anastrozole, a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of advanced breast cancer for postmenopausal women whose disease has not responded to treatment with tamoxifen. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: The drug is usually effective only in patients with estrogen-dependent tumors. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, headache, hot flashes, and back pain.
