Anastrozole is prescribed for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. It is considered with the other treatments such as surgery or radiation for the treatment of breast cancer in women, attained menopause.
The anastrozole side effects are minimal and may include headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle, or joint) pain, hot flashes, nausea, osteoporosis, skin rash, and weakness.
As an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole works in order to lower the level of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This may resist or block the growth of some breast cancer cells that need estrogen in order to grow.