The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Arimidex -vs- Tamoxifen

pratt
pratt CSN Member Posts: 16
in Breast Cancer #1
Are these two drugs used to block estrogen? I am on Tamoxifen and I am having all the side effects of arimidex.
Like Care

Comments

  • mamolady
    mamolady CSN Member Posts: 796 Member
    #2
    These drugs behave
    These drugs behave differently. Tamoxifen binds with estrogen so cancer cells don't arimidex stops estrogen production except for from the ovaries. That is why if you were pre menopausal before treatment you can't take arimidex. I just had my ovary out so I could skip tamoxifen.
    I think most of the side effects are similar. There are some with Tamoxifen that you don't have with Arimidex.
    Check either ACS web site or www.wikipedia.org for a list also others will probably reply with more info than I have right now. I haven't started taking arimidex yet. I will in a couple of weeks.
    Cindy
    Like Care
  • pratt
    pratt CSN Member Posts: 16
    #3
    mamolady said:

    These drugs behave
    These drugs behave differently. Tamoxifen binds with estrogen so cancer cells don't arimidex stops estrogen production except for from the ovaries. That is why if you were pre menopausal before treatment you can't take arimidex. I just had my ovary out so I could skip tamoxifen.
    I think most of the side effects are similar. There are some with Tamoxifen that you don't have with Arimidex.
    Check either ACS web site or www.wikipedia.org for a list also others will probably reply with more info than I have right now. I haven't started taking arimidex yet. I will in a couple of weeks.
    Cindy

    Thanks Cindy, I go to my
    Thanks Cindy, I go to my oncologist on the 27th of this month. I was getting a little scared because I was having so much joint pain and stiffness. My BC diagnoses was last October, so I am learning. I have only been on this site a few days and have read many stories of woman having these same problems. It has eased my mind. Thank you for your comment. I am praying that none of us will ever have to hear that we have cancer again.
    Donna
    Like Care
  • Kylez
    Kylez CSN Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #4
    pratt said:

    Thanks Cindy, I go to my
    Thanks Cindy, I go to my oncologist on the 27th of this month. I was getting a little scared because I was having so much joint pain and stiffness. My BC diagnoses was last October, so I am learning. I have only been on this site a few days and have read many stories of woman having these same problems. It has eased my mind. Thank you for your comment. I am praying that none of us will ever have to hear that we have cancer again.
    Donna

    Cindy wrote the difference
    Cindy wrote the difference in the two as far as I know. Hoping your oncologist can help you somehow with your pain.


    Hugs, Kylez
    Like Care

Discussion Boards