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What known risks are associated with anastrozole (Arimidex)?

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Topics (Tags):

Hormone Receptor Positive (HR+) Physical Assessment Breast Cancer Treatments Anastrozole (Arimidex) Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Medications Non-steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors

Topics:

Hormone Receptor Positive (HR+) X Physical Assessment X Breast Cancer Treatments X Anastrozole (Arimidex) X Breast Cancer X Breast Cancer Medications X Non-steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors X

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Diseases:

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Answers (1)

JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 09 / 04 / 2011

Both you and your physician will be monitoring the potential risks of anastrozole.

The risks that may cause the most concern are:
- Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD). (Potential increase in bone loss.)
- May cause higher cholesterol levels or liver disease.
- Patient's with heart disease may have more of a chance to experience an ischemic cardiovascular event. (An ischemic cardiovascular event is reduced blood supply to the muscles of the heart).

The patient should be aware and notify the physician of any changes in how they feel, particularly paying attention to bone pain, chest pain, or liver pain (upper right quadrant).

The way to monitor these risks are through the following:
- bone density test
- complete blood cell counts (CBC)
- monitoring cholesterol and liver function tests
- thyroid function tests
- monitoring serum electrolytes
- kidney function, and blood pressure.

There will also be the physical assessment of the patient and monitoring for the postmenopausal women taking anastrozole. This will include blood pressure readings, pain assessment, gastrointestinal upsets, and hot flashes.

When initiating anastrozole treatment patients may experience dizziness and fatigue. Until your body adjusts be cautious before performing work that requires mental alertness, such as driving.

For more information, see the following link:
http://www.rxlist.com/arimidex-drug.htm

Both you and your physician will be monitoring the potential risks of anastrozole.

The risks that may cause the most concern are:
-  Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD). (Potential increase in bone loss.)
-  May cause higher cholesterol levels or liver disease. 
-  Patient's with heart disease may have more of a chance to experience an ischemic cardiovascular event. (An ischemic cardiovascular event is reduced blood supply to the muscles of the heart).

The patient should be aware and notify the physician of any changes in how they feel, particularly paying attention to bone pain, chest pain, or liver pain (upper right quadrant).

The way to monitor these risks are through the following:
- bone density test
- complete blood cell counts (CBC)
- monitoring cholesterol and liver function tests
- thyroid function tests
- monitoring serum electrolytes
- kidney function, and blood pressure.

There will also be the physical assessment of the patient and monitoring for the postmenopausal women taking anastrozole.  This will include blood pressure readings, pain assessment, gastrointestinal upsets, and hot flashes.

When initiating anastrozole treatment patients may experience dizziness and fatigue.   Until your body adjusts be cautious before performing work that requires mental alertness, such as driving.

For more information, see the following link:
http://www.rxlist.com/arimidex-drug.htm

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Latest Activity: 09 / 04 / 2011
Views: 308
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