Anastrozole Side Effects

Brand Names: Arimidex

Please note - some side effects for Anastrozole may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Anastrozole - for the Consumer

Anastrozole

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Anastrozole:

Anxiety; back, bone, breast, joint, or pelvic pain; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; flu-like symptoms (eg, muscle aches, tiredness); headache; hot flashes; loss of appetite; nausea; sore throat; stomach pain or upset; sweating; tingling or burning sensation; trouble sleeping; vaginal dryness; vomiting; weakness; weight gain.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; chest pain; dark urine; depression; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; frequent or painful urination; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent bone pain; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; speech problems; sudden, severe headache; swelling of the arms or legs; swollen lymph nodes; vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects (up to 33%) have included nausea (up to 20%), vomiting (up to 11%), diarrhea (up to 8%), constipation (up to 8%), and abdominal pain (up to 8%).

Other

Other side effects have included headache (up to 18%), hot flushes (up to 13%), pain (up to 15%), and chest pain (up to 7%).

General

General side effects have included asthenia (up to 16%).

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included bone pain (up to 12%), back pain (up to 11%), and trigger finger.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included dyspnea (up to 11%), pharyngitis (up to 9%), increased cough (up to 8%), and dry mouth (up to 6%).

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included edema (up to 11%) including peripheral edema (up to 9%). Ischemic cardiovascular disease (4%) has also been reported.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects include pelvic pain (up to 7%).

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included rash (up to 6%) and alopecia. Very rare cases of mucocutaneous disorders such as erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have also been associated with the use of anastrozole. A case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus has also been reported.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness (up to 6%), paresthesia (up to 6%), and carpal tunnel syndrome .

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included depression (up to 5%).

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have been reported including a case of severe acute hepatitis in a patient treated with anastrozole.

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