posted April 06, 2000 12:00 PM            

FDA Approved Uses

Treatment of advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy.

Contraindications

Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy.

Hypersensitivity to anastrozole

Dosage and Administration

Dosages may require modification to adjust for individual sensitivities and associated medical conditions.

Adults Under 60

1 mg taken by mouth once per day.

Adults 60 and Over

Follow the adult dosage, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

Maximum Dosage Recommendations

Do not exceed the recommended doses, unless deemed necessary by your doctor.

If You Miss a Dose

Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip and take the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Keep all medications out of the reach of children

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down.

You may experience the following side effects with the use of this drug:

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Hot flushes
Weakness
Cough
Dry mouth
Skin rash
Sweating
Abdominal pain
Bone pain

Less Common to Rare Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding
Weight gain
Tiredness or weakness
Cough or sore throat
Muscle or joint pain
Fever or chills
Dizziness
Breast pain
Itching

Life-threatening Symptoms

None expected

What to Do in Case of Overdose

Dial 911 for emergency help or call your poison control center.

Precautions

The FDA recommends using proper procedures for handling and disposal of antineoplastic drugs.

Infants and Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.

Adults Over 60

No geriatric-specific problems are expected with the use of this medication.

Drug Dependency

This drug is not expected to cause physical or psychological dependence.

Pregnancy Risk Category: D

Pregnancy Warnings

Adequate, well-controlled studies in women have not been performed, but animal studies have indicated that this drug is fetotoxic, producing abnormalities or failed pregnancy.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether anastrazole distributes into breast milk. However, because of the risk to the infant it is advisable to avoid breast feeding while using this medication.

Prolonged Use

No problems are expected, providing you are not pregnant when you start therapy, and do not become pregnant during therapy.

Discontinuing Therapy

Do not discontinue without your physician's consent.

Operating a Vehicle or Heavy Machinery

This drug may produce side effects that impair your mental alertness, such as dizziness or confusion. Avoid such activities if you feel these symptoms. Avoid consuming alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking this drug. They may intensify these side effects.

Sun Exposure

No problems expected.

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The Cuban