INTRODUCTION:
ALTRAZ 1MG contains Anastrozole which belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors which is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Oestrogens, the female sex hormones stimulate the growth of breast cancer. This medicine works by blocking an enzyme aromatase which is responsible for the production of oestrogens and thus reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. This in turn blocks the growth of breast cancer that needs oestrogens to grow thus slowing or stopping growth and spreading of cancer cells to other parts of body. It is also used in preventing spreading of tumour to the other parts of body in patients with advanced breast cancer.
This medicine is not suitable for women with breast cancer who have not finished menopause (premenopausal women). It is not recommended for children and adolescents. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are still having menstrual periods or having any liver or kidney problems. ALTRAZ 1MG may cause osteoporosis (thinning your bones) due to the reduced amount of oestrogens in your body. Your bone density will be measured by your doctor before, during or after treatment. Anastrozole is also useful as adjuvant therapy in early ER+ive breast cancer as well as for palliation of advanced cases in postmenopausal women. It is a selective nonsteroidal inhibitor of aromatase (the enzyme required for estrogen synthesis).
USES OF ALTRAZ 1MG:
Treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women
HOW ALTRAZ 1MG WORKS:
ALTRAZ 1MG works by blocking an enzyme aromatase which is responsible for the production of oestrogens thus reducing the amount of oestrogen. This in turn blocks the growth of breast cancer and spreading of cancer cells to other parts of body. It binds competitively and specifically to the heme of the CYP19.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. The recommended dose is one tablet a day. It can be taken with or without food.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ALTRAZ 1MG:
SERIOUS
• Skin lesions, ulcers, or blisters (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Angioedema
COMMON
• Headache
• Hot flushes
• Nausea, vomiting
• Inflammation and pain of the joints
• Weakness
• Bone loss or pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sleepiness
• Diarrhoea
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tickling, tingling and numbness of skin, loss or lack of taste
• Hair loss
• Vaginal dryness
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Muscle pain
RARE
• Inflammation of skin
• Skin rash
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea:
Stick to simple normal meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.
Vomiting:
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
Diarrhoea:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.
WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS:
PREGNANCY
ALTRAZ 1MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
ALTRAZ 1MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause weakness or sleepiness.
KIDNEY
ALTRAZ 1MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
ALTRAZ 1MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Anastrozole or any ingredients of this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
ALTRAZ 1MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:
Tamoxifen
Medicines containing estrogen
GnRH agonists
SYNOPSIS:
Drug :Anastrozole
Pharmacological Category : Antineoplastic Agent, Aromatase Inhibitor
Therapeutic Indication : Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Dosage Forms : Tablet, Capsule
MORE INFORMATION:
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
FAQ’s ABOUT ALTRAZ 1MG:
Q: Does ALTRAZ 1MG cause weight gain?
A: Weight gain may occur because aromatase inhibitors counteract the effects of estrogen. With less estrogen in the body lipoprotein lipase can pull fat into fat cells and store it there.
Q: Is ALTRAZ 1MG an estrogen blocker?
A: Yes. It is an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-cancer medication used to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Q: How long can use ALTRAZ 1MG?
A: It depends on your condition as directed by your physician. Consult your physician for advice.
