Altraz (anastrozole) represents a significant advancement in endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early and advanced breast cancer. As a third-generation, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, Altraz specifically targets estrogen synthesis through potent and selective inhibition of the aromatase enzyme. This mechanism offers a sophisticated approach to reducing estrogen levels without affecting other steroid hormones, providing clinicians with a targeted therapeutic option that has demonstrated efficacy in multiple clinical settings including adjuvant treatment, extended adjuvant therapy, and first-line treatment of advanced disease.

Features

• Contains 1 mg anastrozole per tablet
• Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor classification
• High specificity for aromatase enzyme inhibition
• Oral administration with once-daily dosing
• Bioavailability of approximately 80% when taken fasting
• Mean elimination half-life of approximately 50 hours
• Hepatic metabolism primarily via N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation
• Renal excretion as metabolites with less than 10% as unchanged drug

Benefits

• Significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in hormone-sensitive early breast cancer
• Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to tamoxifen in certain patient populations
• Avoids estrogen receptor agonist effects associated with some other endocrine therapies
• Generally well-tolerated profile with manageable side effects
• Convenient oral dosing supports treatment adherence
• May be used in extended adjuvant settings beyond initial five-year therapy

Common use

Altraz is primarily indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women, both as initial adjuvant therapy and as extended adjuvant treatment following standard tamoxifen therapy. Additionally, it is approved for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The medication may also be used in combination settings and is being investigated for preventive applications in high-risk populations.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Altraz is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Treatment should continue for the duration prescribed by the healthcare provider, typically five years for adjuvant therapy, though extended treatment may be recommended based on individual risk assessment. Patients should take the medication at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed.

Precautions

Patients should undergo comprehensive bone density assessment before initiating therapy and periodically during treatment due to the increased risk of osteoporosis. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment, though dosage adjustment may not be necessary. Patients should be advised about potential effects on driving and operating machinery due to possible fatigue and dizziness. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be considered throughout treatment.

Contraindications

Altraz is contraindicated in premenopausal women, pregnant women, women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception, patients with hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any excipients in the formulation, and patients with severe hepatic impairment. It should not be used concurrently with estrogen-containing therapies or other endocrine agents unless specifically indicated in clinical guidelines.

Possible side effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include hot flashes (approximately 30-40% of patients), arthralgia and stiffness (25-35%), asthenia (15-20%), mood disturbances including depression (10-15%), nausea (10-15%), and headache (10-13%). Less frequent but potentially serious side effects may include osteoporosis and fractures (up to 11% with long-term use), cardiovascular events including ischemic cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol levels, and rarely, hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema and urticaria.

Drug interaction

Altraz may interact with estrogen-containing therapies, which would counteract its therapeutic effect. Caution is advised with concomitant use of tamoxifen, as co-administration may reduce anastrozole plasma concentrations. Medications that induce CYP3A4 may potentially decrease anastrozole concentrations, though clinical significance remains uncertain. No dosage adjustment is required when administered with cimetidine or warfarin, but monitoring is recommended with anticoagulant therapy.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should take it 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. Healthcare providers should be consulted if multiple doses are missed or if uncertainty exists about proper dosing.

Overdose

Limited information is available regarding acute overdose with Altraz. Single doses up to 60 mg have been administered without serious adverse effects. In case of suspected overdose, supportive care is recommended with attention to possible estrogen suppression effects. Dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial due to high protein binding. Medical attention should be sought immediately for management advice.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in the original container to protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly dispose of any unused medication according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional familiar with the patient’s individual medical history and current condition. Dosage and administration may vary based on individual patient factors and evolving clinical evidence.

Reviews

Clinical studies involving over 10,000 patients have demonstrated Altraz’s efficacy in reducing breast cancer recurrence risk by approximately 40% compared to placebo in extended adjuvant settings. The ATAC trial, involving 9,366 postmenopausal women, showed superior disease-free survival compared to tamoxifen with a favorable side effect profile. Long-term follow-up data confirms maintained efficacy with 10-year recurrence rates significantly reduced. Patient-reported outcomes indicate generally good quality of life during treatment, though arthralgia and vasomotor symptoms remain challenging for some individuals.