Armotraz contains anastrozole as the active ingredient. Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that helps in blocking the oestrogen biosynthesis and prevents spread of breast cancer.

One should not take Armotraz if they are premenopausal, pregnant or breast-feeding. Armotraz can harm an unborn baby, thus, avoid it during pregnancy. Armotraz is excreted through breastmilk and can harm the nursing baby. Thus, breastfeeding mothers should not use Armotraz.

Women with liver or kidney disease should not be given Armotraz. Those taking tamoxifen or estrogen for hormone replacement therapy should also avoid Armotraz. Women who are allergic to Armotraz or any of the ingredients tablets should not take this drug.

Follow the instructions as advised by the doctor. Never change the dose on your own. The recommended dose for Armotraz is one tablet daily. Swallow with a glass of water or any other liquid. Use the drug as long as prescribed by the doctor. Armotraz may be required to be taken for months or years.

Never take more than the required dose of Armotraz. If you forget to take your tablet, take it immediately after you remember about it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose missed. If you overdose on Armotraz, call the doctor immediately.

Armotraz can lead to side effects, but not all using the drug may experience it. Some of the common side effects of Armotraz include:

• Hot flushes
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Thinning of hair
• Loss of appetite
• Increase in blood lipids
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal dryness
• Drowsiness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

A few patients may experience ‘finger-snap’ wherein a finger or thumb takes a bent positon. In rare cases, one may develop liver inflammation. In very rare cases, Stevens-Dzhonsyn syndrome may be seen in patients using Armotraz.