Altraz (Anastrozole) represents a significant advancement in the endocrine therapy of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. As a highly selective, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, Altraz effectively suppresses estrogen synthesis by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, thereby reducing circulating estrogen levels that fuel tumor growth. This targeted mechanism offers a sophisticated approach to adjuvant treatment and metastatic disease management, providing clinicians with a potent tool for improving long-term outcomes in appropriate patient populations.

Features

• Contains 1 mg anastrozole per tablet
• Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor class
• High selectivity for aromatase enzyme inhibition
• Oral administration with once-daily dosing
• Bioavailability of approximately 80% when taken fasting
• Mean elimination half-life of 40-50 hours
• Metabolism primarily hepatic via N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation
• Excretion mainly urinary (approximately 85%) and fecal (approximately 11%)

Benefits

• Significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in early breast cancer
• Improves disease-free survival rates in adjuvant treatment settings
• Demonstrates efficacy in advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
• Generally well-tolerated compared to traditional hormonal therapies
• Oral administration supports treatment adherence and quality of life
• Established long-term safety profile from extensive clinical experience

Common use

Altraz is primarily indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer, typically following initial therapy with tamoxifen for 2-3 years or as initial endocrine therapy. It is also approved for the first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, and for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following tamoxifen therapy. The medication is used in both monotherapy and combination treatment approaches under specialist oncology supervision.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Altraz is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with consistency in timing recommended to maintain stable drug levels. Administration may occur with or without food, though taking with food may help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort if present. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Treatment duration typically continues for 5 years in the adjuvant setting, though duration may be individualized based on patient tolerance and disease characteristics. For patients with advanced disease, treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. 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 assessment of menopausal status before initiation, as Altraz is not indicated for premenopausal women. Regular monitoring of bone mineral density is recommended due to the accelerated bone loss associated with estrogen suppression. Liver function tests should be performed periodically, particularly in patients with pre-existing hepatic conditions. Patients with a history of hypercholesterolemia should have lipid profiles monitored, as anastrozole may elevate cholesterol levels. Caution is advised in patients with ischemic heart disease, as clinical trials have shown a small increase in cardiovascular events. Patients should be advised about potential effects on driving and operating machinery due to possible fatigue and dizziness.

Contraindications

Altraz is contraindicated in premenopausal women, as it may not effectively suppress ovarian estrogen production and could potentially stimulate ovarian function. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any excipients in the formulation. The medication is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it may cause fetal harm, and in nursing mothers due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not use Altraz until proper risk assessment has been conducted by a specialist.

Possible side effect

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include hot flashes (approximately 35%), arthralgia and stiffness (29%), asthenia (19%), mood disturbances (19%), nausea (16%), and headache (13%). Less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include osteoporosis and fractures (approximately 11%), hypercholesterolemia (9%), venous thromboembolic events (2-4%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (2%). Rare but serious adverse effects include ischemic cardiovascular events, hepatic abnormalities, and severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity and often diminish with continued therapy.

Drug interaction

Altraz is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 and UGT1A4 enzymes, with potential interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, ritonavir) which may increase anastrozole concentrations. Estrogen-containing therapies should be avoided as they may diminish the pharmacological effect of anastrozole. Tamoxifen co-administration reduces anastrozole plasma concentrations by approximately 27% and is not recommended. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with warfarin, cimetidine, or other commonly co-administered medications, though careful monitoring is advised when initiating new medications concurrently.

Missed dose

If a dose of Altraz 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. Consistent daily dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic efficacy, so patients should be encouraged to establish a routine for medication administration. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance rather than attempting to adjust dosing independently.

Overdose

Limited data exist regarding Altraz overdose in humans. Single doses up to 60 mg have been administered without serious adverse effects. In case of suspected overdose, supportive care should be initiated with close monitoring of vital signs. There is no specific antidote for anastrozole overdose. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within a short timeframe. Due to the drug’s long half-life, monitoring should continue for several days. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective given the high protein binding of anastrozole. Management should focus on symptomatic treatment and supportive measures based on clinical presentation.

Storage

Altraz tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) in the original container to protect from light and moisture. The medication should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Tablets should not be used beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations, typically through medication take-back programs or by mixing with undesirable substance and placing in sealed containers in household trash. Tablets should not be flushed down toilets or drains unless specifically instructed.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Altraz should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional familiar with the patient’s medical history and current condition. Treatment decisions must be based on individual patient factors and professional medical judgment. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for complete information about their specific treatment regimen and any concerns regarding therapy.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Altraz significantly improves disease-free survival compared to tamoxifen in hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer, with a 26% reduction in recurrence risk shown in the ATAC trial. Long-term follow-up data confirm maintained efficacy advantage with generally favorable tolerability profile. Many clinicians appreciate the predictable pharmacokinetics and once-daily dosing regimen that supports patient compliance. Some patients report better tolerance compared to other endocrine therapies, particularly regarding gynecological symptoms, though musculoskeletal symptoms remain a challenge for some individuals. The established efficacy in both adjuvant and metastatic settings makes Altraz a valuable option in the endocrine therapy arsenal.