Altraz

Common use

Altraz tablet is primarily used for managing breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This medicine falls under the category of aromatase inhibitors, a group of medicines that function by minimising oestrogen levels in the body.
In addition to its main use, this tablet also plays a significant role as an adjuvant in the early stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treatment. It can be employed alone or in combination with other therapies such as surgery or radiation therapy. Moreover, it is a first-line medication for advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown breast cancer management in postmenopausal women.

Dosage and direction

Here are some instructions for taking Altraz:
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
You can take it with or without food according to your preference.
Ensure to take the medicine at the same time each day for effective results.
Continue taking the medicine as long as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not crush or chew the tablet before swallowing.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Precautions

Altraz tablet is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, it's crucial that you discuss this with your doctor before starting this medicine.
Altraz tablet is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Caution is advised while taking this medicine when drinking alcohol. Do discuss this with your doctor. If you have mild to moderate liver issues, caution is advised while taking Altraz. For severe liver diseases, it's not recommended. Make sure to discuss your liver health with your doctor before starting this medicine.
Caution is advised if you have any history of kidney problems before using Altraz. It's a good idea to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Altraz tablet may cause dizziness or tiredness which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Be sure to understand how you react to the medicine before engaging in such activities.
If you know you're allergic to anastrozole or any other ingredients in Altraz, avoid taking it. An allergic reaction may cause itching, rash or swelling.
Altraz tablet is not meant for use in children under 18 years of age. Always consult your doctor before giving any medicine to a child.
Older patients should take Altraz tablet under medical supervision as they may be more susceptible to its side effects.

Contraindications

Ischemic heart disease: Those with this condition should be cautious as Altraz could heighten the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events.
Osteoporosis: Altraz might increase bone loss, leading to further complications in patients suffering from osteoporosis.

Possible side effect

Altraz have the following common side effects: Hot flashes; Nausea; Fatigue; Joint pain (arthralgia); Headache; Osteoporosis: This means a condition where your bones become weak and are more likely to fracture; Increased risk of bone fractures.
Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless, which resolve on discontinuing the use of Altraz tablet. However, if you experience any serious side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Drug interaction

Altraz interacts with the following medicines:
Oestrogen-containing medications: Anastrozole may be less effective when taken with oestrogen-containing medications, such as hormone replacement therapies (e.g., estradiol) or oral contraceptives, as they can counteract its effects.
Other anti-oestrogen medicines: Co-administration with tamoxifen used in breast cancer treatment, may reduce the efficacy of anastrozole.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Anastrozole can interact with warfarin or other anticoagulants, potentially altering the anticoagulant effects and increasing the risk of bleeding.

Missed dose

If you forget to take your Altraz tablet, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and get back on track with your regular schedule. Never take an extra dose without speaking to your doctor first.

Overdose

If you accidentally take too much of Altraz, you might experience symptoms like hot flashes, nausea, or fatigue. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor.

Storage

Store Altraz at room temperature. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light. Ensure the medicine is out of reach from children. Always check the expiry date and use the medicine before it expires.