Femara vs Arimidex

[Barbara2]

I believe I read somewhere that Femara demonstrates a greater benefit in women at increased risk of breast cancer recurrence than the other aromatase inhibitors. But it seems that the dosage was higher in the Femara than the 1 mg usually used for Arimidex.

Has anyone changed from Arimidex to Femara because it may be better?

I've also read that there are upcoming trials that will put these 2 drugs head to head.

Thanks!

[Becky]

Currently, there is a trial comparing the three aromatase inhibitors (Femara, Arimidex, and Aromosin). My cousin (who is only ER/PR pos but not Her2) is on it and is in the Arimidex arm.


Theoretically, there should be no difference but at ASCO this year, there was a poster comparing the 3 drugs with women with mets (can't remember the location of the mets or if it was just mets in general) but that study did show that Femara was slightly better (but I believe it was not statistically better).

Becky

[Cheryl E]

My onc put me on femara when i finished chemo 3 years ago, because he said the literature was slightly more favorable of femara. Not sure if it was a statistacally sig.

[astrid]

FEMARA® (letrozole tablets)

Arimidex Anastrozole (®)

Aromasin® (exemestane tablets)



I went to a lecture that compared the three and Basically Femara and Arimedex are the same chemical makeup they are just made by different manufactures. Note that the clinical name ends the same way. Aromasin is new and it is different. Note it has a unique chemical makeup and ends differently. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine which is really a better product.

[panicked911]

I am on arimidex since December ad have had a lot of problems with it - achy joints, stiffness etc. Looked into switching to Femara and was told by two different oncs that they are exactly the same - no differece except arimidex has been out longer.

The third one I beleive is steroidal based - and some women have an easier time with it -
hope this helps

Susanne