What are the long term side effects of anastrozole?

Examples of the long-term side effects of Arimidex include:
  • osteoporosis (bone weakness) or bone fractures.
  • depression.
  • increased cholesterol levels.
  • liver problems.
  • hair loss or hair thinning.

What are the benefits of taking anastrozole?

What are the benefits of taking anastrozole? Anastrozole helps stop your breast cancer coming back after having treatment for cancer. By taking this medicine for 5 years, you have a better chance of being alive 15 years after your breast cancer was first diagnosed.

Is anastrozole worth taking?

If your cancer is hormone receptor negative, then anastrozole will not be of any benefit. Anastrozole may be given to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who haven’t had breast cancer but have an increased risk of developing it because of their family history.

Does anastrozole cause weight gain?

Studies have shown that weight gain is not increased in women taking tamoxifen or anastrozole, but it is harder to study the effects of these drugs on a woman’s ability to lose weight. Regardless of the reasons for weight gain, weight loss requires calorie reduction. This can be accomplished in many ways.

Is anastrozole a form of chemo?

Is anastrozole (Arimidex) a type of chemotherapy? Anastrozole (Arimidex) is considered a hormone therapy rather than a traditional chemotherapy medication. Chemotherapy is used to target and kill cancer cells, whereas anastrozole (Arimidex) is used to lower estrogen in the body.

Is weight loss a side effect of anastrozole?

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 …

How does anastrozole make you feel?

Anastrozole sometimes causes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Ask your doctor for ways to prevent these effects or make them less severe.

Do side effects of anastrozole get worse over time?

Side effects that tend to come on quickly include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, headache, and pain. Many of these will improve after a few days or weeks. Side effects that take longer to come on include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and lymphedema.

What foods should be avoided with anastrozole?

Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea.

What are the long term side effects of anastrozole?

Examples of the long-term side effects of Arimidex include:
  • osteoporosis (bone weakness) or bone fractures.
  • depression.
  • increased cholesterol levels.
  • liver problems.
  • hair loss or hair thinning.

Is anastrozole worth taking?

If your cancer is hormone receptor negative, then anastrozole will not be of any benefit. Anastrozole may be given to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who haven’t had breast cancer but have an increased risk of developing it because of their family history.

Why does anastrozole cause joint pain?

Women taking a type of hormone therapy called aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane) for breast cancer, may have joint pain and sometimes muscle pain. This is probably caused by a decrease in oestrogen levels. Joint pain is also a common symptom of the menopause.

What is the success rate of anastrozole?

RESULTS: Anastrozole was as effective as tamoxifen in terms of OR (21% v 17% of patients, respectively), with clinical benefit (CR + PR + stabilization ≥ 24 weeks) observed in 59% of patients on anastrozole and 46% on tamoxifen (two-sided P = . 0098, retrospective analysis).

How long should you be on anastrozole?

Treatment with anastrozole usually lasts for up to 5 years. It is important to complete your course of treatment. Common side effects can be like menopause symptoms and include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and low mood.

Why was anastrozole recalled?

In July 2019, Cadila Healthcare recalled its Anastrozole tablets. This recall was issued due to GMP deviations and potential cross-contamination due to cleaning procedure failure.

Can you be in the sun while taking anastrozole?

If patients have been prescribed an anti-nausea medication, they should be sure to take the prescribed doses. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun exposure.

Can anastrozole affect your kidneys?

We believe that the acute renal failure in our patient was associated with anastrozole. Renal injury due to anastrozole has not been published in the English literature. Conclusions: Anastrozole may be the causative factor in patients with sclerosing glomerulonephritis.

Can you drink alcohol while taking anastrozole?

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol intake when using breast cancer medications like anastrozole. Alcohol can raise your risk of experiencing side effects from anastrozole, such as hot flashes or joint pain.

Can anastrozole cause anxiety?

Mood disturbances, somnolence, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, and memory impairment have been reported among patients receiving anastrozole as adjuvant therapy.

Does anastrozole cause peripheral neuropathy?

Hormones. A trial of using aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole and exemestane) in patients with ER-positive and/or PgR-positive breast cancer showed grade 2 neuropathies occuring in 30% of patients receiving chemotherapy. Focal neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may occur during aromatase therapy.

What time of the day should you take anastrozole?

If hot flashes are troublesome: • Take your anastrozole at bedtime. hot flashes continue to bother you. There may be medications available. Muscle or joint pain may occur a few days after your treatment.

Can radiation damage your kidneys?

Radiation nephropathy is kidney injury and impairment of function caused by ionizing radiation. It may occur after irradiation of one or both kidneys, and it may result in kidney failure. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause tissue reactions depending on the absorbed dose.