How does Anabrez (Anastrozole) work:

Anabrez (Anastrozole) is used to treat breast cancer in women after menopause. Anabrez does not kill cancer cells. It helps stopping or slowing their growth.

Anabrez belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. It acts on the body to stop production of the low levels of female sex hormones (oestrogen) produced in the body. In younger women, high levels of oestrogen are produced by the ovary and act to make the breast grow, prepare the womb for pregnancy and develop sex drive. After the change of life low levels of oestrogen are made in fat cells throughout the body. These low levels of oestrogen may help cancer cells (in women with breast cancer) to grow.

Dosage & Administration:

Anabrez (Anastrozole) should be taken as prescribed by your physician. The adult dose is usually 1 tablet daily. Try to take your tablets at the same time each day. Your physician will have decided how much Anabrez you should take each day. Anabrez tablets may be taken before or after food. Anabrez tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. Do not chew the tablets. Do not stop taking your tablets even if you are feeling well, until your physician tells you.

Ask your pharmacist or physician for details and information.

Side Effects:

• hot flushes
• hair loss
• vaginal dryness
• anorexia
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• feeling weak
• headache
• joint pain
• sleepiness
• skin rash
• vaginal bleeding

Precautions:

You must tell your physician if you have allergies to Anastrozole or any disease which affects your kidney or liver. Also tell your physician if you are on the medicines which contain oestrogen. Do not use Anabrez if you have not yet experienced menopause or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby. Caution should be observed when driving a car or operating machinery as Anabrez may make patients feel weak or sleepy.