Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Arimidex as follows:
- 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.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
- Arimidex intake can result in increased risk for elevated blood pressure. Taking Arimidex along with medications like ergotamine, that also stand a chance of increasing the blood pressure can result in complementation of their individual actions on blood pressure and lead to dangerously elevated blood pressure numbers. Acutely elevated blood pressure in these individuals can significantly increase the risk for development of stroke. Individuals presenting with stroke can demonstrate symptoms such as, numbness or weakness, especially in one half of the body, poor balance, problems with speech and/or vision, severe headache, and confusion. Report to your physician regarding any symptoms of elevated blood pressure and stroke development, for further investigation and necessary changes in the plan of care. Also, avoid taking Arimidex along with any other medications that stand a chance of increasing the blood pressure.
