How does Armotraz (Anastrozole) work:

Armotraz (Anastrozole) is used to treat breast cancer in women after the change of life (menopause). Armotraz does not kill cancer cells. Rather, it stops or slows their growth.

Armotraz 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 (menopause) low levels of oestrogen are made in fat cells throughout the body. These low levels of oestrogen may help cancer cells to grow, in women with breast cancer.

Dosage and Administration:

Your physician will have decided how much Armotraz you should take each day. The usual adult dose is one tablet taken daily. Try to take your tablets at the same time each day. Armotraz tablets may be taken before or after food. Armotraz tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. Do not chew the tablets.

Do not stop taking your Armotraz even if you are feeling well, until your physician tells you. You should take Armotraz as prescribed by your physician. However, if you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Just resume your normal schedule. For example, if you forget to take Monday's tablet leave the tablet allocated to Monday. Then on Tuesday resume as normal by taking the tablet allocated to Tuesday. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects:

• hot flushes
• thinning of the hair
• vaginal dryness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• feeling weak
• headache
• joint pain or joint stiffness
• sleepiness
• skin rash
• vaginal bleeding

Precautions:

Do not use Armotraz if you have not yet experienced menopause or if you are a child. We do not know if Generic Arimidex is safe for these patients. Do not use Armotraz if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby. Do not use Armotraz after the expiry date. This date is printed on the pack. It may have no effect at all, or an unexpected effect if you take it after the expiry date. These tablets are only for you and must not be given to anyone else.