About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered anastrozole to help treat your illness. Anastrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
This medication is used alone or with other treatments such as surgery or radiation to treat:
- breast cancer in postmenopausal women (women who no longer get their periods).
Anastrozole is in a class of drugs known as non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. It decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Anastrozole is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take anastrozole at around the same time every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. Take anastrozole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take anastrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking anastrozole without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Anastrozole is also sometimes used to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing the disease.Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Storage conditions
Keep anastrozole in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Special instructions
- Keep all appointments with your doctor.
- Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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