Aromasin vs Arimidex: Basic Differences and Similarities
Aromasin and Arimidex are used to treat women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive Breast Cancer.
Both medications are FDA-approved and belong to Aromatase inhibitors that reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Due to early detection, treatment improvements, and cancer awareness, the mortality rate from Breast Cancer has declined by 43% since 2020.
But still, a lot of women who have breast cancer get confused about which treatment or medicine can best suit them.
In this article, we will compare Aromasin vs Arimidex.
Continue reading to know the similarities and differences in dosage, side effects, and cost.
The overview: Aromasin vs Arimidex
| Aromasin | Arimidex | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Exemestane | Anastrozole |
| Brand name | Aromasin | Arimidex |
| Drug class | Aromatase inhibitor | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Uses | Treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women | Treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women |
| Mechanism of action | Inhibits aromatase enzyme to lower estrogen levels | Inhibits aromatase enzyme to lower estrogen levels |
| Dosage form | Tablet | Tablet |
| Dosage strengths | 25 mg | 1 mg |
| Dosage frequency | Once daily | Once daily |
| Drug interactions | Estrogen-containing medications, tamoxifen, warfarin | Estrogen-containing medications, tamoxifen, warfarin |
| Cost | $84.93 for 30 tablets (approx) | $207 for 28 tablets (approx) |
What is Arimidex
Arimidex is a brand name for Anastrozole salt and belongs to the class of aromatase inhibitors.
It was FDA-approved in 1995 for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Arimidex is available in 1mg strength tablets taken once a day with or without food.
The absorption of Arimidex into the body is not affected by food intake.
Arimidex is manufactured by the AstraZeneca group of companies.
What is Aromasin
Aromasin is a brand name given to Exemestane salt and belongs to the class of Aromatase inhibitors.
It was FDA-approved in 1999 and is also used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Aromasin is prescribed to patients who have already used Tamoxifen for over two years.
It is available in a 25mg strength tablet once daily after a meal.
Absorption of Aromasin in the body may increase if taken after eating food.
Aromasin with Exemestane as the active salt is manufactured by Pfizer.
Which is more effective: Arimidex or Aromasin
Arimidex and Aromasin are both effective treatments for Breast Cancer.
The effectiveness depends on a number of factors, such as the individual’s response to the treatment, side effects, and cost of treatment.
A study published by Lancet Oncology compared the effectiveness of Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole.
The study showed that Aromasin and Arimidex are equally effective for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The study also found that taking Tamoxifen for two years, followed by aromatase Inhibitors for three years, was better than taking aromatase inhibitors for five years.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that both Arimidex and Aromasin are similarly effective for the treatment of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer.
Tolerability and potential side effects are the major deciding factors for choosing the right medicine.
The study also suggested that Aromasin can be an initial choice for Adjuvant therapy because it does not need the prior Tamoxifen treatment for two to three years.
Arimidex may start working immediately and help in lowering the estrogen level.
However, Aromasin can lower the estrogen level by 22% to 37% after 2 to 4 days of starting the course.
This information can be helpful for you as well as your healthcare providers when making treatment decisions.
Side effects of Aromasin and Arimidex
Arimidex and Aromasin can show similar side effects like hot flashes, muscle pain, and joint pain.
As aromatase inhibitors, these medications can cause decreased bone density and increased risk of Osteoporosis.
Some of the side effects of both medicines are as follows:
| Side Effects | Aromasin | Arimidex |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Hot flashes, fatigue, sweating | Hot flashes, fatigue, joint pain |
| Headache, insomnia, nausea | Headache, insomnia, nausea | |
| Less Common | Muscle and joint pain, dizziness | Mood changes, skin rash |
| Stomach pain, constipation | Back pain, bone fractures | |
| Rare | High blood pressure, liver problems | Allergic reactions, heart problems |
| Depression, confusion | Blood clots, vision changes |
Drug interaction
If you are taking Aromasin (Exemestane) or Arimidex (Anastrozole).
In that case, you must let your healthcare provider know about all the medications you are currently taking.
Certain medications that contain Estrogen can interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs.
Medicines used to treat liver problems may also interact with Aromasin and Arimidex and increase the risk of side effects.
To ensure you use these drugs safely, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications or supplements while taking Aromasin or Arimidex.
Mechanism of action
Aromasin (Exemestane) and Arimidex (Anastrozole) belong to the family of medications known as aromatase inhibitors.
Both of these medicines work by blocking an enzyme called aromatase.
This enzyme is responsible for converting androgen hormones into estrogen.
Blocking aromatase helps slow down or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that require estrogen to grow.
Aromasin binds to the enzyme permanently, while Arimidex binds to the enzyme temporarily.
Still, both drugs ultimately have the same effect of reducing estrogen levels in the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aromasin and Arimidex are effective medications for treating breast cancer.
Still, they have some differences that should be taken into account, like their strength and efficacy.
Arimidex may start lowering the estrogen levels immediately, but Aromasin may take 3 to 4 days to show efficacy.
Both medicines are used for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Ultimately, the choice between these two medications will depend on factors such as the patient’s medical history and treatment goals.
It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for each case.
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