Anastrozole

BRCA1 gene, Breast, Metastatic Breast Cancer + 5 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Anastrozole

What is Anastrozole

AnastrozoleThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAnastrozole is a medication used to reduce estrogen levels in postmenopausal women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, meaning it does not have the same side effects, such as weight gain and acne, that steroidal medications do. Anastrozole has become a preferred endocrine drug due to its effectiveness and fewer side effects than other medications, such as tamoxifen. Anastrozole was first approved for use in the United States in 1995.
Arimidexis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Anastrozole Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Arimidex
Anastrozole
1996
74

Effectiveness

How Anastrozole Affects PatientsAnastrozole helps treat breast cancer by stopping the body from converting androgens (like testosterone) into estrogen. It is taken once per day and can reduce levels of circulating estrogens by 70% after 24 hours. However, it has been linked to an increase in ischemic cardiovascular events, so patients with pre-existing heart disease should carefully consider the risks and benefits. Additionally, long-term use may reduce bone mineral density in the spine and hips, so monitoring of BMD is recommended.
How Anastrozole works in the bodyAnastrazole works by blocking the enzyme that helps convert hormones into estrogen. This is especially important for postmenopausal women, since their estrogen levels are primarily derived from this conversion process. By blocking the enzyme, Anastrazole effectively lowers the body's estrogen levels and suppresses the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.

When to interrupt dosage

The quantity of Anastrozole is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including BRCA1 gene, Invasive Early Breast Cancer and hormone receptor unknown. The amount likewise fluctuates as per the approach of delivery (e.g. Oral or Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Invasive Early Breast Cancer
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
2-3 years of tamoxifen therapy
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
disease progression with tamoxifen therapy
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
hormone receptor unknown
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
Breast
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
BRCA1 gene
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
Breast
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable
Metastatic Breast Cancer
, 1.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 4.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Pellet, Pellet - Oral, Pellet, implantable - Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous, Pellet, implantable

Warnings

Anastrozole Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Anastrozole may interact with Pulse Frequency
Breast Milk Production
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Anastrozole.
Common Anastrozole Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Anastrozole.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Anastrozole.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Anastrozole.
Enasidenib
Major
The metabolism of Enasidenib can be decreased when combined with Anastrozole.
Erlotinib
Major
The metabolism of Erlotinib can be decreased when combined with Anastrozole.
Anastrozole Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe highest dose of anastrozole a woman has been reported to take was 1.68mg/kg given over 12 weeks. No one has taken more than 60mg of anastrozole, and the person who did experienced no serious effects. If someone overdoses on anastrozole, they should be monitored and given supportive treatment. Dialysis may be beneficial in some cases since anastrozole does not bind to proteins.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Anastrozole Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Anastrozole?

113 active studies are in progress to assess the potential of Anastrozole for treating Invasive Early Breast Cancer, Post-tamoxifen Therapy of 2-3 years and Breast Cancer with Hormone Receptor Status Unknown.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
2-3 years of tamoxifen therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
BRCA1 gene
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Breast
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Metastatic Breast Cancer
94 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
disease progression with tamoxifen therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Invasive Early Breast Cancer
0 Actively Recruiting
hormone receptor unknown
0 Actively Recruiting

Anastrozole Reviews: What are patients saying about Anastrozole?

5Patient Review
4/26/2018
Anastrozole for Breast Cancer that has Spread to Another Part of the Body
After a couple of months, I finally saw some really great results with my mood swings and night sweats. The only downside now is fatigue, but I'm hoping that gets better with time. I've also gained 10lbs, but I trust my doctor's orders.
5Patient Review
5/12/2022
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I've been on this for four years with few side effects. I may have had some hot flashes when I first started taking it, but nothing unmanageable. I'm scheduled to come off the medication next May, and my oncologist has said that continuing treatment wouldn't provide any additional benefit.
5Patient Review
8/14/2021
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I've been taking this medication for five years now. My original cancer doctor said there was a 25% chance the breast cancer would come back, but my recent checkup showed that I need to take the medication for two more years. The side effects are tough, but worth it when I see my grandchildren smile.
5Patient Review
10/12/2019
Anastrozole for Breast Cancer
I have not experienced any adverse effects from this medication. The only thing I noticed was sometimes feeling tired in the afternoon; however, I am 71 years old.
5Patient Review
3/2/2020
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I was on anastrazole for seven years before my new oncologist took me off of it. Has anyone else experienced this?
4.3Patient Review
12/16/2020
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I've been on Anastrozole for six months now and the only side-effect I've experienced is hot flashes. I'm able to work out like normal and though I feel a little more stiff in the morning, it's not really a big deal. Overall, I'm glad I decided to start this medication despite being scared of the potential side effects.
3.7Patient Review
6/8/2020
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
I started experiencing some really uncomfortable side effects after being on this medication for 8 months. I would get sharp pains in my stomach and around my vagina and butt, as well as a really full feeling.Has anyone else experienced this? And if so, how long did it last?
3.3Patient Review
10/26/2018
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
I took this medication with the intention of preventing breast cancer from recurring. However, I was not pleased with the results. In addition to making my bones more brittle, it also made my blood pressure difficult to control and caused me to experience headaches and hot flashes on a daily basis.
3Patient Review
2/13/2019
Anastrozole for Prevention of Breast Cancer
After being diagnosed with stage 1 cancer, I was put on this drug by my doctor. I'm not sure if it's necessary to continue taking it for years, as my doctor suggests, but I trust their judgement.
2.3Patient Review
5/24/2021
Anastrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I developed a really bothersome rash on my leg after taking this for just eight months. I saw a dermatologist and we couldn't figure out what it was. Once I stopped taking the medication, though, the rash started to clear up.
1Patient Review
6/20/2018
Anastrozole for Breast Cancer
I took this for four days and felt awful the entire time. I did some research and found that many people had similar experiences. The poor quality of life wasn't worth it, so I decided to switch to a natural supplement called OncoPLEX. I don't know if it works yet, but I haven't experienced any side effects so far.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about anastrozole

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are the most common side effects of anastrozole?

"I'm experiencing some weakness, headache, hot flashes, sweating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite."

Answered by AI

Is anastrozole considered a chemo pill?

"No, anastrozole (Arimidex) is considered a hormone therapy rather than a type of chemotherapy."

Answered by AI

How long should you be on anastrozole?

"The usual duration of treatment with Anastrozole is 5 years."

Answered by AI

What does anastrozole do to your body?

"Anastrozole works by lowering the levels of estrogen hormones in the body. It is typically prescribed for women who have gone through menopause and have hormone-dependent breast cancer."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Anastrozole

Have you considered Anastrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Anastrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Anastrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Anastrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Anastrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Anastrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.