Anastrozole: Package Insert
When taken preventatively the drug is taken once a day, every day, for 5 years. A summary of the study efficacy results is provided in Table 9. The survival data with 68 months follow-up is presented in Table 9. The pharmacokinetics of anastrozole are not affected by age.
It is also used for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen treatment. This medicine is used only in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal).
Aromatase Inhibitors
This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied. There are limited data on the impact of underlying thrombophilias on VTE risk with tamoxifen.139 Given this, screening for underlying thrombophilia prior to initiation of therapy is not indicated. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the request and let you and your doctor know if your plan will cover Arimidex. Arimidex tablets should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F/20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
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One randomized controlled study showed improved toxicity profile and likely better pain control in patients randomized to intrathecal therapy. The blood levels of this medication can be affected by certain foods and medications, so they should be avoided. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take. You should not take this medication if you are currently taking tamoxifen or other medications that include estrogen, including hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, estrogen creams, vaginal ring, and vaginal suppositories. Anastrozole is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Prof. Cuzick explained that it works by disrupting the production of estrogen, which drives some breast cancers.
- The length of time that you’ll take this drug depends on the type of cancer you’re using it to treat.
- The aromatase inhibitors tend to have fewer serious adverse effects than tamoxifen, with no risk of uterine cancers and a low incidence of thrombosis.
- Do not take Anastrozole for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
- Post-menopausal women would be eligible to take anastrozole if they are at moderate or high risk of breast cancer, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said on 6 November.
- Exemestane differs in that its structure is steroidal in nature, and it irreversibly inhibits the aromatase enzyme.
Arimidex is meant to be used as a long-term treatment for breast cancer. If you and your doctor determine that Arimidex is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. If you have questions about your risk of increased cholesterol with Arimidex treatment, talk with your doctor. Depending on the result of your DEXA scan, your doctor may prescribe medication to help protect your bones. For example, they may recommend that you take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, a type of drug called a bisphosphonate, or both.
A possible consequence of decreased mineral content of bones is an increase in the risk of fractures. No significant differences were seen between treatment groups. Vaginal bleeding occurred more frequently in the tamoxifen-treated patients versus the ARIMIDEX-treated patients 317 (10%) versus 167 (5%), respectively.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. If you notice other effects https://asinfo.info/undercover-investigation-reveals-shocking-exchange-3/ not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
For the side effects described below, results from clinical studies of women with either early breast cancer or advanced breast cancer are shown. For advanced breast cancer, studies have shown that Arimidex treatment was either more effective or similarly effective to tamoxifen treatment. Both drugs work by blocking the female sex hormone oestrogen, which promotes growth of breast cancer cells. Due to their different mechanisms, anastrozole can only be taken after the menopause, while tamoxifen can be taken regardless of age. Patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease should be informed that an increased incidence of cardiovascular events has been observed with Anastrozole use compared to tamoxifen use.
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It works by stopping estrogen from attaching to cancer cells in your body. Some studies found that breast cancer is less likely to come back if an aromatase inhibitor is taken for an additional 5 years after the first 5 years of adjuvant therapy. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications.) With this approach to treatment, the drug would be taken for a total of 10 years. However, other studies didn’t show a benefit for extending the treatment beyond 5 the usual years. One long-term study found that women taking aromatase inhibitors had a higher risk of less serious heart-related side effects than did women taking tamoxifen. (Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medications that includes Arimidex.) These side effects included abnormal heartbeat patterns and problems with heart valves.