What is it? This
medication is used to treat
breast cancer in women who have gone through "the change of life" (
menopause).
Anastrozole works by lowering
estrogen hormone levels to help shrink tumors and slow their growth.
Side Effects:
Constipation,
diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting, upset
stomach, loss of appetite, body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain,
headache, dry mouth, scratchy throat, increased cough,
dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness/weakness, flushing and
sweating (
hot flashes/hot flushes), vaginal bleeding,
hair thinning, and
weight change can occur. Changes in
diet
such as eating several small meals may help lessen the chance of nausea
and vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has
prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit
to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this
medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g.,
depression), numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or
feet, persistent cough, unusual
vaginal discharge/burning/
itching/odor, unusually stiff muscles, pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs,
vision changes, bone pain, bone fracture, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent
sore throat).
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
chest pain, jaw/left arm pain,
trouble breathing, confusion,
fainting, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious
allergic reaction
to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash,
itching/swelling (especially of the face/
tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
INFO from WEBMD site.
