Arimidex vs. Aromasin

• Are Arimidex and Aromasin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Arimidex?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aromasin?
• What is Arimidex?
• What is Aromasin?
• What Drugs Interact with Arimidex?
• What Drugs Interact with Aromasin?
• How Should Arimidex Be Taken?
• How Should Aromasin Be Taken?

Arimidex (anastrozole) and Aromasin (exemestane) are nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex and Aromasin are often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox).

Common side effects of Arimidex include:

• stomach upset,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
• constipation,
• headache,
• confusion,
• memory problems,
• loss of balance or coordination,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• eye redness,
• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• drowsiness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• stuffy nose,
• itching, or
• rash, especially during the first few days as your body adjusts to this medication.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Arimidex including:

• fever,
• chills,
• flu symptoms,
• slow heart rate,
• feeling like you might pass out,
• seizures (convulsions), or
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Aromasin include:

• hot flashes,
• headache,
• hair loss,
• joint/bone/muscle pain,
• tiredness,
• anxiety,
• unusual or increased sweating,
• nausea,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• depression, and
• trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Aromasin including:

• bone fractures,
• mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety),
• vaginal bleeding,
• persistent nausea or vomiting,
• unusual tiredness,
• dark urine, or
• yellowing eyes or skin.

Arimidex (anastrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox). Arimidex is available in generic form.

Aromasin (exemestane) is an antineoplastic (anticancer) agent used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromasin is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 2 to 3 years.

Arimidex may interact with tamoxifen or an estrogen medication (such as hormone replacement therapy, estrogen creams, or birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings)..

Aromasin may interact with rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, St. John's wort, seizure medications, bosentan, dexamethasone, barbiturates, HIV medications, or medicines to treat narcolepsy.

The dose of Arimidex is one 1 mg tablet taken once a day. For patients with advanced breast cancer, the medication should be continued until tumor progression.

The recommended dose of Aromasin in early and advanced breast cancer is one 25 mg tablet once daily after a meal.