ANASTROZOLE

WHAT IS ANASTROZOLE?

Anastrazole is a hormonal treatment used for breast cancer in women who have gone through there menopause. It belongs to the group of drugs called Aromatase inhibitors. Anastrazole is well known. by the brand name Arimidex. Other drugs belonging to the Aromatase inhibitor group include Letrozole and Exemestane.

How does Anastrazole work?

Some breast cancers contain receptors for the female hormone oestrogen. ( These are called ER + breast cancers ) The growth of these cancers is stimulated by oestrogen. In young females, oestrogen is produced in the ovaries. After menopause Function of the ovaries goes down and oestrogen is produced in the body fat via a hormone called Aromatase. Anastrazole which is an aromatase inhibitor block this enzyme and reduces oestrogen production. This in turn reduces the stimulus to the cancer cells and prevents breast cancer from coming back

Who is treated with Anastrazole

Anastrazole is commonly given to females with breast cancer who have gone through their menopause. This is usually started after an operation for breast cancer ( Mastectomy or lumpectomy ). In some cases, anastrozole is started before the operation to reduce the size of cancer and for elderly people who are not fit for operations, anastrozole can be used as the primary treatment.

In young women with aggressive breast cancers, Anastrazole may be started after removing ovaries or after reducing ovarian function via other drugs such as goserelin ( Zoladex )

Apart from treating primary breast cancer Anastrazole is given to patients who develop recurrences ( Breast cancer coming back) and who have metastatic breast cancer ( cancer which has spread throughout the body )

Men with breast cancer may be given anastrozole, although another drug called tamoxifen is more commonly used.

Anastrazole may be given to people who are at high risk of developing breast cancer

Dose and frequency of Anastrazole

Anastrazole is taken at 1 mg once a day. For primary breast cancers after surgery Anastrazole is given for 5 years. For patients who develop recurrences and when it is given as the primary treatment ( Without operation ), it is continued as long as the tumour progress.

Side effects of Anastrazole

Similar to any other drug Anastrazole can cause side effects. The severity of the side effects depends on how you react to the drug.

Common side effects

• Joint and muscle pain
• Reduced sexual drive
• Vaginal dryness
• hot flushes
• Tiredness
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Osteoporosis
• Reduced appetite
• Dizziness

What to do If you get side effects

If you get any of these side effects . Contact your doctor. Minor side effects can be overcome by simple lifestyle modifications . however if the side effects are severe your doctor might change your drugs.

Things to be done in follow up

Apart from routine breast cancer follow up Patients who are taking anastrazole should undergo a Dexa Scan every 2-3 yearly. Calcium suppliments and osteoporosis preventive medication should be taken accordingly.

Cotraception And Anastrazole

If you are sexually active while on Anastrazole you should use non hormonal Contraceptive methode. These includes condoms , Diaprgms , LRT and none hormanal IUDs.

Pregnancy and Anastrozole

It is not advicable to get pregnant while on Anastrazole . If you get pregnant while on pregnant you need to discuss with your oncologist. Breast feeding is not adviced while on Anastrazole