anastrozole
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anastrozole
[ah-nas´trah-zōl″]anastrozole
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
• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Women of childbearing age
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• ischemic heart disease
• breastfeeding patients
• children (safety and efficacy not established).
Administration
• Verify that patient isn't pregnant before giving drug.

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: decreased bone mineral density, fractures, bone or back pain, muscle weakness
Respiratory: dyspnea, cough
Skin: rash
Other: food distaste, weight gain, swelling, hot flashes, flulike symptoms, tumor flare hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria)
Interactions
Drug-diagnostic tests. Hepatic enzymes, low-density lipoproteins, total cholesterol: increased levels
Patient monitoring
☞ Monitor patient closely for hypersensitivity reactions.
• 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
☞ Instruct patient to immediately notify prescriber if signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity occur (such as itching or swelling of face, lips, or throat).
☞ 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.
anastrozole
An aromatase inhibitor, which converts androstenedione to estradiol in peripheral fat.Indications
Postmenopausal women with advanced oestrogen-dependent breast cancer that does not respond to tamoxifen; unlike tamoxifen, anastrozole is not associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer.