Aromasin vs Arimidex
Arimidex and Aromasin are two brand-name hormone therapy medications used to treat breast cancer. These drugs work by reducing estrogen levels in the body, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of breast cancer cells. While they share similar functions, what differentiates Arimidex from Aromasin?
Aromasin
Aromasin is the brand name for Exemestane. Approved by the FDA in 1999, it is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have been on tamoxifen for two to three years. Aromasin is administered in a 25 mg daily tablet taken after a meal. Studies show that food enhances the body’s absorption of Aromasin.
Arimidex
Arimidex is the brand name for Anastrozole, which gained FDA approval in 1995 for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is available as a 1 mg tablet taken once daily, with or without food, as food does not significantly impact its absorption.
What is the Difference Between Arimidex and Aromasin?
Wondering how Aromasin and Arimidex differ? Here, we’ll compare these medications in terms of ingredients, uses, side effects, dosage, cost, and effectiveness.
Ingredients
The key active ingredient in Aromasin is exemestane, while Arimidex contains anastrozole. Both medications belong to the class of aromatase inhibitors, which lower estrogen production.
Uses
Aromasin and Arimidex are used to treat advanced breast cancer. Additionally, both are used in:
- Adjuvant treatment
- Initial treatment for hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown breast cancer
Dosage
Aromasin is taken as 25 mg once daily, whereas Arimidex is taken as 1 mg daily.
Side Effects
As both drugs belong to the same class, they often share similar side effects. Common side effects include:
For Aromasin:
- Increased sweating
- Increased appetite
For Arimidex:
- Weakness
- Arthritis
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Swelling of legs, ankles, feet, or armpits
- Bone pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
Common to Both Aromasin and Arimidex:
- Hot flashes
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Joint pain, including back pain
- Headache
- Nausea
Effectiveness
Research indicates that both Aromasin and Arimidex are equally effective. After five years of treatment with either drug, the cancer survival rates for patients ranged from 88% to 90%.
Cost
Aromasin is priced between $1,093 and $1,149, while Arimidex ranges from $1,548 to $1,627. However, you can purchase the Indian version of 25 mg Aromasin for $263.76. The actual cost will depend on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy.
Which is better: Arimidex vs Aromasin?
Both medications are excellent options for hormone therapy in treating breast cancer. Clinical studies suggest that Arimidex and Aromasin are equally effective in treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women.