|
CHEMICAL NAME
ANASTROZOLE.
INDICATIONS
Arimidex(ANASTROZOLE)is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through "the change of life" (menopause). Anastrozole works by lowering estrogen hormone levels to help shrink tumors and slow their growth.
DIRECTIONS
Take Arimidex Tablets by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, headache, dry mouth, scratchy throat, increased cough, dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness/weakness, flushing and sweating (hot flashes/hot flushes), vaginal bleeding, hair thinning, and weight change can occur. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals may help lessen the chance of nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, persistent cough, unusual vaginal discharge/burning/itching/odor, unusually stiff muscles, pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs, vision changes, bone pain, bone fracture, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking anastrozole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, brittle bone disease (osteoporosis), blood clots. This drug may make you dizzy use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Anastrozole is used mainly in women after menopause. If you have not gone through menopause and your doctor has prescribed this for you, this medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause possible fetal harm and miscarriage. Women of childbearing age should use reliable form(s) of contraception such as proven barrier methods (e.g., latex condoms) during treatment and for one month following. Estrogen-containing products (e.g., birth control pills) should not be used. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medication with others. Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the Canadian product at room temperature 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist,or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: estrogens, tamoxifen. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting anastrozole. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
|
