Altraz

Uses
Altraz (Anastrozole) belongs to a class of medicines referred to as non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors and it is used to treat advanced breast cancer in post menopausal women, or else to treat women who have gone through the menopause and have already had surgery to remove early hormone receptor positive breast cancer. This drug is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of the aromatase enzyme. Because of this, oestrogen levels fall. Without oestrogen, certain types of cancer (hormone receptor positive cancers) are unable to grow or spread.

Dosage and Administration
Altraz (Anastrozole) tablets are to be taken orally, in accordance with the prescription provided by your doctor. First-line treatment for hormone receptor positive cancer generally involves 1mg taken once per day. Certain types of cancer may require treatment for a period of several years or longer. Therefore, it is necessary to listen carefully to any instructions provided by your doctor.

Side effects
Female patients taking Altraz (Anastrozole) tablets to treat breast cancer should note that there are many possible side effects. Some examples are listed here:

• Breast pain
• Thinning of the hair
• Changes in mood
• Pain in the bones, joints or muscles
• Bleeding, dryness or irritation affecting the vagina

While being treated with this medicine, it is important that you tell your doctor about any side effects that occur. Serious reactions which require immediate medical attention may occur, although this is uncommon. Examples of this include blisters or lesions on the skin, blurry vision, painful urination, swelling or redness of the arm and a sore throat. Other reactions which are not listed here may also be experienced while undergoing treatment.

Precautions
This medicine has been known to cause or worsen a bone condition known as osteoporosis, and may increase the risk of bone fractures. Discuss this with your doctor before you start taking this medicine.

This medication is generally only prescribed to women who have gone through the menopause and cannot get pregnant. However, if you have not yet gone through the menopause, and your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you to use, it must never be used during pregnancy, and barrier contraception must be used in order to prevent becoming pregnant.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Altraz (Anastrozole) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.