You may need to take a pregnancy test before using anastrozole, to make sure you are not pregnant.

Before using anastrozole, tell your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you have not yet completed menopause. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take anastrozole.

You may need to keep taking anastrozole for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What is anastrozole?

Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.

Anastrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).

Anastrozole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking anastrozole?

Before using anastrozole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• severe liver disease;

• severe kidney disease; or

• not yet completed menopause.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take anastrozole.

Do not use anastrozole without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You may need to take a pregnancy test before using anastrozole, to make sure you are not pregnant.

It is not known whether anastrozole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take anastrozole?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Anastrozole is usually taken once per day. You may need to keep taking take this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store anastrozole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in your stools.

What should I avoid while taking anastrozole?

Anastrozole can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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