Arimidex

Arimidex,

a trademark for an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole) used for treating estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, primarily in postmenopausal women.

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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.

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Arimidex®

Anastrozole Oncology A nonsteroidal 3^rd-generation selective aromatase inhibitor used to manage postmenopausal ♀ whose advanced breast CA is resistant to tamoxifen. See Breast cancer.