ANASTRAZE

This medicine contains the active ingredient anastrozole which belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. It is a hormone treatment which decreases the amount of estrogen in the body which enables some breast cancers to grow. Anastrozole is used after the surgery, as well as for metastasis before the surgery. It is also sometimes used to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing the disease.

Is Anastrozole suitable for me?

Anastrozole is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to anastrozole or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are pre-menopausal
• if you are pregnant
• if you are breast feeding
• if you suffer from a serious disorder or disease which affects your liver or kidneys
• if you use tamoxifen
• if you use estrogen-containing medicines

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are still having menstrual periods
• have loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
• have problems with the way your liver or your kidneys work

Anastrozole interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Anastrozole?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take anastrozole exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The medicine should be taken orally, 1 mg anastrozole tablet once a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Anastrozole side effects?

Like all medicines anastrozole can cause side effects, including:

Very common side effects:

• headache
• hot flushes
• feeling sick
• rash
• pain or stiffness of the joints, inflammation of the joints                 
• feeling weak

Common side effects:

• loss of appetite
• high cholesterol levels
• sleepiness, tingling
• pain, coldness, weakness in parts of the hand (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• diarrhea, being sick
• increase in number of liver enzymes in the blood
• thinning of the hair, allergic reactions
• bone pain
• vaginal dryness, vaginal bleeding

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.