Anastrazole Tablets

Anastrozole is a type of hormone therapy medication used primarily in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, and its brand name is Arimidex®.

 

Mechanism of Action

 

To understand how anastrozole works, it's helpful to know about the hormone estrogen. Estrogen can act as a fuel for the growth of certain types of breast cancer, known as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

In postmenopausal women, the ovaries have stopped producing estrogen. Instead, the body's main source of estrogen is the conversion of androgens (male hormones) into estrogen. This conversion process is catalyzed by an enzyme called aromatase, which is found in various body tissues, including fat, muscle, and the liver.

Anastrozole works by blocking this aromatase enzyme. By inhibiting aromatase, the drug significantly reduces the amount of estrogen in the body, which in turn helps to slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that depend on estrogen to thrive.

 

Uses

 

Anastrozole is approved for the following uses:

• Adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer: It is used in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer that has already been treated with surgery or other therapies.

• First-line treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer: It is used in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive or of unknown status.

• Treatment of advanced breast cancer: It is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has progressed despite treatment with tamoxifen, another type of hormone therapy.

 

Side Effects

 

As with many medications, anastrozole can cause side effects. Because it works by reducing estrogen levels, many of the side effects are similar to the symptoms of menopause. Common side effects may include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Joint, muscle, or bone pain

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue or weakness

• Mood changes, including depression and anxiety

• Hair thinning

• Vaginal dryness or bleeding

More serious, but less common, side effects can occur, and patients should report them to their doctor immediately. These can include:

• Osteoporosis: Anastrozole can decrease bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Doctors often monitor bone density and may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements or other medications to protect bones.

• High cholesterol: The drug may cause an increase in cholesterol levels, which can raise the risk of heart disease.

• Liver problems: In some cases, it can cause liver inflammation.

 

Important Considerations

 

• Anastrozole is a prescription-only medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

• It is generally taken as a single tablet once a day, with or without food.

• It is not recommended for premenopausal women unless used in combination with other treatments that suppress ovarian function.

• Patients who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take anastrozole, as it can cause harm to a developing fetus. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for a period after the last dose.