Anazole Special Precautions

Anastrozole should only be given under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of anticancer drugs.
Pregnancy should be ruled out before initiating anastrozole therapy.
Postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole are at high risk for osteoporosis. Anastrozole has been reported to cause a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) due to lowering of circulating estrogen concentrations. Patients should undergo screening to determine BMD before initiation of anastrozole and at regular intervals during long-term therapy. Patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia should be monitored carefully and treated as clinically indicated.
Lifestyle changes such as weight-bearing exercise and dietary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D are advised to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women taking anastrozole as adjuvant therapy.
Monitor serum lipoprotein concentrations in patients receiving long-term anastrozole therapy.
Effects on Ability to Drive or Use Machines: Anastrozole is unlikely to impair the ability of patients to drive or operate machinery. However, asthenia and somnolence have been reported with the use of anastrozole. Caution should be observed when driving or operating machinery.
Hepatic and renal impairment: Dosage adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate renal and hepatic impairment. However, patients with hepatic disease resulting in severe hepatic impairment should be carefully monitored for adverse effects since almost 85% of anastrozole elimination occurs in the liver.
Use in Children: Safety and effectiveness of anastrozole in pediatric patients younger than 18 years old has not been established. Anastrozole is not recommended for use in children.
Use in Elderly: No dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients receiving anastrozole. There is no reported evidence of altered pharmacokinetics in women older than 80 years old.