Pharmaceutical Tablets

Tamoxifen Citrate Tablets is used with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods). This medication is also used in women, who have experienced menopause, as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body. This medication is also used to treat breast cancer in women whose breast cancer has worsened after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Anastrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

How should this medicine be used?

• Anastrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. 
• Take anastrozole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take anastrozole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
• You may need to take anastrozole for several years or longer. 
• Continue to take anastrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking anastrozole without talking to your doctor.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine:

• Anastrozole is also sometimes used to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing the disease.
• Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.
• This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to anastrozole, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in anastrozole. 
• Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. 
• Be sure to mention any of the following: medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); raloxifene (Evista); and tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• · tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol, osteoporosis (condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily), liver, or heart disease.
• · you should know that anastrozole should only be taken by women who have undergone menopause and cannot become pregnant. 
• However, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should tell your doctor before you begin taking this medication. Anastrozole may harm the fetus.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. 
• However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. 
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.