Compare Arimidex vs. Xeloda

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

Arimidex (anastrozole)

Prescription only

Xeloda (Capecitabine)

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

Colon cancer
Adjuvant therapy
Duke's Stage C
When treatment with a fluoropyrimidine alone is preferred. Metastatic breast cancer
In combination with docetaxel after failure of prior anthracycline-containing regimens. Metastatic breast cancer
Monotherapy
When resistant to paclitaxel/anthracycline-containing regimens or resistant to paclitaxel and not a candidate for further anthracycline therapy. Metastatic colorectal cancer
First-line therapy when treatment with a fluoropyrimidine alone is preferred.
Colon cancer
Adjuvant therapy
Stage III
In combination with oxaliplatin. Colorectal cancer
Unresectable
Advanced
Or metastatic; first-line in combination with oxaliplatin. Esophagogastric cancer
Advanced or metastatic
In combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Esophagogastric cancer
First-line therapy for advanced or metastatic disease
In combination with epirubicin and oxaliplatin or cisplatin. Gastric cancer
First-line therapy for advanced or metastatic disease
In combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Gastric cancer
First-line therapy for advanced or metastatic disease
In combination with epirubicin and oxaliplatin or cisplatin. Gastric cancer
Stage II to IIIB
Adjuvant therapy in combination with oxaliplatin. Malignant tumor of rectum
Locally advanced
Adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy
In combination with radiotherapy. Metastatic breast cancer
HER2 overexpression
In combination with trastuzumab. Metastatic breast cancer
In combination with bevacizumab in patients previously treated with an anthracycline and a taxane. Metastatic colorectal cancer
Combination therapy with irinotecan. Metastatic colorectal cancer
First-line therapy
In combination with bevacizumab and oxaliplatin. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Ovarian cancer. Pancreatic cancer
Monotherapy.