ONCOLOGIC
PROTOCOL
ANASTROZOLE
(ARIMIDEX)
|
| MAJOR INDICATIONS:
HORMONAL TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER (ALL
STAGES) |
| IDENTIFICATION:
Anastrazole (Arimidex) |
| This
drug has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) for the treatment of metastatic
(Stage IV) breast cancer. |
| Dose: 5
mg (1 tablet) per day. |
| Route:
Given orally |
| Duration and timing:
In the treatment of stage IV disease treatment is
continued until disease progression. |
Possible Side
effects:
- Gastrointestinal:
possible nausea and vomiting (which may
be decreased or prevented with
medications), abdominal pain,
constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
- Systemic:
menopausal symptoms (hot
flashes, night sweats, menstrual
irregularity), bone or tumor pain.
- Fertility:
adverse effect on fertility is known;
this drug should not be taken by women
who are pregnant or breast feeding.
- Respiratory:
instances of pulmonary embolism have
occurred (blood clot going to the lung),
dyspnea (feeling of shortness of breath),
cough and pharyngitis.
- Other:
increased risk of developing blood clots,
edema, dizziness, headaches, depression,
rash and generalized weakness have all
been encountered.
|
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