Compare Arimidex vs. Aromasin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Arimidex (anastrozole) is one of the first-line treatments for breast cancer that helps improve survival rates, but it is used only in post-menopausal women.
Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Aromasin (exemestane) treats advanced breast cancer in post-menopausal women and helps lower their chances of the cancer coming back or spreading to the other breast. However, the overall survival rates for women who take Aromasin (exemestane) is the same as another treatment option, specifically Novaldex.
Upsides
- Available as a pill unlike some chemotherapies.
- Can be used safely and effectively even in those with kidney or liver problems.
- Available as a generic version
- Can be used as first line or second line hormone therapy for certain advanced breast cancers.
- Unlike other chemotherapies, Aromasin (exemestane) comes as a pill.
- Can be used safely and effectively by those with kidney or liver problems.
- It is available as a generic pill.
- Financial assistance is available if you have trouble affording this medication.
- Aromasin (exemestane) works a little differently from other hormone therapies. If you are having difficulty with other hormone therapies, your doctor may suggest Aromasin (exemestane).
Downsides
- Arimidex (anastrozole) can cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, tightness in the chest or throat, and trouble breathing.
- You will have to get your blood drawn regularly while on Arimidex (anastrozole).
- Unlike other chemotherapies, Arimidex (anastrozole) reduces the amount of estrogen in your body, which can lead to weaker bones and other symptoms typically only seen in postmenopausal women.
- Aromasin (exemestane) can cause serious allergic reactions.
- Some people may not be able to tolerate the bone pain and body aches from Aromasin (exemestane).
- Aromasin (exemestane) reduces the amount of estrogen in your body which can lead to weaker bones and other symptoms typically only seen in postmenopausal women.
- Although Aromasin (exemestane) is available as a generic, it can be more expensive than similar hormone therapies.
- Aromasin (exemestane) is only approved for use after tamoxifen therapy.
Used for
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Reduction of risk for breast cancer
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Reduction of risk for breast cancer
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$12.85
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$31.84
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
26possible side effects
- Stomach pain32%
- Dilation of blood vessels31%
- Hot flashes24%
- Fatigue19%
- Mood disorder19%
- Worsening of heart disease in those with pre-existing heart condition17%
- Joint inflammation17%
- Nausea16%
- Weakness16%
- Headache14%
- Pain14%
- Severe chest pain in those with pre-existing heart condition12%
- Vomiting11%
- Weak bones11%
- Back pain11%
- Inflammation of the throat10%
- Difficulty breathing10%
- Swelling9%
- Skin rash9%
- Joint pain9%
- Bone pain9%
- Coughing9%
- High blood pressure8%
- Depression8%
- Heart disease4%
- Severe chest pain2%
13possible side effects
- Hot flashes21%
- Fatigue16%
- Joint pain15%
- Headache13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%
- Increased sweating12%
- Dizziness10%
- High blood pressure10%
- Nausea9%
- Pain in limbs9%
- Back pain9%
- Depression6%
- Vision changes5%
Risks and risk factors
- Decreased bone mineral density
- High cholesterol
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- History of heart problems
- Decreased bone density
- Lab abnormalities
- Drug-drug interactions
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
- Pregnant females