Anastrozole 1 mg Tablet (Elinal): Comprehensive Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
- Signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of face or throat
- Unusual bone pain or fractures
- Severe fatigue or dizziness
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is femistra tablet used for?
Anastrozole 1 mg is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It works by lowering estrogen levels, which helps slow cancer growth. It is taken orally once daily.
- Generic Name: Anastrozole (1mg)
- Manufacturer: Zydus Cadila
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 femistra tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एनास्ट्रोज़ोल 1 मिलीग्राम युक्त है और मुख्य रूप से स्तन कैंसर के इलाज में उपयोग की जाती है। यह हार्मोन रिसेप्टर पॉजिटिव स्तन कैंसर वाली रजोनिवृत्ति के बाद की महिलाओं में उपयोग की जाती है। यह शरीर में एस्ट्रोजन के स्तर को कम करके कैंसर कोशिकाओं की वृद्धि को धीमा करती है। यह दवा मुंह से एक बार प्रतिदिन ली जाती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में गर्म लहरें, जोड़ों में दर्द, थकान, मतली और मूड में बदलाव शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में हड्डियों का कमजोर होना, हृदय संबंधी समस्याएं और लीवर की समस्या शामिल हो सकती हैं। किसी भी असामान्य लक्षण को तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी चिकित्सीय स्थितियों के बारे में बताएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाओं को यह दवा नहीं लेनी चाहिए। इलाज के दौरान प्रभावी गर्भनिरोधक का उपयोग करें। शराब से बचें। दवा को निर्धारित समय पर ही लें और डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना बंद न करें।
💊 femistra tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer","description":"Used as adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer","description":"Used as first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic disease in postmenopausal women.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)","description":"May be used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women with DCIS who have undergone surgery.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Endometriosis","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to reduce estrogen levels and alleviate symptoms in severe cases.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Ovulation induction","description":"Occasionally used off-label in fertility treatments, though not standard.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Breast cancer
Also treats: Ductal carcinoma in situ, Hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Anastrozole (1mg) |
| Brand Name | femistra tablet |
| Manufacturer | Zydus Cadila |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Anastrozole is included in WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of breast cancer. |
| ICMR Guideline | ICMR guidelines recommend aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole as adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Anastrozole is a potent and selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It works by reversibly binding to the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for converting androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione into estrogens like estradiol and estrone. By inhibiting aromatase, this medicine significantly reduces circulating estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, where estrogen is primarily produced in peripheral tissues like adipose tissue, muscle, and liver. This reduction in estrogen helps to slow or halt the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take femistra tablet
Strength: 1 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended adult dose of this medicine is 1 mg taken orally once daily. It can be taken with or without food. For early breast cancer, treatment is typically continued for 5 years. For advanced breast cancer, treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients, but close monitoring for side effects is advised due to increased risk of bone loss and cardiovascular events. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | 1 mg |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of femistra tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Tamoxifen | Major | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Ketoconazole | Minor | |
| Estrogen | Major |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Tamoxifen
- Estrogen-containing therapies
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems and should be avoided or limited while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Pregnancy","Breastfeeding","Premenopausal women (unless on ovarian suppression)","Severe hepatic impairment","Known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any excipients"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause bone loss; monitor bone density and consider calcium/vitamin D supplementation.","May increase cardiovascular risk; monitor for symptoms.","Can cause fetal harm; use effective contraception.","May impair ability to drive or operate machinery due to fatigue or dizziness.","Avoid concurrent use with estrogen-containing products.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Not recommended. It is not known if anastrozole is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
💊 Overdose Management
There is limited experience with anastrozole overdose. In case of overdose, treat symptomatically and supportively. Contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Additional Safety Advice
Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease, osteoporosis, or heart problems. This medicine can cause dizziness or fatigue; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of liver problems. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed; do not change the dose without consulting your doctor. Regular follow-up with your oncologist is essential to monitor treatment response and side effects.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to bone loss and cardiovascular side effects. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments as needed are recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine is contraindicated in pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. If pregnancy is planned, consult your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine is often started after surgery for breast cancer. Follow your surgeon's and oncologist's instructions regarding when to start and how long to continue.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. No specific precautions are typically required, but maintain good oral hygiene.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While exercise is beneficial, avoid high-impact activities that may increase fracture risk if you have bone loss. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause fatigue or dizziness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your oncologist. Stopping prematurely may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on your condition.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to bone loss, increased risk of fractures, and cardiovascular events. Regular monitoring of bone density, lipid profile, and cardiovascular health is recommended. Patients should be advised on lifestyle modifications to mitigate these risks.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another aromatase inhibitor that may be used as an alternative.
Evidence: Well-establishedA steroidal aromatase inhibitor that may be used if anastrozole is not tolerated.
Evidence: Well-establishedA selective estrogen receptor modulator used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific vaccine interactions are known. However, consult your doctor before receiving any live vaccines while on this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. Adjust dosing times if crossing time zones, but maintain approximately 24-hour intervals. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: It may take several weeks to months to see the full benefits. Regular follow-up with your doctor is important.
A: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as interactions can occur, especially with tamoxifen and warfarin.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for femistra tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
anastar 1mg tabletArdez Pharma ₹60.94 83.9% CHEAPER
-
astronex 1mg tabletZogenix Healthcare ₹210.94 44.2% CHEAPER
-
egsure 1mg tabletSuremed Lifecare Pvt Ltd ₹243.75 35.5% CHEAPER
-
qubol tabletNeon Laboratories Ltd ₹248.00 34.4% CHEAPER
-
Anabrez TabletSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd ₹270.94 28.3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Anastrozole is a hormone replacement therapy.
Fact: Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that lowers estrogen levels, not a hormone replacement. - Myth: Anastrozole can be taken by premenopausal women without additional treatment.
Fact: Anastrozole is not recommended for premenopausal women unless ovarian suppression is achieved. - Myth: Anastrozole causes weight gain.
Fact: Weight gain is not a common side effect; however, some patients may experience fluid retention.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Anastrozole 1 mg tablet (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Elinal 1 mg tablet