Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Arimidex as follows:
- Arimidex works by reducing the estrogen production and levels of the estrogen hormone in the body. Individuals taking estrogen supplementation in the form of estrogen creams, birth control pills, or vaginal rings and post-menopausal women on estrogen supplementation to prevent osteoporosis could respond poorly to Arimidex treatment. Adding extra estrogen in the form of hormone supplementation could compromise the therapeutic benefit of Arimidex. If you are being newly started on Arimidex, discuss with your physician regarding current estrogen hormone supplementation treatment, if any. Also, notify your physician regarding any current Arimidex intake, if you are being started on any estrogen hormone supplementation and discuss their safety with Arimidex.
- Lack of estrogen in women taking Arimidex can result in perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Individuals experiencing these changes can present with vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, and depression. Notify your doctor regarding any bothering menopausal symptoms with Arimidex, so that, appropriate recommendations can be made.
- While using Arimidex for control of breast cancer, observe compliance with instructions regarding self-examining the breast. Palpate the breast at least once a month, using both the palm of the hand and the finger tips, starting at the nipple and moving in larger circles to the outer edge of the breast. This helps identify any increase in the size of the tumor or growth of any new masses in the breast tissue.
