Altraz (anastrozole) is a potent, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It represents a cornerstone in endocrine therapy, specifically designed to suppress estrogen synthesis by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, thereby reducing the proliferation of estrogen-dependent tumor cells. With its high selectivity and well-established efficacy profile, Altraz offers a targeted therapeutic approach that significantly improves disease-free survival and reduces contralateral breast cancer incidence. Its oral administration and favorable tolerability make it a preferred option in long-term management strategies.

Features

• Contains 1 mg anastrozole per tablet
• Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor class
• High specificity for aromatase enzyme inhibition
• Oral tablet formulation for convenient administration
• Bioavailability of approximately 80% when taken fasting
• Maximum plasma concentration reached within 2 hours under fasting conditions
• Mean elimination half-life of 40-50 hours
• Steady-state plasma concentrations achieved in approximately 7 days
• Primarily metabolized via hepatic N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation
• Excretion primarily renal (approximately 85%) with 11% fecal elimination

Benefits

• Significantly reduces the risk of disease recurrence in hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer
• Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to tamoxifen in specific patient populations
• Reduces incidence of contralateral breast cancer by approximately 40%
• Avoids estrogen agonist effects associated with tamoxifen therapy
• Maintains bone mineral density better than other aromatase inhibitors
• Lower incidence of thromboembolic events compared to tamoxifen-based regimens
• Minimal impact on lipid metabolism compared to other endocrine therapies
• Convenient once-daily dosing supports treatment adherence

Common use

Altraz is primarily prescribed as adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer following primary therapy. It is also indicated for the first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women and for treatment advancement in women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy. The medication is typically administered as long-term therapy, with treatment durations ranging from 5 to 10 years based on individual risk assessment and clinical guidelines. Clinical evidence supports its use in both node-positive and node-negative disease, with particular benefit in patients with higher recurrence risk profiles.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Altraz is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Administration should occur at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent plasma concentrations. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Treatment duration typically continues for 5 years, though extended therapy up to 10 years may be considered based on individual risk assessment and tolerability. For patients with advanced breast cancer, treatment should continue until tumor progression is documented. No dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients or those with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, though caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment.

Precautions

Patients should undergo comprehensive bone mineral density assessment before initiating therapy and at regular intervals during treatment due to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended, particularly in patients with pre-existing dyslipidemia. Hepatic function should be assessed periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions. Patients should be advised about potential effects on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Caution is warranted in patients with history of ischemic heart disease. Regular gynecological examinations are recommended due to potential vaginal dryness and related complications. Patients should be monitored for emerging depression or mood changes throughout therapy.

Contraindications

Altraz is contraindicated in premenopausal women, as it may not effectively suppress ovarian estrogen production. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any component of the formulation. Use is prohibited during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category D) and lactation due to potential fetal harm. The medication is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Concomitant use with estrogen-containing therapies is contraindicated as it may interfere with pharmacological activity. It should not be administered to patients with history of hypersensitivity reactions to other aromatase inhibitors.

Possible side effects

The most frequently reported adverse reactions include hot flashes (35%), asthenia (16%), arthritis (14%), pain (13%), and pharyngitis (12%). Musculoskeletal symptoms such as arthralgia and myalgia occur in approximately 10-15% of patients. Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea (11%), diarrhea (8%), and vomiting (7%) are commonly observed. Cardiovascular effects may include hypertension (5%) and ischemic cardiovascular events (2%). Metabolic changes can manifest as hypercholesterolemia (9%) and weight gain (5%). Neurological symptoms include headache (13%) and dizziness (6%). Dermatological reactions such as rash (6%) and increased sweating (5%) may occur. Long-term use is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.

Drug interaction

Estrogen-containing therapies may diminish the pharmacological effect of Altraz and should be avoided. Tamoxifen co-administration reduces anastrozole plasma concentrations by approximately 27% and is not recommended. CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin may decrease anastrozole exposure, potentially reducing efficacy. Medications that affect liver enzymes should be used with caution. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with warfarin, though monitoring is advised. Concomitant use with other anticancer therapies should be carefully evaluated for additive toxicities. Herbal supplements containing phytoestrogens may interfere with therapeutic efficacy and should be avoided.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. The effectiveness of treatment depends on consistent daily administration, so patients should be advised to use reminder systems if forgetfulness becomes a pattern. If multiple doses are missed, medical advice should be sought regarding continuation of therapy.

Overdose

There is limited experience with Altraz overdose. Single doses up to 60 mg have been administered without severe adverse effects. Expected symptoms of overdose would likely include exaggerated pharmacological effects such as severe hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within a short time frame. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding. Medical supervision is recommended for any suspected overdose, with particular attention to potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Do not store in bathroom areas where moisture levels are high. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused medication through take-back programs or following specific disposal instructions.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient characteristics and current clinical guidelines. The prescribing physician should be consulted for specific recommendations and monitoring requirements. Patients should not alter their treatment regimen without medical supervision. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, medical knowledge evolves and the most current prescribing information should always be consulted.

Reviews

Clinical trials demonstrate that Altraz reduces the risk of disease recurrence by approximately 40% compared to no endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. The ATAC trial showed superior disease-free survival compared to tamoxifen with a hazard ratio of 0.87. Long-term follow-up data confirms maintained efficacy advantage over 10-year period. Patient-reported outcomes indicate generally good tolerability, though musculoskeletal symptoms remain a common reason for treatment discontinuation. Quality of life studies show comparable overall quality of life to tamoxifen despite different side effect profiles. Real-world evidence supports the effectiveness observed in clinical trials across diverse patient populations.