Aromatase Inhibitors

Question 1

What drugs are in the aromatase inhibitor class

Answer 1

• Anastrozole (Arimidex) - nonsteroidal
• letrozole (Femara) - nonsteroidal
• Exemestane (Aromasin) - steroid

Question 2

Aromatase inhibitors block the function of aromatase, an enzyme involved in _________

Answer 2

conversion of androgens to estrogens

Question 3

True or false

All of the aromatase inhibitors require renal dosing adjustments

Answer 3

False - no renal dosing is required for any of the drugs

Question 4

What are the indications for the aromatase inhibitors?

Answer 4

• adjuvant therapy in estrogen receptor–positive postmenopausal breast cancer patients (added to tamoxifen therapy)
• They are also used as first-line treatment in cases of advanced or metastatic cancer

Question 5

all forms of aromatase inhibitors are considered ______ agents that require special handling and disposal.

Answer 5

hazardous

Question 6

A key concern with the use of aromatase inhibitors requires that patients are on supplementation with _________

Answer 6

vitamin D and calcium

increased risk for bone mass loss

Question 7

Aromatase inhibitors have significant drug interactions with _________ and __________

Answer 7

digoxin, warfarin

Question 8

increased risk for _________ during aromatase inhibitor therapy is life threatening

Answer 8

blood clots

Question 9

What are the adverse reactions associated with aromatase inhibitors?

Answer 9

• pain syndromes
• vertigo
• insomnia
• hair loss
• loss of bone mass
• hot flashes
• blood clots

Question 10

adverse effects associated with aromatase inhibitors may be relieved or made more tolerable by _________

Answer 10

changing drugs within the class