Arimidex vs. Femara?

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
1
Ok, so I finished my 5 years of tamoxifen in December and then had a total hysterectomy to take care of the estrogen issue. I asked my onc about going on additional meds since I was now in menopause. She put me on Femara. I've since read that Femara is indicated as a first-line defense and for metastatic breast cancer. Of course, I am neither. Now I'm wondering why she put me on this instead of arimidex? Any one have any ideas? I never gained weight on tamoxifen, but have gained with the Femara, so I'm not loving it....lol...
 
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Julie

Do not go gentle into that goodnight,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~Dylan Thomas

2
Julie,

You could try to google using: +femara +arimidex

You might get some more information.

Laure'

The finger of God touches your life when you make a friend.
----Mary Dawson Hughes---

3
Julie

Sorry I can't help you with your questions, I just started Arimidex a week ago. I did not know that there were more drugs to take after the 5 year mark, I thought that was it. My question to you is why are they putting you on more drugs? I will be happy to have the 5 years done and out of the way. Keep me posted.

L&H
Bernadette

PS

I did a google on Femara and it says that it is to be used after the 5 years of Tam and that it is for postmenapausal women who have earley stage breat cancer. Google it and you will get all the info you need

Post Edited (Brnadebt) : 4/8/2006 9:46:28 PM (GMT-6)

4

Thanks for your replies. I have done quite a bit of research on femara. I guess my question is why Femara or Arimidex? Can't find anything that will tell a difference. Just curious for those who've taken either if they've been given a reason.

Bernadette, I wanted to continue to take something after my 5 years of tamox. & ovary removal. I just want to guarantee that I've done everything in my power to continue a cancer-free life. I had no problems with tamoxifen so wasn't worried about taking something else.

Thanks for your input.

Julie

Do not go gentle into that goodnight,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~Dylan Thomas

5
Julie,I have been on tamoxifan for 8 months now.And i just had ovaries removed 4 weeks ago.And the onc. said i have done everything that i could to keep it from coming back.After my 5 years are done,I think i will want to take extra precaution and continue to take medicine.How was Tamoxifan for you?so far its ok for me.  Tammy