anastrozole

anastrozole /anas·tro·zole/ (ah-nas´trah-zōl″) an antineoplastic used for treatment of advanced breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women.

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anastrozole,

a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor.

indication It is prescribed in the treatment of advanced breast cancer for postmenopausal women whose disease has not responded to treatment with tamoxifen.

contraindication 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.

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anastrozole [ah-nas´trah-zōl″]

an aromatase inhibitor used for treatment of advanced breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women; it inhibits conversion of circulating androgens into estrogens.

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anastrozole Warning - High-alert drug!

Arimidex

Pharmacologic class: Nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor

Therapeutic class: Antineoplastic

Pregnancy risk category D

Action

Reduces serum estradiol levels with no significant effect on adrenocorticoid or aldosterone level; decreases stimulating effect of estrogen on tumor growth

Availability

Tablets: 1 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-unknown or hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer or with advanced breast cancer after tamoxifen therapy; adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Adults: 1 mg P.O. daily

Contraindications

• Pregnancy
• Children

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• women of childbearing age
• breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Verify that patient isn't pregnant before giving drug.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	>24 hr	Unknown	<6 days

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, weakness, dizziness, depression, paresthesia, lethargy

CV: chest pain, peripheral edema, vasodilation, hypertension, thromboembolic disease

EENT: pharyngitis

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, anorexia, dry mouth

GU: vaginal bleeding, leukorrhea, vaginal dryness, pelvic pain

Musculoskeletal: bone or back pain, muscle weakness

Respiratory: dyspnea, cough

Skin: rash

Other: food distaste, weight gain, swelling, hot flashes, flulike symptoms, tumor flare

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Hepatic enzymes, low-density lipoproteins, total cholesterol: increased levels

Patient monitoring

☞ Check regularly for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic disease, especially dyspnea and chest pain.
• Monitor for circulatory overload (suggested by peripheral edema, cough, and dyspnea).
• Assess for signs and symptoms of depression. Evaluate patient for suicidal ideation.
• Monitor liver function test results.

Patient teaching

☞ Advise patient to immediately report signs and symptoms of thromboembolic disease and circulatory overload.
☞ Emphasize importance of preventing pregnancy during therapy.
• Tell patient to contact prescriber if she develops signs or symptoms of depression.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until she knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• Advise patient to minimize GI upset by eating small, frequent servings of food and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Inform patient that she'll undergo regular blood testing during therapy.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.