Arodex

Arodex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

The growth of many cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. In postmenopausal women, estrogens are mainly derived from the action of the aromatase enzyme, which converts adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone) to estrone and estradiol. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.

Arodex is a selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It significantly lowers serum estradiol concentrations and has no detectable effect on formation of adrenal corticosteroids or aldosterone.

Arodex prevents the conversion of adrenal androgens (e.g. testosterone) to estrogen in peripheral and tumour tissues. As the growth of many breast cancers is stimulated and/or maintained by the presence of estrogen, anastrozole helps to treat these cancers by decreasing the levels of circulating estrogens. Arodex has a relatively long duration of action allowing for once daily dosing - serum estradiol is reduced by approximately 70% within 24 hours of beginning therapy with 1mg once daily, and levels remain suppressed for up to 6 days following cessation of therapy.

The incidence of ischemic cardiovascular events was increased during anastrozole therapy and patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease should consider the risks and benefits of anastrozole before beginning therapy. Arodex has also been reported to decrease spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD), so consideration should be given to monitoring of BMD in patients receiving long-term therapy.

Trade Name Arodex
Availability Prescription only
Generic Anastrozole
Anastrozole Other Names Anastrozol, Anastrozole
Related Drugs Arimidex, Ibrance, Femara, Aromasin, Faslodex, Verzenio, Afinitor, tamoxifen, Xeloda, Herceptin
Weight 1 mg
Type Tablet
Formula C17H19N5
Weight Average: 293.3663
Monoisotopic: 293.164045633
Protein binding

Anastrozole is 40% protein bound in plasma and appears to be independent of plasma concentration.

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class Hormonal Chemotherapy
Manufacturer Techno Drugs Ltd
Available Country Bangladesh
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Arodex
Arodex

Uses

Adjuvant treatment of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer, and also advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women. First-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive post-menopausal women who have received 2 to 3 years of adjuvant tamoxifen.

Arodex is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Advanced Breast Cancer, Early Breast Cancer, Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC), Metastatic Breast Cancer, Invasive, early Breast Cancer

How Arodex works

Anastrazole exerts its anti-estrogenic effects via selective and competitive inhibition of the aromatase enzyme found predominantly in the adrenal glands, liver, and fatty tissues. Many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning their growth is stimulated and/or maintained by the presence of hormones such as estrogen or progesterone. In postmenopausal women, estrogen is primarily derived from the conversion of adrenally-produced androgens into estrogens by the aromatase enzyme - by competitively inhibiting the biosynthesis of estrogen at these enzymes, anastrozole effectively suppresses circulating estrogen levels and, subsequently, the growth of hormone receptor-positive tumours.

Dosage

Arodex dosage

Adults and elderly: 1 mg tablet to be taken orally once a day.

Side Effects

More common side effects are: Blurred vision chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, headache nervousness, pounding in the ears, shortness of breath, slow or fast heartbeat, swelling of the feet or lower legs

Toxicity

The reported oral TDLo in a human woman is 1.68 mg/kg given intermittently over the course of 12 weeks. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of anastrozole overdose is incomplete as there are no documented descriptions of a patient receiving more than 60mg, a dose which was administered to a healthy male volunteer and was well-tolerated. There is no antidote for anastrozole and treatment should be supportive and symptomatic, including close monitoring of patient vital signs. As anastrozole exhibits relatively low protein binding, dialysis may be helpful and should be considered in select cases.

Precaution

There are no data to support the safe use of anastrozole in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment, or patients with severe impairment of renal function (creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min). Women with osteoporosis or at risk of osteoporosis should have their bone mineral density at regular intervals monitored.

There are no data available for the use of anastrozole with LHRH analogues. This product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Interaction

Antipyrine and cemetidine clinical interaction studies indicate that the co administration of anastrozole with other drugs is unlikely to result in clinically significant drug interactions mediated by cytochrome P450. Tamoxifen should not be co-administered with anastrozole as this may reduce its pharmacological action.

Food Interaction

  • Take with or without food. Co-administration with food reduces the rate, but not the overall extent, of absorption.

Arodex Cholesterol interaction

[Moderate] During a clinical trial, more patients receiving anastrozole were reported to have elevated serum cholesterol compared to patients receiving tamoxifen (9% versus 3.5%, respectively).

Caution should be taken when this agent is prescribed to these patients.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of anastrozole into brain tissue in mice is 3.19 mL/g. Distribution into the CNS is limited due to the activity of P-gp efflux pumps at the blood brain barrier, of which anastrozole is a substrate.

Elimination Route

Arodex is rapidly absorbed and Tmax is typically reached within 2 hours of dosing under fasted conditions. Coadministration with food reduces the rate but not the overall extent of absorption - mean Cmax decreased by 16% and the median Tmax was extended to 5 hours when anastrozole was administered 30 minutes after ingestion of food, though this relatively minor alteration in absorption kinetics is not expected to result in clinically significant effects.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of anastrozole is approximately 50 hours.

Clearance

Arodex's clearance is mainly via hepatic metabolism and can therefore be altered in patients with hepatic impairment - patients with stable hepatic cirrhosis exhibit an apparent oral clearance approximately 30% lower compared with patients with normal liver function. Conversely, renal impairment has a negligible effect on total drug clearance as the renal route is a relatively minor clearance pathway for anastrozole. In volunteers with severe renal impairment, renal clearance was reduced by 50% while total clearance was only reduced by approximately 10%.

Elimination Route

Hepatic metabolism accounts for approximately 85% of anastrozole elimination. Approximately 10% of the administered dosage is eliminated unchanged in the urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Arodex is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.

