COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Arimidex / Anastrozole
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Uses: Approved for first-line treatment of
postmenopausal women who have early breast cancer that is
hormone receptor positive or receptor unknown cancer which is
either advanced on a local basis or is metastatic. Also a
second-line treatment for women with advanced breast cancer
that has continued to grow (progressed) after having first
been treated with tamoxifen.
How This Drug Works: This medicine works to lower
estrogen levels in women after menopause by interfering with
the conversion of androstenedione to estrone in peripheral
tissues. This is accomplished by blocking an enzyme called
aromatase.
Available Dosage Forms and Strengths: Tablets - 1 mg
Usual Adult Dosage Ranges: Breast cancer or advanced
breast cancer in women after menopause: One mg is given once
daily. In first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer, the
treatment is continued until the tumor progresses. Note:
Actual dose and schedule must be determined for each
patient individually.
Conditions Requiring Dosing Adjustments
Liver Function: Doses may accumulate in mild to
moderate liver disease, however no dosing changes are yet
defined.
Kidney Function: Dose decreases are not thought to be
needed in kidney disease (only 10% is removed that way).
Dosing Instructions: The tablet may be crushed and
taken either on an empty stomach or with food. If you forget a
dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, unless
it's nearly time for your next dose-if that is the case, skip
the missed dose and take the next dose right on schedule. DO
NOT double up on doses. Talk with your doctor if you find
yourself missing doses-there are effective beeper-based
systems to help you remember your medicine.
Usual Duration of Use: Use on a regular schedule for 2
weeks usually finds the peak response. The ideal (optimal)
length of treatment is not fully defined (approval was based
on study of patients for a median two and a half years).
Ongoing use (months to years) requires physician supervision
and periodic evaluation.
Typical Treatment Goals and Measurements (Outcomes and
Markers)
Breast cancer: Treatment of existing cancer seeks to attain a
complete remission. The minimum goal is to shrink (regress)
the size of the tumor and decrease the probability of spread.
Talk to your doctor about the goals of treatment when this
medicine is prescribed.
This Drug Should Not Be Taken If
- you had a serious allergic or adverse reaction to it
before.
- you are pregnant.
Possible Side Effects: (natural, expected, and
unavoidable drug actions)
Hot flashes - frequent.
Fluid retention (edema), weight gain.
Please Note:
The information contained on this page is intended as an
educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for
individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for
a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services
provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the
counter drugs or following any treatment or regimen. Only your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with advice on
what is safe and effective for you.
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