Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Arimidex as follows:
Skeletal side-effects
- Estrogen in postmenopausal women help in maintaining the bone mass and preventing development of osteoporosis. Reduced levels of estrogen hormone in the body, secondary to Arimidex use, can predispose postmenopausal women to reduced bone mass, demineralization of bone, osteoporosis, weakened skeletal framework, and episodes of sudden bone pain & pathological fractures.
- Demineralization of bone in postmenopausal women, secondary to Arimidex intake, can result in migration of calcium from bone into the blood, resulting in extreme elevation of calcium levels in the blood. This can result in signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia.
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Arimidex use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Arimidex with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Arimidex intake, secondary to increased blood calcium, can result in extreme constipation and reduced appetite. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake & laxative/stool softener recommendations can help with relief from constipation.
