Anastrozole

Anastrozole is an orally administrable active substance (mean half-life: approx. 45.0 h) from the group of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. By blocking the aromatases, the remaining estrogen production in and after menopause decreases again significantly. A single dose of 1 mg already reduces estrogen levels by 70% in 7 days and by up to 80% within 14 days. In addition, anastrozole directly inhibits aromatase in tumor cells. And thus limits the growth and spread of tumor cells.

Anastrozole has no progestogenic, androgenic or estrogenic effect.

Advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal patients.

hot flushes, flush

Tiredness

Headaches

Nausea

Depressions

Insomnia

cholesterol decline

Osteoporosis

Skin changes rarely (see aromatase inhibitors below)

Arimidex®

Anablock® 1 mg Film coated tablets

AnastroHEXAL® 1 mg Film coated tablets

The performance-enhancing effect of anastrozole in female athletes is explained by its estrogen-reducing effect. For example, when the concentration of oestrogen decreases, less water and less fat is stored in the body. This provides female athletes with weight advantages, for example.

1. Coates AS et al (2014) Tailoring therapies-improving the management of early breast cancer: St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer Robert Koch-Institute Ann Oncol 26: 1533-1546
2. Cuzick J et al (2010) Effect of anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer: 10-year analysis of the ATAC trial. Lancet Oncol 11: 1135-1141
3. Goss PE (1999) Risks versus benefits in the clinical application of aromatase inhibitors. Endocr Relat Cancer 6: 325-32

4. Kim YJ et al (2020) Anastrozole-Induced Dermatitis: Report of a Woman with an Anastrozole-Associated Dermatosis and a Review of Aromatase Inhibitor-Related Cutaneous Adverse Events. Dermatol Ther (Heidelberg) 10:221-229.