Aromasin vs Arimidex
Arimidex and Aromasin are two brand-name hormone therapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. These medications slow or stop the development of breast cancer cells by lowering estrogen levels in the body. Despite these similarities, what is the difference between Arimidex and Aromasin?
Aromasin
Aromasin is the brand name for Exemestane. The FDA authorized its distribution in 1999, and it treats treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have already been taking tamoxifen for two to three years. Aromasin is available in a 25 mg tablet taken daily after a meal. Studies revealed that food helps the body to absorb Aromasin more effectively.
Arimidex
Arimidex is the brand name for Anastrozole. It was FDA approved in 1995 to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer early in postmenopausal women. Arimidex comes in the form of a 1 mg tablet taken once a day with or without meals. Food has little effect on Arimidex absorption in the body.
What is the Difference Between Arimidex and Aromasin?
You may be wondering how Aromasin and Arimidex are different from each other. In this part, we will compare and contrast Aromasin with Arimidex in terms of their ingredients, uses, side effects, cost, dosage and effectiveness.
Ingredients
The main active ingredient in Aromasin is exemestane, while Arimidex’s is anastrozole. Aromasin and Arimidex are both aromatase inhibitors, or drugs that lower the production of the hormone estrogen.
Uses
Aromasin and Arimidex are used to treat advanced breast cancer. Additionally, both drugs are used as:
- An adjuvant treatment
- The first treatment for breast cancer that’s hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown
Dosage
Aromasin is taken at 1 mg once daily, while Arimidex is taken at 25 mg a day.
Side Effects
Aromasin and Arimidex are in the same drug class. As a result, they can have very similar side effects. Here are some of the side-effects you can experience taking Aromasin and Arimidex:
Can occur with Aromasin:
- increased sweating
- increased appetite
Can occur with Arimidex:
- weakness
- arthritis
- sore throat
- vomiting
- skin rash
- swelling of your legs, ankles, feet, or armpits
- bone pain
- coughing
- shortness of breath
Can occur with both Aromasin and Arimidex:
- hot flashes
- high blood pressure
- depression
- feeling tired
- trouble sleeping
- joint pain, including back pain
- headache
- nausea
Effectiveness
Research found that both Aromasin and Arimidex are equally effective. In fact, after five years of therapy with either Aromasin or Arimidex, the patients’ cancer survival rates ranged between a whopping 88% and 90%.
Cost
Aromasin can cost between $ 1,093 –$ 1,149, while Aridimex costs between $1,548 – $1,627. However, you can get the Indian version of Aromasin 25mg at $263.76. it is essential to note that the price you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy.
Which is better: Arimidex vs Aromasin?
Both are excellent hormone therapy options for breast cancer treatment. Based on several clinical studies, Arimidex and Aromasin are equally effective in treating breast cancer in menopausal women.