A globally popular medication used in the treatment of breast cancer is Anastrozole, belonging to the aromatase inhibitors class of drugs. Used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, especially in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, Anastrozole works by reducing the levels of estrogen in the body. This helps to slow down or stop the growth of breast cancer cells. A common question among patients is – what is Veridex used for? Veridex is a branded formulation of Anastrozole, and following sub-sections offer a detailed explanation of the drug Anastrozole, offering patients important information about the condition, symptoms and treatment, including use of Veridex/Anastrozole.
Overview of Anastrozole
Available in oral form as tablets, Anastrozole is typically taken as a tablet once daily, with or without food. It is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The length and duration of treatment depends on various factors, including the stage of breast cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient’s response to treatment. Similar to all medications, anastrozole may also trigger side effects; however, all patients are unlikely to experience undesirable outcomes.
Mechanism of action of Anastrozole
The mechanism of action of Anastrozole involves inhibition of aromatase, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens in peripheral tissues, including adipose tissue and muscle. As a selective and potent nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, the drug binds to the active site of the aromatase enzyme, preventing the conversion of androgens to estrogens. This reduction of levels of estrogen in the body, slows or stops the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.
Anastrozole does not interfere with other steroid hormone pathways in the body, including the production of cortisol, aldosterone, or testosterone. This selectivity makes Anastrozole effective as a targeted therapy for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Commonly reported side effects of Anastrozole
The most commonly reported side effects of Anastrozole include the following:
- Hot flashes
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Bone pain
- Osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke
In addition to the above, other less common but serious side effects of Anastrozole include the following:
- Allergic reactions – hives, itching, or difficulty breathing
- Liver problems – hepatitis or elevated liver enzymes
- Decreased cognitive function – memory or concentration problems
- Impact on vision – blurred vision or cataracts
Drug interactions of Anastrozole
Apart from undesirable outcomes outlined above, Anastrozole also has few significant drug interactions. This makes it necessary to clearly intimate the treating specialist about use of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Medications that may interact with Anastrozole include the following:
- A medication used to treat breast cancer that also has estrogen-blocking effects, intake of tamoxifen with Anastrozole may decrease the effectiveness of both drugs and should generally be avoided.
- Estrogen-containing products such as hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, may interfere with the effectiveness of Anastrozole.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors: As Anastrozole is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, drugs that inhibit this enzyme (ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir) may increase the levels of Anastrozole in the body.
- CYP3A4 inducers: Drugs that induce the CYP3A4 enzyme (rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital), may reduce the levels of Anastrozole in the body.
Ideal dosage of Anastrozole
The ideal dosage of Anastrozole depends on the condition being treated, apart from individual factors such as age, weight, and overall health. Anastrozole is primarily used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and the recommended dosage for this indication is 1 mg once daily. This dosage is usually adjusted based on individual response and side effects. For other conditions, such as endometriosis or infertility, different dosages may be used.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer in post-menopausal women?
Breast cancer in postmenopausal women may not always cause symptoms; however, some common symptoms include the following:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
- Nipple discharge, other than breast milk
- Nipple inversion or retraction
- Skin changes on the breast, such as redness, scaliness, or puckering
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area
Certain symptoms outlined above may also be caused by conditions other than breast cancer, and it is therefore necessary to seek evaluation to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Regular mammograms and breast exams help detect breast cancer in its early stages, before symptoms manifest.
What are the treatment options for breast cancer?
The treatment options for breast cancer depends on several factors such as the stage of cancer, the type, and the individual’s overall health. Treatment options typically include the following:
- Surgery involving removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the type of surgery may vary from lumpectomy (removal of only the tumor and some surrounding tissue) to mastectomy (removing the entire breast).
- Radiation therapy involving high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Typically used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells or as the primary treatment for some types of breast cancer.
- Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Typically used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells or as primary treatment for specific types of breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy involving blocking of effects of estrogen, that is known to stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or as the primary treatment for some types of breast cancer.
- Targeted therapy involving drugs that target specific proteins or genes involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often used in combination with other treatments or as the primary treatment for certain types of breast cancer.
- Clinical trials participation is also an option for patients with breast cancer interested in new and innovative treatments.
Treatment for breast cancer is a multidisciplinary approach involving a team of healthcare providers – oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and other specialists.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
