Compare Arimidex vs. docetaxel
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 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.
Used for
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Reduction of risk for breast cancer
- Breast cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Gastric adenocarcinoma
- Head and neck cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer (metastatic)
- Esophageal cancer
- Ewing sarcoma or osterosarcoma
- Small cell lung 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 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%
18possible side effects
- Hair loss76%
- Weakness62%
- Mouth irritation42%
- Nausea39%
- Diarrhea39%
- Severely low white blood cell count32%
- Vomiting22%
- Muscle pain19%
- Low white blood cell count with infection/fever11%
- Severely low red blood cell count9%
- Joint pain9%
- Low platelet cell count8%
- Severe fluid retention with premedication7%
- Severe infections6%
- Injection site reaction4%
- Severe nail changes3%
- Severe fever without infection2%
- Serious allergic reaction with premedication2%
Risks and risk factors
- Decreased bone mineral density
- High cholesterol
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- History of heart problems
- 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