8% Off
Anastrol1 mg
Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC
৳460.00
Add to cart
Generic medicine
Anastrozole: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor indicated in postmenopausal women for hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer.
About Anastrozole
Indications of Anastrozole
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor indicated in postmenopausal women for hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. Its established, evidence-based uses are:
- Adjuvant treatment of HR-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women (FDA-approved, guideline-supported first-line adjuvant option).
- First-line treatment of HR-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy.
Patients with estrogen receptor-negative disease, and those who did not previously respond to tamoxifen, are unlikely to respond to Anastrozole.
Not indicated / off-label
Anastrozole is not indicated in premenopausal women, because its mechanism of lowering estrogen depends on postmenopausal physiology (peripheral aromatization); it does not reliably suppress ovarian estrogen production. It is sometimes used off-label (unlicensed, based on limited evidence) for conditions such as pubertal gynecomastia in boys or fertility-related ovulation induction protocols, but efficacy and safety for these uses have not been established, and such use should occur only under specialist supervision.
Dosage & Administration of Anastrozole
Recommended Dosing by Indication
| Indication | Adult Dose | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer (postmenopausal, HR-positive) | 1 mg orally once daily | Commonly up to 5 years (based on major clinical trials), or as directed by the oncologist |
| Advanced/metastatic breast cancer, first-line | 1 mg orally once daily | Continued until disease progression is documented |
| Advanced breast cancer after tamoxifen failure | 1 mg orally once daily | Continued until disease progression is documented |
Administration
Tablets may be taken with or without food, at approximately the same time each day, to maintain consistent blood levels. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose; doses should not be doubled.
Dose Adjustment
No dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment or in the elderly. No adjustment is required in mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment; Anastrozole has not been formally studied in severe hepatic impairment, so it should be used with caution in that setting. See Use in Special Populations for details.
Side Effects of Anastrozole
Adverse effects reported with Anastrozole in clinical trials, listed by frequency:
Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms)
- Joint pain and stiffness (arthralgia) — common and sometimes treatment-limiting
- Fatigue/asthenia and general weakness
- Mood changes, including low mood and depressive symptoms
- Nausea, headache, and insomnia
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis) and increased fracture risk with long-term use
- Elevated blood cholesterol
Less common but serious
- Severe allergic reactions (facial/throat swelling, anaphylaxis)
- Severe skin reactions (blistering, ulceration, Stevens-Johnson-type reactions — rare)
- Liver enzyme abnormalities/hepatitis
- Ischemic cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart disease (see Precautions)
Patients should seek prompt medical attention for severe rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
Contraindications of Anastrozole
Anastrozole is contraindicated in:
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to Anastrozole or any excipient of the formulation (anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria have been reported).
- Pregnancy — Anastrozole can cause fetal harm and must not be used by pregnant women (see Pregnancy and Lactation).
Anastrozole is also not indicated for use in premenopausal women, since its efficacy depends on the low-estrogen physiology of the postmenopausal state; use outside postmenopausal status is considered inappropriate rather than beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anastrozole
What is Anastrozole used for?
Anastrozole is used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, including as adjuvant therapy after surgery and for advanced or metastatic disease.
How should I take Anastrozole?
Take one tablet (typically 1 mg) by mouth once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.
Can Anastrozole be used during pregnancy?
No. Anastrozole is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cause fetal harm. Your postmenopausal status should be confirmed before starting treatment, and effective non-hormonal contraception should be used if there is any possibility of pregnancy, continuing for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
What are the most common side effects of Anastrozole?
The most common side effects include hot flashes, joint pain or stiffness, fatigue, mood changes, headache, and thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) with long-term use. Report severe joint pain, bone pain, or signs of allergic reaction to your doctor.
Can I take Anastrozole together with tamoxifen?
No, combining Anastrozole with tamoxifen is not recommended, as tamoxifen reduces Anastrozole blood levels and the combination has shown no additional benefit over Anastrozole alone.
What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Anastrozole?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose — do not double up. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.