Contraindication

Patients with severe renal impairment (Creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min), patients with moderate to severe hepatic disease and known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or to any of the excipients. Oestrozen-containing therapies should not be co-administered with anastrazole as they would negate its pharmacological action.

Special Warning

Renal impairment: No dose change is recommended in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.

Hepatic impairment: No dose change is recommended in patients with mild hepatic impairment. For early disease, the recommended duration of treatment should be 5 years.

Acute Overdose

Clinical trials have been conducted with Arodex tablets, up to 60 mg in a single dose given to healthy male volunteers and up to 10 mg daily given to postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer; these dosages were tolerated. A single dose of Arodex tablets that results in life-threatening symptoms has not been established. There is no specific antidote to overdosage and treatment must be symptomatic.

In the management of an overdose, consider that multiple agents may have been taken. Vomiting may be induced if the patient is alert. Dialysis may be helpful because Arodex tablet is not highly protein bound. General supportive care, including frequent monitoring of vital signs and close observation of the patient, is indicated.

Storage Condition

Product should be stored within 30°C

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Arodex

Arodex contains Anastrozole see full prescribing information from innovator Arodex Monograph, Arodex MSDS, Arodex FDA label

FAQ

What is Arodex used for?

Arodex is a medication used in addition to other treatments for breast cancer. Specifically it is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It has also been used to prevent breast cancer in those at high risk.

How safe is Arodex?

Arodex may cause or worsen osteoporosis. It can decrease the density of your bones and increase the chance of broken bones and fractures. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication and to find out what you can do to decrease these risks.

How does Arodex work?

Arodex works by lowering the levels of oestrogen hormones in your body.

What are the common side effects of Arodex?

Common side effects of Arodex are include:

  • weakness
  • headache
  • hot flashes
  • sweating
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • heartburn
  • weight gain
  • joint, bone, or muscle pain
  • breast pain
  • mood changes
  • depression
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • nervousness
  • dizziness
  • vaginal bleeding
  • vaginal dryness or irritation
  • pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
  • dry mouth
  • hair thinning

Is Arodex safe during pregnancy?

Arodex is used mainly in women after menopause. If you have not gone through menopause, this medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby.

Is Arodex safe during breastfeeding?

Arodex is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding, because it interferes with hormone levels in you and your baby.

Can I drink alcohol with Arodex?

It's best to avoid or limit alcohol intake when using breast cancer medications like Arodex. Alcohol can raise your risk of experiencing side effects from Arodex, such as hot flashes or joint pain.

Can I drive after taking Arodex?

Do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery if you feel very tired while taking Arodex.

What time of day is best to take Arodex?

You may take Arodex at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time each day.

Who should not take Arodex?

You should not use Arodex if you are allergic to it, or if you have not yet completed menopause.
Arodex is not approved for use in men or children. You should not take Arodex if you also take tamoxifen.

Can I take Arodex on an empty stomach?

It is usually taken once a day with or without food.

How often can I take Arodex ?

Arodex is taken as a tablet once a day. It's best to take it at the same time every day.

How long does Arodex take to work?

Arodex works quickly to lower estrogen and some side effects start within 24 hours of starting.

How long does Arodex stay in your system?

The half life of Arodex is 30 to 60 hours. Generally it takes four to five half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from the body, so in the case of Arodex this would be 150 to 300 hours, or six to 12 days.

How many years should Arodex be taken?

This will depend on your individual circumstances, but Arodex is usually taken for five to ten years.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the Arodex as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Is Arodex toxic?

This Arodex can cause liver toxicity, which your doctor will monitor for using blood tests called liver function tests.

Can Arodex affect my eyesight?

Based on analysis of OCT retinal thickness data, it is likely that Arodex increases the tractional force between the vitreous and retina.

Does Arodex affect the heart?

The aromatase inhibitor Arodex has been linked to heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Does Arodex damage the liver?

Liver injury attributed to Arodex is usually mild and self-limited, typically a transient, asymptomatic elevation in serum enzymes.

Can Arodex affect my kidneys?

Renal dysfunction was considered to be a rare complication of Arodex. Patients who are prescribed Arodex should be watched carefully for the development of renal dysfunction.

What happens if I overdose of Arodex?

Arodex may cause your cholesterol levels to rise. Higher cholesterol levels put you at increased risk of heart disease.

How does Arodex make me feel?

Arodex can sometimes cause headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Can Arodex cause memory loss?

A pattern of decline in working memory and concentration with initial exposure to Arodex was observed.

http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0000000
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0002448
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0002279
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0002811
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0002811
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0000099
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0004144
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0000362
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0004139
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0004557
http://classyfire.wishartlab.com/tax_nodes/C0004150
https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=CHEBI:2704
http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0015348
http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?drug:D00960
http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?cpd:C08159
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=2187
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?sid=46504987
https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.2102.html
http://www.bindingdb.org/bind/chemsearch/marvin/MolStructure.jsp?monomerid=10015
https://mor.nlm.nih.gov/RxNav/search?searchBy=RXCUI&searchTerm=84857
https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=2704
https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chembldb/index.php/compound/inspect/CHEMBL1399
https://zinc.docking.org/substances/ZINC000000000941
http://bidd.nus.edu.sg/group/cjttd/ZFTTDDRUG.asp?ID=DAP000627
http://www.pharmgkb.org/drug/PA448432
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/anastr.htm
https://www.drugs.com/cdi/anastrozole.html
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ari1028.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastrozole
*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Share