ANASTROZOLE blocks the production of the hormone estrogen. Some types of breast cancer depend on estrogen to grow, and anastrozole can stop tumor growth by blocking estrogen production. Anastrozole is for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women only.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to anastrozole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take anastrozole tablets by mouth at the same time each day with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you, don't share it with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

• androstenedione
• any medicine containing estrogens (This may include some herbal products and some birth control pills)
• DHEA

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Let your prescriber or health care professional know about any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Do not treat yourself for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or other side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• any new or unusual symptoms
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• leg pain or swelling
• vaginal bleeding
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back or bone pain
• cough, or throat infection
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• headache
• hot flashes
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain
• sweating
• weakness and tiredness
• weight gain

This list may not include all side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.