Anastrozole is a form of hormone treatment designed to reduce the levels of estrogen hormones in the body. It is primarily prescribed to women who have reached menopause and have been diagnosed with hormone-dependent breast cancer.
It is important to note that anastrozole should not be used if you are allergic to it or if you have not yet completed menopause.
In this article, we will focus on discussing the foods to avoid and eat when taking Anastrozole. But before we proceed into that, let’s first understand the basics of anastrozole.
So, What exactly is Anastrozole?
Anastrozole is a commonly used hormonal treatment primarily prescribed to postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The medication is known by its brand name Arimidex and was initially patented in 1987. It received FDA approval in 1995 and is also available as a generic drug.
Statistics from 2019 reveal that doctors in the United States wrote approximately 3,338,664 prescriptions for anastrozole, making it the 176th most frequently prescribed medication in the country.
Anastrozole is available in the form of 1 mg tablets, and no other strengths or forms have been approved by the FDA.
Foods to Eat
There are no dietary restrictions or requirements when taking Anastrozole. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, on the other hand, is always beneficial to overall well-being.
Here are some general dietary guidelines to follow while taking Anastrozole:
- White rice
- Hot peppers
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brocolli
- Sardines
- Bell peppers
- Pumpkin
- Flax seeds
- Brussel sprouts
- Dry beans
- Chicken (boiled or baked)
- Parsley
- Raddish
- Chickpeas
- Carrot
Foods to Avoid
When taking anastrozole, it is important to limit or avoid certain foods that may reduce its effectiveness.
When taking anastrozole, the following foods should be avoided:
- Caffeine
- Soybean oil
- Safflower oil
- Alcohol
- Foods processed for processing
- Chamomile tea
- Raw fruits and other vegetables
- Corn oil
- Foods high in saturated fats
- Lamb and beef
- Soy protein isolate
- Lemons, limesand oranges, tangerines and other citrus juices and fruits
- Sunflower oil
- Sugar-laden products
How should you take anastrozole?
Anastrozole is typically taken once a day. It is crucial to adhere to your doctor’s specific dosing instructions and follow them meticulously.
Anastrozole can be taken with or without food, as per your preference.
Your doctor may recommend continuing the medication for up to 5 years. It is essential to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment.
Keep Anastrozole at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Ensure it is stored in a safe place that is not easily accessible to children.
Side effects that is common
Almost all medications have some sort of side effect. Some of the most common side effects of Anastrozole are listed below:
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
Conclusion
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal medication used as a hormone-based therapy for women experiencing symptoms of breast cancer during menopause.
Because cancer patients have weakened immune systems, they are more susceptible to infections, so you should avoid raw fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, processed foods, high saturated foods like beef and lamb, some oils like safflower and sunflower, caffeine, and alcohol while taking Anastrozole.
