or weak.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Joint pain.
Cough. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.
Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure.
Difficulty breathing.
Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
Severe headache.
Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness,
emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in
life.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
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| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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