ANASTRALEX 1mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ANASTRALEX 1mg

p>ANASTRALEX 1mg is a film-coated tablet containing the active ingredient Anastrozole, a potent and selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. ANASTRALEX 1mg is often used as an adjuvant therapy following surgery or to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer. By lowering estrogen levels in the body, this medication helps slow or reverse the growth of certain types of breast tumors that rely on estrogen to grow.

• Generic Name: Anastrozole
• Form: Film-coated tablet
• Strength: 1 mg per tablet
• Indication: Treatment of early, advanced, and metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

ANASTRALEX 1mg plays a crucial role in modern breast cancer therapy, offering an effective alternative to traditional hormonal treatments like tamoxifen, particularly in patients requiring complete estrogen suppression.

How to use ANASTRALEX 1mg

p>Proper use of ANASTRALEX 1mg ensures optimal treatment outcomes and minimizes side effects:

• Dosage Form: Take the film-coated tablet orally, with or without food, once daily.
• Timing: Try to take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain a consistent blood level.
• Swallow Whole: Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s near the time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.
• Adherence: It is essential to take ANASTRALEX every day exactly as prescribed, even if you feel well, to keep hormone levels suppressed.

Always consult your oncologist or healthcare provider before making any changes to the prescribed regimen. Adherence to therapy significantly influences treatment success and long-term outcomes in breast cancer management.

Mode of Action ANASTRALEX 1mg

ANASTRALEX 1mg acts by targeting a key mechanism that fuels certain breast cancers:

• Aromatase Inhibition: Anastrozole selectively inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in peripheral tissues.
• Estrogen Suppression: By blocking aromatase activity, Anastrozole significantly reduces circulating estrogen levels in the body.
• Tumor Growth Inhibition: Since many breast cancer cells are estrogen receptor-positive and require estrogen to grow, lowering estrogen levels slows or even shrinks these tumors.
• Selective Action: It specifically targets estrogen production without significantly affecting cortisol or aldosterone production.

This mode of action makes ANASTRALEX a vital therapy in hormone-sensitive breast cancer, particularly for postmenopausal women where peripheral aromatization is the primary source of estrogen.

ANASTRALEX 1mg Interactions ANASTRALEX 1mg

ANASTRALEX 1mg can interact with several other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effect risks:

• Estrogen-Containing Therapies: Hormone replacement therapy or estrogen medications can counteract the effects of Anastrozole and should be avoided.
• Tamoxifen: Concurrent use with tamoxifen may reduce the pharmacologic action of Anastrozole; not recommended.
• Warfarin and Anticoagulants: Although rare, monitor for increased bleeding risk if combined with anticoagulants.
• Drugs Affecting Liver Enzymes: Medications like rifampicin (inducers of CYP450 enzymes) may lower Anastrozole levels, while inhibitors (like ketoconazole) could theoretically increase levels.

Always disclose all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are using to your healthcare provider to avoid unwanted drug interactions and ensure safe therapy.

Dosage of ANASTRALEX 1mg

The dosage of ANASTRALEX 1mg is usually standardized but may vary based on individual factors:

• Typical Dose: 1 mg taken orally once daily.
• Special Populations: No dosage adjustments are generally necessary for elderly patients or those with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment.
• Duration: Therapy is typically continued for several years as part of long-term treatment protocols, often up to 5 years based on clinical response and physician recommendation.
• Advanced Disease: In metastatic breast cancer, ANASTRALEX is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Patients must not alter the dose or discontinue treatment without medical advice, even if they feel well, as breast cancer cells can remain dormant and reactivate if hormonal suppression is withdrawn prematurely.

Possible side effects of ANASTRALEX 1mg

While effective, ANASTRALEX 1mg may cause several side effects, varying in intensity:

• Common Side Effects: Hot flashes, joint pain (arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, nausea, and headache.
• Bone Health: Long-term use can lead to reduced bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Cardiovascular Effects: A slight increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease has been observed in some patients.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness (rare but serious).

Monitoring bone density, managing menopausal symptoms, and reporting any unusual side effects promptly can help mitigate these risks during long-term therapy with ANASTRALEX 1mg.

ANASTRALEX 1mg Contraindications ANASTRALEX 1mg

ANASTRALEX 1mg should not be used in specific populations where its risks clearly outweigh potential benefits:

• Premenopausal Women: Ineffective because their estrogen production primarily occurs in the ovaries, not through peripheral aromatization.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contraindicated due to potential harm to the fetus or nursing infant.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to Anastrozole or any component of the formulation.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously or avoid due to potential accumulation and toxicity.

A thorough medical evaluation is essential before initiating ANASTRALEX 1mg to ensure appropriate patient selection and minimize adverse outcomes.

Storage of ANASTRALEX 1mg

Proper storage conditions are critical for preserving the effectiveness of ANASTRALEX 1mg:

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Container: Keep tablets in the original HDPE bottle tightly closed to protect them from moisture and light.
• Do Not Refrigerate: No need for refrigeration unless specifically advised by the manufacturer or pharmacist.
• Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Expiry Date: Do not use the medication past its expiration date. Discard appropriately following local pharmaceutical waste guidelines.

Maintaining correct storage conditions ensures that ANASTRALEX 1mg remains safe and effective throughout its shelf life, supporting optimal patient care.