Has your doctor prescribed you a pill called Anastrozole? This drug is often prescribed for certain breast cancers, especially those that occur after menopause. It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you hear about this drug. So today, let's talk about this drug, what it does to the body, and what we need to be aware of, in a friendly and simple way.
Simply put, what is Anastrozole?
This is a drug used to treat breast cancer. But it's not for all breast cancers. Our bodies have a hormone called estrogen . Some breast cancer cells are like little plants. Just like a plant needs water, these cancer cells need this hormone called estrogen to grow.
So what this Anastrozole pill does is very simple. It stops the body from producing the hormone estrogen. Then those cancer cells lose the "nutrition" they need to grow. Just like a plant without water gradually dies, this medicine helps control the growth of cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
| Health condition or problem | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis) | This medicine may further reduce bone density. |
| Heart disease | You should be careful about how this medicine interacts with certain heart conditions. |
| Increased blood cholesterol levels | This medicine can affect cholesterol levels. |
| Allergies to anastrozole or other medicines/foods | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it is not suitable during this time. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Follow the instructions on the prescription that your doctor has given you.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the medicine working at the same level in your body.
- The most important thing is to never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice. It is important to complete the course of treatment, even if you feel better.
What if I take too much medicine by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, take immediate action. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If this happens, don't worry. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can interact with anastrozole and affect how it works. Specifically:
- Female hormones: Any medication that contains estrogen or progestin. For example, birth control pills, patches, injections.
- Tamoxifen: This is another drug used for breast cancer. These two drugs are not used together.
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, and even supplements), if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups: Attend the clinic on the days prescribed by the doctor to check the progress of your treatment.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after stopping the medicine. Also, avoid breast-feeding while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Bone health: This is very important. Using this medicine for a long time can reduce your bone density (bone mass) . This means that the bones become weak and can easily break (risk of fracture). Therefore, you need to add calcium and vitamin D to your diet. Foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, green vegetables, and exposure to sunlight are important. If necessary, talk to your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, let your doctor know.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, notify your doctor or hospital as soon as possible. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, vision changes, pain, swelling and warmth in a leg, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness or weakness in a face, arm or leg. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever or chills, cough, sore throat. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Body pain | Pain in bones, joints, or muscles. |
| Other common disorders | Dizziness (vertigo), headache, hair loss, hot flashes, extreme fatigue, vaginal dryness or itching. |
Take-Home Message
- Anastrozole is a specific medication for estrogen-dependent breast cancer that occurs after menopause.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you notice signs of a blood clot (e.g., leg swelling, difficulty breathing) or a severe allergic reaction (e.g., facial swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to take care of bone health and get enough calcium and vitamin D when taking this medication.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for a short time after stopping.
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