Compare Arimidex vs. docetaxel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Arimidex (anastrozole)

Prescription only

Taxotere (docetaxel)

Prescription only
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 cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, stomach, and head and neck cancer.

As with other chemotherapy, Taxotere (docetaxel) is linked with serious side effects but there has been over 2 decades of experience showing its effectiveness and safety in patients.

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.
  • Taxotere (docetaxel) is a very effective medication in a variety of cancer types, shown to increase survival time and slow cancer progression.
  • Over 2 decades of experience and evidence for Taxotere (docetaxel) showing effectiveness in patients with cancer.
  • Available in generic.
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.
  • Taxotere (docetaxel) can cause serious allergic reactions, swelling, liver damage, serious skin reactions, changes in vision, and in rare cases, a type of cancer (acute myeloid leukemia).
  • Some forms of Taxotere (docetaxel) contains alcohol and can cause you to feel dizzy and tired.
  • Can cause tingling/numbness/burning pain in hands and feet, bleeding/bruising, or infections.
  • Can cause nausea or vomiting.
  • Must receive Taxotere (docetaxel) by injection at a clinic or hospital.
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Used for
  • Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
  • Reduction of risk for breast cancer
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$9.80
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Reviews
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Side effects
26possible side effects
  • Stomach pain
    32%
  • Dilation of blood vessels
    31%
  • Hot flashes
    24%
  • Fatigue
    19%
  • Mood disorder
    19%
  • Worsening of heart disease in those with pre-existing heart condition
    17%
  • Joint inflammation
    17%
  • Nausea
    16%
  • Weakness
    16%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Pain
    14%
  • Severe chest pain in those with pre-existing heart condition
    12%
  • Vomiting
    11%
  • Weak bones
    11%
  • Back pain
    11%
  • Inflammation of the throat
    10%
  • Difficulty breathing
    10%
  • Swelling
    9%
  • Skin rash
    9%
  • Joint pain
    9%
  • Bone pain
    9%
  • Coughing
    9%
  • High blood pressure
    8%
  • Depression
    8%
  • Heart disease
    4%
  • Severe chest pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
18possible side effects
  • Hair loss
    76%
  • Weakness
    62%
  • Mouth irritation
    42%
  • Nausea
    39%
  • Diarrhea
    39%
  • Severely low white blood cell count
    32%
  • Vomiting
    22%
  • Muscle pain
    19%
  • Low white blood cell count with infection/fever
    11%
  • Severely low red blood cell count
    9%
  • Joint pain
    9%
  • Low platelet cell count
    8%
  • Severe fluid retention with premedication
    7%
  • Severe infections
    6%
  • Injection site reaction
    4%
  • Severe nail changes
    3%
  • Severe fever without infection
    2%
  • Serious allergic reaction with premedication
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Decreased bone mineral density
  • High cholesterol
    • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease
    • History of heart problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Deaths related to treatment
    • Liver disease
    • High Taxotere (docetaxel) doses
    • Patients with non-small cell lung cancer with a history of receiving platinum-based chemotherapy
  • Liver toxicity
    • Abnormal liver tests
  • Low white blood cell count
    • Previously low white blood cell count
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Fluid retention
  • Nerve damage and pain
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Arimidex (anastrozole)
Learn more about Taxotere (docetaxel)