Aromatase Inhibitors (Week 8) Flashcards
What are the three aromatase inhibitors?
Anastrozole
Letrozole
Exemestane
Which of the aromatase inhibitors is a steroid?
Exemestane
Aromatase inhibitors should NOT be taken with:
tamoxifen or an estrogen product
Do aromatase inhibitors require renal dosing?
No
Aromatase inhibitors block the function of aromatase, an enzyme involved in:
conversion of androgens to estrogens
What are the indications for aromatase inhibitors?
- adjuvant therapy (after 3-5 years of tamoxifen) in estrogen receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer
- Also used as first-line treatment in cases of advanced or metastatic cancer
What are the most signficant adverse reactions for this drug class?
Blood clots, loss of bone mass
Increased risk for _________ during aromatase inhibitor therapy is life threatening
blood clots
Loss of bone mass is a key concern in this drug class because:
Bone loss can be significant if it occurs in concurrence with post-menopause and osteoporosis
All patients on aromatase inhibitors should be on these supplements:
calcium and vitamin D supplements
What are the most important teaching points for patients using these:
- Heat flashes can be severe
- Education on identifying signs/symptoms of DVT, stroke, and MI
Adverse effects associated with aromatase inhibitors may be relieved or made more tolerable by:
changing drugs within the class
What are other adverse effects in this class that are not life threatening?
pain syndromes
vertigo
insomnia
hair loss
hot flashes
Anastrozole and letrozole will decrease the effect
Digoxin & Warfarin
Exemestane should not be taken with:
axitinib or simeprevir
