Anastrozole and kidney function

jnu3

I am not having "any side effects" that are listed; but my blood work in anticipation of my MO appointment next week have shown elevated creative, BUN and lowered GFR. Anyone else experiencing reduced kidney function and if so, what did you do or what did your medical team recommend?

Blessings2011

jnu3 - I did not have those SEs on Anastrozole, but my DH has been a Chronic Kidney Disease patient since 2011.

All the values you mentioned can fluctuate quite a bit. Not sure if you meant creatine or creatinine, but that can go up and down. Most usually associated with the kidneys is creatinine.

One of the main reasons you can get wonky lab results is from being dehydrated. If you are taking any kind of diuretic, your GFR can definitely be affected.

Have you had kidney issues in the past?

How low was your GFR?

Are you taking Zometa or any other bone builder?

I would imagine that your MO would want to caution you to stay hydrated, stay away from salt, and perhaps retest in 1-2 weeks. If you have two sets of abnormal results, you may be told to take a drug holiday to see if things improve, and you may be referred to a Nephrologist.

HOWEVER - it is important to note that there have been reports, both anecdotal and clinical, that Anastrozole does cause kidney impairment in some patients. You might try a search of this forum to see if there are older posts. And definitely ask your MO what you can do to protect your kidneys now.

Wishing you the best....

jnu3

Thank you. I have an appointment with my MO this week; am also retesting and following with primary care. I had an under 60 GFR in July. Had complete blood and urine evaluations week later along with ultrasound which were all normal. Had complete blood work in October in anticipation of a knee replacement and all tests were normal. Then diagnosis BC, surgery, radiation and now Anastrozole.

This is the first blood test since October and the first actually since BC diagnosis. I try to drink 4 - 16 oz bottles water a minimum per day; and that doesn't count that required cup or two of coffee in the am. So I am trying to stay hydrated. One thing I wish I knew before last week's test and all the tests previously, (and I feel foolish) I should be drinking plenty of water before my tests.

I tried to search the forum for older posts, but didn't see anything; not to say that I have stopped searching. There is a lot of information available and it will just take patience.

That being said, thank you Blessings20......

jnu3

Had a re-do of my blood labs and all is normal. Just need to remember to drink water prior to any labs.

Blessings2011