NASTROSA

Nastrosa tablets 1mg Why do I need this medicine? Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women who have reached menopause (menstrual cycle has stopped).

Anastrozole lowers the level of a female hormone called oestrogen. This helps to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells because breast cancer cells need oestrogen to grow.

It can be used on its own or together with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery to treat breast cancer.

Anastrozole may also be used for other purposes, such as to prevent breast cancer in women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

How do I take this medicine? Take Anastrozole exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may need to take Anastrozole for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Do not be discouraged if you do not feel better soon after taking the medicine. Anastrozole must be taken regularly for it to work well.

Continue taking Anastrozole even when you feel well. Do not stop taking Anastrozole unless instructed by your doctor.

You may also need to take Anastrozole for a long time, perhaps for many years. Your doctor will advise you about how long you need to be treated with Anastrozole.

You may take Anastrozole with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Can I take this with other medicines? Do not take Anastrozole if you are also being treated with tamoxifen or medicines that contain oestrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills and even creams or vaginal products that contain oestrogen.

Alert your doctor if you are taking raloxifene or medicines known as LHRH analogues such as leuprorelin, buserelin or triptorelin.

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription. How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

When should I not use this medicine? Stop Anastrozole and alert your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while being treated with Anastrozole. Anastrozole may cause harm to an unborn child.

Do not take Anastrozole if you are not yet menopausal and are still having your periods.

Alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Alert your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not take Anastrozole if you are also being treated with tamoxifen or medicines that contain oestrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills and even creams or vaginal products that contain oestrogen. What should I take note of while taking this medicine? Alert your doctor if you have heart disease, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) or high cholesterol levels.

Anastrozole may increase your risk of getting a fracture if you have osteoporosis. Regular exercise and daily intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements can help you lower this risk. Your doctor may also perform a bone mineral density (BMD) test to determine the condition of your bones before starting you on Anastrozole. You may need to have the BMD test done regularly while you are being treated with Anastrozole. Your doctor will inform you about how often you need to have this test done.

Anastrozole may also increase your cholesterol level. You will need to have your cholesterol level checked regularly while you are being treated with Anastrozole. Regular exercise and a low fat diet can help you keep your cholesterol level low.

Anastrozole is not meant for use in children or men. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol.

ANASTROZOLE

Anastrozole may cause drowsiness, dizziness or weakness. If you feel drowsy, dizzy or weak, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other common side effects include hot flushes, joint pain or stiffness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping and rash. There may also be pain, weakness or numbness in the hand or wrist, vaginal dryness and bleeding.

Let your doctor know if these side effects bother you or if they do not go away.

Other side effects are less common but may be serious and need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:
- severe rash (broken skin, sores, ulcers or blisters on the skin, or if rash is over large areas of your body)
- allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing)
- liver reactions (feeling unwell, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain near your stomach area)

Alert your doctor if you notice any other side effects while being treated with Anastrozole.