Before taking anastrozole, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take anastrozole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Anastrozole is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that anastrozole is
known to harm an unborn baby.
It is not known whether anastrozole passes into breast milk.
Take anastrozole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Anastrozole is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Anastrozole can be taken with or without food.
Store anastrozole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Stop taking anastrozole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to anastrozole.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take anastrozole and talk to your doctor if you experience
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diarrhea;
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nausea or vomiting;
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constipation;
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weakness;
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muscle or bone pain;
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headache;
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hot flashes;
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shortness of breath or coughing;
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dizziness;
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swelling or water retention;
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loss of appetite;
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vaginal dryness;
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weight gain; or
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rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Before taking anastrozole, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medications. You may not be able to take anastrozole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking anastrozole unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
There are no known interactions between anastrozole and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with anastrozole.
An overdose of anastrozole is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison control center for advice if you suspect that a very large dose of anastrozole has been ingested.