Trade Names:Arimidex- Tablets 1 mg
A selective nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. It lowers serum estradiol concentrations.
Absorption is rapid, with T max at about 2 h. Food decreases C max by 16% and delays T max to 5 h.
40% protein bound.
Metabolized in the liver (N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation) via CYP1A2, CYP2C8/2C9, and CYP3A4.
Half-life is approximately 50 h; approximately 10% is excreted in the urine. Approximately 85% undergoes hepatic metabolism.
Renal Cl decreased proportionally with CrCl and was approximately 50% lower in those with severe renal function impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 ); this reduced total body Cl by 10%. No dosage adjustment is needed for renal impairment.
Hepatic Function ImpairmentOral Cl was approximately 30% lower in those with stable hepatic cirrhosis, but plasma concentrations were within normal range. Dosage adjustment is not necessary. Has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
ElderlyThe pharmacokinetics of anastrozole are not affected by age.
ChildrenSafety and efficacy not established.
Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with progression following tamoxifen therapy; first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive or hormone receptor unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive early breast cancer.
Male infertility.
Women who are or plan to become pregnant; premenopausal women; patients who have shown hypersensitivity reaction to the drug or any of the excipients.
PO 1 mg every day with or without food.
Unlabeled UsesMale InfertilityPO 1 mg once daily for a mean duration of 4.7 mo (range, 1 to 24 mo).
Store tablets at controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F).
Estrogens may diminish the actions of anastrozole. Coadministration is not recommended.
May reduce blood estradiol levels. This may affect the efficacy of oral contraceptives.
TamoxifenCoadministration is not recommended.
Elevations of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels have been observed among patients with liver metastases.
Vasodilation (36%); hypertension (13%); ischemic CV disease, thromboembolic disease (4%); venous thromboembolic events (3%); deep venous thromboembolic events, ischemic cerebrovascular event (2%).
Asthenia, mood disturbances (19%); headache (18%); depression (13%); insomnia (10%); dizziness (8%); paraesthesia (7%); anxiety (6%); hypertonia (3%); lethargy (1%).
Rash (11%); sweating (5%); erythema multiforme, mucocutaneous disorder, Stevens-Johnson (postmarketing).
Pharyngitis (14%); cataract specified (6%).
GI disturbance (34%); nausea (20%); vomiting (11%); abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea (9%); anorexia (8%); dyspepsia, GI disorder (7%); dry mouth (6%).
Breast pain, UTI (8%); vulvovaginitis (6%); breast neoplasm, vaginal hemorrhage (5%); vaginal discharge, vaginitis (4%); leucorrhea (3%); vaginal dryness (2%).
Lymphedema (10%); anemia (4%); leukopenia (postmarketing).
Increased alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGT; hepatitis (postmarketing).
Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria (postmarketing).
Edema (11%); peripheral edema (10%); hypercholesterolemia, weight gain (9%).
Musculoskeletal events (36%); arthritis (17%); arthralgia (15%); back pain, bone pain (12%); osteoporosis (11%); fracture (10%); arthrosis, pelvic pain (7%); joint disorder, myalgia (6%).
Dyspnea, increased cough (11%); sinusitis (6%); bronchitis (5%).
Hot flashes (36%); pain (17%); accidental injury (10%); infection (9%); chest pain, flu syndrome (7%); cyst, neoplasm (5%); tumor flare (3%).
MonitorMonitor cholesterol levels and BMD periodically. |
Category X .
Unknown
Safety and efficacy not established.
May decrease BMD.
Consider the risks and benefits in patients with preexisting ischemic heart disease.
May increase serum cholesterol levels.
Patients who did not respond to tamoxifen rarely respond to anastrozole.
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