Compare Arimidex vs. Femara

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

Arimidex (anastrozole)

Prescription only

Femara (Letrozole)

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.

No information currently available

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.

No information currently available

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.

No information currently available

Used for

Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
Reduction of risk for breast cancer

Breast cancer
Adjuvant
Postmenopausal
Hormone receptor-positive Breast cancer
Advanced
Postmenopausal
Following antiestrogen therapy Breast cancer
Extended adjuvant
Postmenopausal
Following 5 years of tamoxifen therapy Breast cancer
Locally advanced or metastatic
Postmenopausal
Hormone receptor-positive or unknown
First-line
Breast cancer
Neoadjuvant
Postmenopausal
Hormone receptor-positive Delayed puberty Endometriosis - Ovulation induction Ovulation induction - Polycystic ovary syndrome