How anastrozole works

Anastrozole for men is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which converts the hormone androgen into small amounts of estrogen in the body. This means less estrogen is available to stimulate the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.

Other aromatase inhibitors include letrozole (Femara) and exemestane (Aromasin).

What to expect during anastrozole treatment

Anastrozole is taken as a once-daily tablet. The typical dose is 1 mg.

If you have been diagnosed with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, Side effects of Anastrozole  you will likely be recommended to take anastrozole for at least five years after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

After five years, if breast cancer has been detected in the lymph nodes (node-positive disease), the woman may be recommended to take anastrozole or another aromatase inhibitor for an additional five years, for a total of 10 years of hormone therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, you will continue to take Anastrozole vs tamoxifen  as long as the benefits of the medication outweigh the side effects.

Side effects of anastrozole

Like almost all breast cancer medications, anastrozole can cause side effects, some of which are serious.

Heart problems: Anastrozole mechanism of action  may increase the risk of heart problems in people with narrowing of the heart arteries (also called ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease). If you have heart disease, you and your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits of anastrozole.

Bone loss: Because anastrozole reduces the amount of estrogen in the body, less estrogen reaches bone cells, which can lead to thinning and weakening of bones and an increased risk of fracture. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend taking another hormonal medication, such as tamoxifen, instead of anastrozole, or may prescribe other Anastrozole breast cancer  to increase bone strength or prevent further bone loss. Your doctor will likely also monitor your bone density while you are taking anastrozole.

High cholesterol: In some cases, anastrozole can increase your blood cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will likely monitor your cholesterol levels while you are taking anastrozole.

What happens when you stop taking anastrozole?

If you are taking anastrozole to treat breast cancer, stopping it before your doctor's recommendation may increase your risk of recurrence. Research shows that if you take it for 10 years, the risk of recurrence decreases in some cases. If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer and take anastrozole for five years, your risk continues to decrease even after you stop taking it. the drug.

Some side effects, such as nausea, flushing, pain, and weakness, should disappear within a few weeks after stopping Half life of Anastrozole . Other side effects, such as high cholesterol, lymphedema, and osteoporosis, may take longer to resolve or persist indefinitely.

If you are considering stopping hormone therapy due to side effects, consult your doctor immediately. There are steps you can take to mitigate some of the most common side effects.

For more information visit our site:-  Steroidsstores