Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2020.

Anastrozole and Femara are popular medicines used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. 

These drugs belong to a group of medicines called Aromatase Inhibitors (AI).

Anastrozole is usually used as a first-line treatment for breast cancer, while Letrozole is a second-line treatment after other choices have failed.

Anastrozole is sold under the brand name Arimidex, and Femara is the brand name of Letrozole. Both drugs can also be bought as generics.

Fact:
Aromatase Inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the activity of aromatase, an enzyme the body uses to produce Estrogen in the ovaries and other tissues. 
Blocking aromatase lowers the body’s Estrogen, which may stop the growth of cancer cells that need Estrogen to grow.

This article will compare Anastrozole vs Femara, two popular AIs used to treat breast cancer.

Overview

A quick overview of the two medications includes:

FactorsAnastrozoleFemara
TypeSaltBrand
FDA approval19951998
Dosage Usual recommended dose is 1mg tablet dailyUsual recommended dose is 2.5mg tablet daily
Side effects Hot flashes, Dizziness, Fatigue, Arthralgia, Edema
Sweating, Increased cholesterol, Swelling, Weight gain
Drug Interactions18 medications – 1 major and 17 moderate105 medications – 3 major, 95 moderate, and 7 minor.
Disease InteractionsCardiovascular disease, Cholesterol disease, Hepatic dysfunction, OsteoporosisLiver disease, cholesterol, and Osteoporosis.

Efficacy

A study conducted in 2008 shows that Letrozole (Femara) reduces Estrogen more than Anastrozole in breast tumors. 

A recent randomized Phase III Femara Versus Anastrozole Clinical Evaluation trial compared the efficacy and safety of adjuvant Letrozole with Anastrozole. 

It showed no significant difference in disease-free survival between the two medications.

Therefore, choosing between Anastrozole or Femara depends on several considerations, such as the patient’s medical history, the stage of cancer, and the potential side effects associated with each medicine.

Dosage

Both Anastrozole and Femara are available in tablet forms and can be taken once a day.

Anastrozole is taken once a day at a dose of 1 mg. 

The dose may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg if necessary. 

It should be taken simultaneously every day, with or without food.

The starting dose of Femara is 2.5 mg. 

The dose may be increased to a maximum of 5 mg if necessary.

It should also be taken simultaneously daily, with or without food.

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Side Effects

Hot flashes (side effect of both medicines)
Hot flashes (side effect of both medicines)

It is important to remember that side effects can change from person to person, and some may experience different or more severe adverse effects than others. 

Some of the common side effects of Anastrozole and Femara include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Arthralgia
  • Edema

Some of the Side effects of Anastrozole include:

  • Numbness or tingling feeling in your skin
  • Weakness
  • Sore throat or cough
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems

Some of the Side effects of Femara include:

  • Sweating
  • Increased cholesterol
  • Swelling
  • Weight gain
Warning:
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any side effects.

Interactions

Anastrozole and Femara have interactions with drugs and diseases.

Drug Interactions

Anastrozole and Femara can interact with other medications.

Anastrozole can interact with 18 medications: 1 major and 17 moderate.

Femara can interact with 105 medications: 3 major, 95 moderate, and 7 minor.

Disease interactions

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis – disease interactions

Anastrozole interacts with four diseases – Cardiovascular disease, Cholesterol disease, Hepatic dysfunction, and Osteoporosis.

Femara interacts with three diseases – liver disease, cholesterol, and Osteoporosis.

Anastrozole has more disease interaction, whereas Femara has more drug interactions.

It is essential that you provide your doctor with information regarding your past medical conditions and treatments so that they can give you the most appropriate medication.

Takeaway

Anastrozole and Femara are both aromatase inhibitors for menopausal women that have gone through breast cancer.

Even though Femara has shown more potency in some studies, there is no significant difference between the potency of the two medications.

Both are available in tablet form but with different amounts of dosage.

Side effects like Hot flashes and Dizziness, among others familiar with both medications.

Anastrozole has higher disease interactions, while Femara has higher drug interactions.

The decision between Anastrozole and Letrozole should be taken in conjunction with a medical professional after considering each individual’s specific needs and preferences. 

However, both drugs contribute significantly to managing breast cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Citations:
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