Armotraz 1mg (Anastrozole)

Armotraz general information

What is Armotraz used for?

Armotraz tablets 1mg are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, as first line therapy for early, advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Armotraz tablets 1mg are also used as additional treatment for early breast cancer in conjunction with other breast cancer treatment (tamoxifen) or if tamoxifen therapy has not helped prevent progression of the tumour.

How does Armotraz work?

Armotraz tablets 1mg contain anastrozole, which is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of the female hormone oestrogen. In premenopausal women the primary source of oestrogen production are the ovaries and it is involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. In postmenopausal women, when oestrogen production by the ovaries ceases, low levels of oestrogen are made in peripheral tissues, such as fat cells throughout the body, also some breast cancer cells, by conversion of androstenedione (produced by the adrenal glands) to estrone due to the action of aromatase and then by further conversion to oestradiol (the most active form of circulating oestrogen. Many breast cancers have oestrogen receptors and their growth is stimulated by oestrogen; low levels of oestrogen may be sufficient to maintain growth of breast cancer cells in women with breast cancer. Anastrozole in Armotraz tablets 1mg blocks the action of aromatase, preventing the formation of oestrogen and helping to prevent growth of oestrogen-dependent breast tumours.

What does Armotraz contain?

Armotraz tablets 1mg contain the active ingredient anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks oestrogen biosynthesis and is used to treat breast cancer.

Treating breast cancer with Armotraz

Armotraz tablets 1mg are to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They contain anastrozole, which blocks the action of aromatase an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the female hormone oestrogen, in peripheral tissues, such as fat cells and also by some breast cancer cells. Many breast cancers have oestrogen receptors and their growth is stimulated by oestrogen; low levels of oestrogen may be sufficient to maintain growth of breast cancer cells in women with breast cancer. Anastrozole in Armotraz tablets 1mg blocks the action of aromatase, preventing the formation of oestrogen and helping to prevent growth of oestrogen-dependent breast tumours. Armotraz tablets 1mg are used as first-line therapy for early, advanced or metastatic breast cancer, also in conjunction with other breast cancer treatment (tamoxifen) or if tamoxifen therapy has not helped prevent progression of the tumour.

What are the side effects of Armotraz?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Armotraz include: hot flushes, joint pain or stiffness, skin rash gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), headache, feeling weak (asthenia), vaginal dryness and bleeding, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleepiness, hair loss, anorexia

When should Armotraz not be used?

You should not use Armotraz tablets 1mg if you:

• are allergic to anastrozole or any ingredients in Armotraz
• are premenopausal, pregnant or breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Armotraz including: oestrogen containing medication, tamoxifen, another breast cancer drug

How should Armotraz be taken?

You should take your Armotraz tablets 1mg with a glass of water once a day with or without food. You should continue taking your Armotraz tablets 1mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, but in early cases of breast cancer, for no longer than 5 years.

How long should you take Armotraz?

You should continue taking your Armotraz tablets 1mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, but in early cases of breast cancer, for no longer than 5 years.

Missed dose of Armotraz

If you miss a dose of Armotraz take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Armotraz be stored?

You should store your Armotraz below 30°C in a cool dry place.