Compare Arimidex vs. Nolvadex
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.
Lowers risk of and treats breast cancer.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is an effective, first-line option for certain types of breast cancers, but it has many severe side effects and needs a lot of monitoring.
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.
- In studies, postmenopausal women who were at high risk for breast cancer took Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for 5 years and lowered their risk by about 50%.
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is the only medicine approved to lower risk of breast cancer regardless of menopausal status. Other medicines are approved only for postmenopausal women.
- Effective in treating metastatic breast cancer in men and women.
- Available in both tablets and a sugar-free solution.
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.
- If you're taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) to lower your risk for breast cancer, it can raise your risk of having a stroke or getting a blood clot, especially if you have a history of blood clots or you're currently taking a blood thinner, like warfarin. Tell your doctor about any health conditions before you start taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen).
- Can raise the risk of fractures in premenopausal women.
- There are many drug interactions, including antidepressants and other chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
- Requires regular blood tests and doctor exams to monitor for side effects.
- Not the best choice if you have eye or liver problems.
Used for
- Hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Reduction of risk for breast cancer
- Breast cancer (treatment and prevention)
- Infertility
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$11.08
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$1380.32
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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%
21possible side effects
- Hot Flashes65%
- Flush33%
- Fluid Retention32%
- Vaginal Discharge30%
- Nausea26%
- Irregular Menses25%
- Weight Loss (>5%)23%
- Skin Changes19%
- Amenorrhea16%
- Altered Menses13%
- Oligomenorrhea9%
- Bone Pain6%
- Menstrual Disorder6%
- Thrombocytopenia5%
- Cough/Coughing4%
- Edema4%
- Fatigue4%
- Muscoloskeletal Pain3%
- Pain3%
- Ovarian Cyst(s)3%
- Depression2%
Risks and risk factors
- Decreased bone mineral density
- High cholesterol
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- History of heart problems
- Serious and life-threatening events
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Increased risk of vision changes
- Worsening liver function
- Current liver problems
- Blood disorders