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 depriving hormone-sensitive tumor cells of their primary growth stimulus. With its high selectivity and well-established efficacy profile, Altraz has become a first-line therapeutic option, significantly reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term survival outcomes in appropriate patient populations. Its oral bioavailability and once-daily dosing support treatment adherence and quality of life during extended therapy periods.

Features

• Contains 1 mg anastrozole per tablet
• Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor class
• High specificity for aromatase enzyme inhibition
• Oral administration with rapid absorption
• Once-daily dosing regimen
• Available in blister packs of 28 tablets
• Demonstrated 94-97% aromatase inhibition in vivo
• Linear pharmacokinetics with dose proportionality
• Mean elimination half-life of approximately 50 hours
• Primarily metabolized via N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation

Benefits

• Significantly reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer in high-risk postmenopausal women
• Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to tamoxifen in hormone receptor-positive populations
• Provides estrogen suppression without the endometrial stimulation associated with tamoxifen
• Maintains bone mineral density better than other aromatase inhibitors in comparative studies
• Shows favorable lipid profile effects compared to other endocrine therapies
• Reduces breast cancer recurrence by up to 40% in adjuvant settings

Common use

Altraz is primarily prescribed for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It is also indicated for the first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women and for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy. The medication has shown particular effectiveness in patients with tumors that are both estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive, where it demonstrates the most pronounced reduction in recurrence risk. Clinical evidence supports its use for extended adjuvant therapy durations, typically recommended for 5-10 years depending on individual risk stratification and tolerance.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Altraz is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Patients should be advised to take the medication 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 five years, though extended therapy up to ten years may be considered based on individual risk assessment and tolerability. No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or those with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. For patients with severe hepatic impairment, careful monitoring is recommended, though formal dosage recommendations have not been established.

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. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended, particularly in patients with pre-existing dyslipidemia. Hepatic function should be assessed periodically, although anastrozole undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. Patients with a history of ischemic heart disease should be closely monitored for cardiovascular events. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions, as arthralgia and arthritis are commonly reported. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be considered prophylactically to mitigate bone mineral density loss.

Contraindications

Altraz is contraindicated in premenopausal women, as it does not effectively suppress ovarian estrogen production. It must not be used during pregnancy (Category D) or lactation due to potential fetal harm. The medication is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any excipients in the formulation. Concomitant use with estrogen-containing therapies is contraindicated as it would counteract the therapeutic effect. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) should generally avoid use due to limited safety data. The medication is not indicated for use in pediatric populations.

Possible side effect

The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes: 35-40%), arthralgia (30-35%), asthenia (15-20%), mood disturbances (15-18%), and nausea (10-15%). Musculoskeletal pain and stiffness affect approximately 25-30% of patients, while vaginal dryness and decreased libido are reported in 15-20% of cases. Less common but clinically significant effects include osteoporosis (10-12% after 2 years), fractures (5-7% after 5 years), and carpal tunnel syndrome (2-3%). Cardiovascular events including angina and myocardial infarction occur in approximately 2-4% of patients during extended therapy. Dermatological reactions such as rash and hair thinning are reported in 5-10% of users.

Drug interaction

Coadministration with tamoxifen reduces anastrozole plasma concentrations by 27% and should be avoided. Estrogen-containing therapies counteract the pharmacological effect and are contraindicated. CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin may decrease anastrozole exposure, potentially reducing efficacy. Although formal interaction studies are limited, caution is advised with other medications that affect estrogen metabolism. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with warfarin, though monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended during concomitant use. The medication does not appear to interact significantly with common antihypertensives, diuretics, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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 double the dose to make up for a missed administration. The extended half-life of anastrozole (approximately 50 hours) provides some buffer against temporary fluctuations in plasma concentrations. However, consistent daily adherence is crucial for maintaining optimal aromatase suppression. Patients missing multiple consecutive doses should contact their healthcare provider for guidance rather than attempting to self-correct with increased dosing.

Overdose

Limited data exists regarding acute overdose, though single doses up to 60 mg have been administered without severe consequences. Expected effects would likely include exaggerated pharmacological actions such as pronounced estrogen suppression leading to severe hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness. No specific antidote exists, and treatment should be supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within two hours. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding (approximately 40%). Patients should receive monitoring for cardiovascular effects and electrolyte imbalances. Medical toxicology consultation is recommended in cases of significant overdose.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) with excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original blister packaging until time of administration to maintain stability. Do not store in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that appear discolored, cracked, or otherwise physically compromised. Properly dispose of expired medication through take-back programs or following FDA-recommended disposal methods.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Altraz is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary, and patients should discuss their specific medical situation, potential risks, and benefits with their treating physician. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions. Always refer to the official prescribing information and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Reviews

Clinical trials demonstrate consistent efficacy with 67% reduction in contralateral breast cancer incidence compared to placebo. Long-term follow-up studies show 10-year disease-free survival rates of 68-72% in adjuvant settings. Patient-reported outcomes indicate manageable side effect profiles, though quality of life assessments note significant impact from musculoskeletal symptoms in approximately 25% of long-term users. Meta-analyses confirm superiority over tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive populations with hazard ratios of 0.58 for recurrence. Real-world evidence supports maintained efficacy in diverse populations, though adherence rates decrease after three years primarily due to arthralgia and fatigue. Overall, the risk-benefit profile remains favorable for appropriate patient populations.