Anastrozole is a drug used primarily as hormone therapy in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is indicated after surgery and other treatments to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. Knowing the potential adverse effects, such as joint pain, fatigue and osteoporosis, allows patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and better manage treatment.
What is Anastrozole and what is it used for?
Anastrozole belongs to a group of drugs called “aromatase inhibitors” and is used to treat breast cancer in women who are in menopause.
- Treatment of advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early stage hormone receptor-positive invasive breast cancer.
- Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive invasive breast cancer who have received adjuvant treatment (additional therapy given after the main treatment) with tamoxifen for a period of 2 to 3 years.
Anastrozole works by reducing the amount of hormones called estrogens that are produced by your body by blocking a natural body substance (an enzyme) called “aromatase”. This enzyme is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens. By lowering estrogen levels, Anastrozole slows or prevents the growth of cancer cells that depend on these hormones to grow.
How Anastrozole is used in the treatment of breast cancer
- In combination: Anastrozole is often used along with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and other hormonal therapies, in a comprehensive approach to treating breast cancer. In postmenopausal patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer, Anastrozole can be given after surgery (adjuvant treatment) to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. It can also be used in combination with chemotherapy to improve treatment efficacy and attack the cancer on multiple fronts.
- Duration and administration: Anastrozole is generally prescribed at a dose of 1 mg per day, taken orally. The duration of treatment is usually five years, although this may vary depending on the physician’s specific indications and the patient’s response to treatment. It is crucial that patients follow the physician’s instructions strictly to maximize the benefits of treatment and minimize side effects.
- Expected results: Patients can expect a significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer recurrence with the use of Anastrozole. In addition, studies have shown that Anastrozole may be more effective than other hormonal treatments, such as tamoxifen, in preventing cancer recurrence and reducing tumor size. However, it is important to discuss possible side effects and expected results of treatment with your doctor.
Side effects of Anastrozole
Knowing the possible side effects of Anastrozole will help the patient manage them properly and report them to the doctor if they occur. They can also vary in severity and frequency, and it is important to differentiate between them in order to take the necessary measures.
Common (less serious) side effects:
- Hot flashes: sudden feeling of warmth, especially in the face and neck.
- Joint and muscle pain: may include stiffness and discomfort in different parts of the body.
- Weakness or fatigue: feeling of extreme tiredness that may affect daily activities.
- Headache: discomfort that may vary in intensity and duration.
- Loss of bone density.
- Nausea: feeling of stomach discomfort that may lead to vomiting.
- Skin rashes: appearance of spots or irritations on the skin.
Less common (more serious) side effects:
- Liver problems: include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Increased cholesterol: can lead to elevated blood cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Cardiovascular problems: include risk of heart disease and events such as heart attacks.
- Osteoporosis and bone fractures: significant decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
Precautions and contraindications of Anastrozole:
Alcohol consumption.
Combining Anastrozole with alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and liver problems. It is recommended that alcohol consumption be avoided during treatment to minimize these risks.
Situations in which Anastrozole should be avoided
- Premenopausal women: Anastrozole is not indicated for women who have not gone through menopause, as its efficacy and safety are not established in this group.
- Hepatic conditions: Patients with severe hepatic impairment should avoid the use of Anastrozole due to the risk of worsening liver function.
- Other conditions: caution should also be exercised in patients with osteoporosis, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
Drug interactions
Anastrozole may interact with several medications, including:
- Estrogens and tamoxifen: these may reduce the effectiveness of Anastrozole.
- Medications that affect the liver: such as certain antibiotics and antifungals, which may alter the metabolization of Anastrozole.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid adverse interactions.
Tips for coping with Anastrozole treatment
Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the side effects of Anastrozole.
- Balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains can help maintain energy and reduce side effects.
- Hydration: drinking enough water is important for overall wellness and can help mitigate some side effects such as dry mouth.
- Moderate physical activity: exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga can relieve joint pain and improve mood.
- Mental wellness: practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness can help manage stress and anxiety during treatment.
- Family and professional support: having the support of family, friends and health professionals can help to cope with treatment, as well as sharing experiences with patients in the same situation.
It is also vitally important to have regular medical check-ups to monitor the impact of treatment on the liver and bone density.
Anastrozole is a very important drug in the treatment of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Its main function is to decrease the amount of estrogen the body produces, which can slow or stop the growth of certain types of cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
Patients and their families should maintain open communication with their oncologist or medical team. If any doubt or symptom arises during treatment with Anastrozole, it is very important to consult them in order to be adherent to the treatment.
Finally, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, especially regarding the duration of treatment (usually 5 years) and not to interrupt it without medical consultation.
