CABREXID contains a substance called anastrozole. This belongs to a group of medicines called ‘aromatase inhibitors’. CABREXID is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through the menopause. CABREXID works by cutting down the amount of the hormone called oestrogen that your body makes. It does this by blocking a natural substance (an enzyme) in your body called ‘aromatase’.
1. What CABREXID is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take CABREXID
Do not take CABREXID :
• If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to anastrozole or any of the ingredients of CABREXID (listed in section 6).
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you are pre-menopausal (still have menstrual periods)
• If you have severe kidney disease
• If you have moderate or severe liver disease
If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CABREXID .
Warnings and precautions
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional before taking CABREXID :
• if you still have menstrual periods and have not yet gone through the menopause.
• if you are taking a medicine that contains tamoxifen or medicines that contain oestrogen (see ‘Other medicines and CABREXID ’).
• if you have ever had a condition that affects the strength of your bones (osteoporosis).
• if you have problems with your liver or kidneys.
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before being given this medicine.
Children and adolescents
CABREXID has not been studied in children or adolescents and therefore should not be used in this patient population.
Other medicine and CABREXID :
Always tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicine (this includes complementary or traditional medicines). The use of CABREXID with these medicines may cause undesirable interactions. In particular tell your doctor if you are taking:
• Certain medicines used to treat breast cancer, e.g. medicines that contain tamoxifen. This is because these medicines may stop CABREXID from working properly.
• Medicines that contain oestrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
Do not take CABREXID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for advice before taking this medicine. Stop taking CABREXID if you become pregnant and talk to your doctor.
3. How to take CABREXID
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always take CABREXID exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. The usual dose is one tablet of CABREXID once a day. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with CABREXID will last. Do not stop any treatment unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you have the impression that the effect of CABREXID is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more CABREXID than you should
In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison centre.
If you forget to take CABREXID
If you forget to take your tablet, just take or next dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.
If you stop taking CABREXID
Do not stop taking your tablets unless your doctor tells you to.
4. Possible side effects
CABREXID can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for CABREXID are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking CABREXID , please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice. If any of the following happens, stop taking CABREXID and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
• Swelling around the eyes or face, tongue or throat, (which may be a serious allergic reaction)
• An extremely severe skin reaction with ulcers or blisters on the skin (this is known as ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’). These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to CABREXID . You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Treatment with CABREXID can cause:
• Headache
• Hot flushes
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Skin rash
• Pain or stiffness in your joints
• Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
• Feeling weak
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Frequent side effects:
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sleepy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling, pain, coldness, weakness in parts of the hand)
• Tickling, tingling or numbness of skin, loss/lack of taste
• Diarrhoea
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Changes in blood tests that show how well your liver is working
• Thinning of your hair (hair loss)
• Bone pain
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Vaginal dryness
• Bleeding from the vagina (usually in the first few weeks of treatment – if the bleeding continues, talk to your doctor)
Less frequent side effects:
• Changes liver function tests
• Raised or high levels of fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. This would be seen in a blood test
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
• Hives or nettle rash
• Trigger finger (a condition in which your finger or thumb stays in a bent position)
• Increased amounts of calcium in your blood. If you experience nausea, vomiting and thirst, you should tell your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse as you may need to have blood tests
• Inflammation of your skin that may include red patches or blisters
• Skin rash caused by hypersensitivity (this can be from allergic or anaphylactoid reaction)
• Inflammation of the small blood vessels causing red or purple colouring of the skin. Symptoms of joint, stomach, and kidney pain may occur; this is known as ‘HenochSchönlein purpura’.
Effects on your bones
CABREXID lowers the amount of the hormone called oestrogen that is in your body. This may lower the mineral content of your bones. Your bones may be less strong and may be more likely to fracture. Your doctor will manage these risks according to treatment guidelines for managing bone health in women who have gone through the menopause. You should talk to your doctor about the risks and treatment options.
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects via https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of CABREXID .
5. How to store CABREXID
STORE ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. CABREXID will be stored in the pharmacy
Store at or below 25 °C. Keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the blister and the carton. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).