Femistra Tablet
₹ 149.00/-
Femistra Tablet is a medication containing Anastrozole (1mg) and is primarily used in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is a part of a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body, which can reduce or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that require estrogen to grow.
Femistra Tablet can be used alone or with other treatments like surgery or radiation for early breast cancer. It can also be used as the first line of treatment for advanced breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
It is important to take Femistra Tablet at the same time every day, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. The dosage may vary based on the individual condition and doctor’s advice. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage schedule for maximum effectiveness. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Common Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Weakness
If any of these side effects persist or cause discomfort, consult your doctor. In some cases, these side effects can be mitigated with adjustments to the treatment or medications.
Precautions and Warnings
Before starting treatment with Femistra Tablet, make sure to inform your doctor if:
- You are still experiencing menstrual periods and have not gone through menopause.
- You have a history of liver or kidney diseases.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Femistra Tablet should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby.
- Your doctor may conduct tests, including vitamin D levels and bone density tests, to monitor for potential side effects such as bone thinning.
How to Use
- Take the tablet as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
- You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time each day.
How It Works
Femistra Tablet works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogen. Since estrogen can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, lowering estrogen levels can help in stopping or slowing down cancer cell growth.
Safety Advice
- Pregnancy: Femistra Tablet is not safe to use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the unborn child. It should only be used when absolutely necessary and if prescribed by a doctor.
- Breastfeeding: It is unsafe to use Femistra Tablet while breastfeeding, as it may cause toxicity to the baby.
- Lung Conditions: It is not clear if Femistra Tablet is safe for patients with lung conditions. Consult your doctor if you have any lung-related issues.
- Liver Issues: Use Femistra with caution if you have liver disease, and your doctor may need to adjust the dosage. For mild to moderate liver disease, no dose adjustment is recommended, but consultation with your doctor is important.
- Alcohol: It is not known whether alcohol consumption interacts with Femistra Tablet. It is advisable to consult your doctor for further guidance.
- Driving: Femistra Tablet can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if these symptoms occur.
What to Do if You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Femistra Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Quick Tips
- Take Femistra Tablet at the same time every day.
- The tablet may cause weakness or sleepiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.
- If you experience nausea after starting treatment, taking the tablet after a meal may help alleviate the discomfort.
- Your doctor may periodically check your Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density during treatment. If necessary, supplements or other treatments for bone health may be suggested.
- Femistra Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Serious Side Effects
While most side effects of Femistra Tablet are not serious, some can be more severe and require immediate medical attention:
- Severe allergic reactions including skin rash, swelling of blood vessels, and difficulty breathing.
- Severe skin reactions such as blisters or ulcers (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
- Bone loss leading to osteoporosis or fractures.
- Joint inflammation (arthritis) and muscle pain.
- Tingling or weakness in the hands and feet.
- Hair thinning.
FAQ
What is Femistra Tablet used for?
Femistra 1mg tablet is an anti-cancer drug used for treating hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Can children or adults take this tablet?
No, Femistra 1mg tablet is not recommended for children or adults outside of the prescribed use.
Can Femistra Tablet cause skin problems?
Yes, it can cause skin issues like rashes, dryness, and itching, but these symptoms often resolve after the treatment is completed.
Can Femistra Tablet cause bone disease?
Yes, it can weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Regular bone mineral density tests may be recommended.
Can Femistra Tablet cause kidney-related issues?
Care should be taken if you have kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you have a history of kidney-related conditions.
Is it safe to take Femistra Tablet during pregnancy?
No, Femistra 1mg tablet should not be taken during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Fact Box
- Molecule Name: Anastrozole
- Therapeutic Class: Anti-Cancer
- Pharmacological Class: Aromatase Inhibitor
- Indication: Hormone-dependent breast cancer
References
- Mylan, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [March 2021], [Accessed Feb 16, 2023], EMC
- Junmei Cairns; Anastrozole Regulates Fatty Acid Synthase in Breast Cancer; Published Oct 2021; [Accessed Feb 16, 2023]; NCBI
- ARIMIDEX, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), [October 2010], [Accessed Feb 16, 2023]; FDA
