Your safety is our first priority. Learn more about key medication details, possible side effects, warnings, and other important information about anastrozole below.
Prescribing Information
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor approved for certain breast-cancer indications in postmenopausal women. It may be prescribed off-label in selected male hormone-care plans when clinically appropriate. Off-label use requires symptom review, laboratory confirmation, and ongoing monitoring.
Black Box Warning
Anastrozole does not have a boxed warning. Important risks include bone-density loss, elevated cholesterol, cardiovascular events in susceptible patients, liver reactions, and fetal harm.
Common Side Effects
Common or possible side effects may include:
- Hot flashes
- Joint or muscle pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Back pain
- Swelling
- Rash
Important Safety Information
Do not use anastrozole if you are allergic to anastrozole or an ingredient in the product. FDA-approved labeling contraindicates use in pregnancy and premenopausal women. The medication can cause fetal harm.
Tell your provider about heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, fractures, liver disease, pregnancy potential, and all hormone medications. Monitoring may include estradiol, testosterone, lipids, liver tests, and bone density.
Lowering estrogen excessively may contribute to joint pain, reduced bone density, sexual symptoms, mood changes, and adverse lipid changes. Do not use anastrozole automatically with testosterone or change the dose without lab-guided review.
Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe skin reactions, or symptoms of liver injury such as jaundice or dark urine.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.
