Altraz: Advanced Aromatase Inhibition for Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer
Altraz
| Product dosage: 1mg | |||
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| 90 | $4.90
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Synonyms | |||
Altraz (anastrozole) is a third-generation, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor specifically formulated for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It represents a cornerstone in endocrine therapy, offering targeted suppression of estrogen synthesis through highly selective inhibition of the aromatase enzyme. This mechanism significantly reduces circulating estrogen levels, thereby impeding the growth and proliferation of estrogen-dependent tumor cells. Clinically validated through extensive trials, Altraz demonstrates superior efficacy in both adjuvant and metastatic settings, establishing itself as a first-line therapeutic option with a well-characterized safety profile.
Features
- Contains 1 mg anastrozole per tablet
- Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor class
- High selectivity for aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19A1)
- Oral administration with once-daily dosing
80% plasma protein binding
- Hepatic metabolism via N-dealkylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation
- Mean elimination half-life of approximately 50 hours
- Steady-state plasma concentrations achieved within 7-10 days
- Available in blister packs of 28 tablets
Benefits
- Significantly reduces risk of disease recurrence in early breast cancer
- Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to tamoxifen in hormone receptor-positive patients
- Lowers incidence of contralateral breast cancer
- Avoids estrogen agonist effects associated with selective estrogen receptor modulators
- Generally well-tolerated with manageable side effect profile
- Convenient oral dosing supports long-term treatment adherence
Common use
Altraz is primarily indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It is also approved for first-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Additionally, it may be used as extended adjuvant therapy following initial tamoxifen treatment. The medication is specifically designed for postmenopausal patients, as it relies on the postmenopausal endocrine environment where primary estrogen production occurs through peripheral aromatization of adrenal androgens.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Treatment should continue for the duration prescribed by the healthcare provider, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years for adjuvant therapy. For patients with advanced disease, treatment continues until tumor progression is observed. No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or those with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should use Altraz with caution.
Precautions
Patients should undergo comprehensive bone density assessment before initiating therapy and at regular intervals during treatment due to accelerated bone mineral density loss. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended. Patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease should be closely monitored. Caution is advised in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Patients should be informed about potential effects on driving and operating machinery due to possible fatigue and dizziness. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be maintained throughout treatment.
Contraindications
Altraz is contraindicated in premenopausal women, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to anastrozole or any excipients in the formulation. Concomitant use with estrogen-containing therapies is contraindicated. Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) should not use Altraz. The medication is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.
Possible side effects
Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) include:
- Hot flashes (35%)
- Arthralgia (30%)
- Asthenia (20%)
- Pain (15%)
- Headache (13%)
- Nausea (12%)
- Cough (11%)
- Dyspnea (11%)
Less common but serious side effects may include:
- Osteoporosis and fractures (10%)
- Cardiovascular events including ischemic heart disease (4%)
- Hypercholesterolemia (9%)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (2%)
- Hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes (<1%)
- Allergic reactions including angioedema and urticaria (<1%)
Drug interaction
Altraz may interact with tamoxifen, reducing anastrozole plasma concentrations by 27%—concomitant use is not recommended. Estrogen-containing therapies may diminish the pharmacological effect of Altraz. Medications that induce CYP3A4 may potentially decrease anastrozole concentrations. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with warfarin, cimetidine, or other common medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. However, caution is advised when co-administering with other medications that affect bone metabolism or lipid profiles.
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 take double doses to make up for a missed dose. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance on resuming therapy.
Overdose
There is no specific antidote for anastrozole overdose. Single doses up to 60 mg have been administered without serious adverse effects. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion. Vital signs should be monitored, and appropriate supportive care provided based on clinical manifestations. Dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial due to high protein binding.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the blister strips in the outer carton to protect from light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into drains unless instructed to do so.
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. Patients should not alter their dosage or discontinue treatment without consulting their physician. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions. Healthcare providers should reference the complete prescribing information before initiating therapy.
Reviews
Clinical trials demonstrate that Altraz reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by approximately 40% compared to tamoxifen in hormone receptor-positive patients. The ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination) trial, involving over 9,000 patients, showed superior disease-free survival with anastrozole versus tamoxifen at both 5-year and 10-year follow-ups. Real-world evidence supports maintained efficacy in diverse patient populations, though individual responses may vary based on tumor characteristics and patient comorbidities. Long-term safety data confirm the manageable nature of most adverse effects with appropriate monitoring and intervention.