Arimidex vs. Tamoxifin

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Diane26
Diane26 Member Posts: 14
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have a question regarding when you are considered post-menopausal. I am in menopause now thanks to chemo but was premenopausal before treatments. Does this make me post-menopausal now? Can I opt for Arimidex instead of Tamoxifin? What else is out there? Can anyone give me any info on Femara (sp?)? Thanks, you ladies always come to my rescue!

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  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #2
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    Diane,

    Here's my contribution. Hope it helps.
    I think you are still considered pre-menopausal because your ovaries were still working before getting DISTURBED! If you were to have a hysterectomy - everything out - you could have a choice between arimidex and tamoxifen. I read of a lot of failures with tamoxifen because of the way it works - a funny drug supposedly doing two things in your body in different parts - no wonder it gets screwed up at times.

    I would choose Arimidex given the choice - but your doctor knows best whether you are pre- or post now. Femara is still used for recurrence - a second line drug - I am on it having had a failure with tamoxifen.

    Let us know what you find out from your doctor. We can all benefit from shared info.

    Hugs, Jean
  • marytres
    marytres Member Posts: 144
    #3
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    Hi, I was put into menopause because of the chemo but then the onc decided it was best for me to stay in menopause and my periods are chemically stopped. I switched to Arimidex after taking tamoxifen for 2 years. Researched it and found it was suppose to be better. Asked the onc and he agreed to let me switch. It has less side effects. Ask your onc too. Femara the onc told me is for women with mets. Don't know it that's your case. Good luck and discuss this with your onc. I have a doc who is wonderful and answers all my questions etc. Let us know what you decide to do. Hang in there. Prayers and hugs, Marie
  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #4
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    I agree with the others that have replied. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs and I had the cancer recur. I am now on arimidex and am doing great. The side effects of arimidex are not like the side effects of tamoxifen. Although I didnt have a problem with side effects on tamoxifen. If your cancer is hormonal which alot of them are, arimidex hands down is far better than tamoxifen. It is a personal decision, one best discussed with you doctor, but I would go with arimidex. As far as Femerra, it is really new, and that issue should also be discussed as to what the pros and cons are. I have read that the two (arimidex and femerra ) can be taken together. Good Luck
  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #5
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    I agree with the others that have replied. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs and I had the cancer recur. I am now on arimidex and am doing great. The side effects of arimidex are not like the side effects of tamoxifen. Although I didnt have a problem with side effects on tamoxifen. If your cancer is hormonal which alot of them are, arimidex hands down is far better than tamoxifen. It is a personal decision, one best discussed with you doctor, but I would go with arimidex. As far as Femerra, it is really new, and that issue should also be discussed as to what the pros and cons are. I have read that the two (arimidex and femerra ) can be taken together. Good Luck
  • jake10
    jake10 Member Posts: 202
    #6
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    Hi! Arimidex also has a lower risk for Uterine Cancer. I had a family history of Uterine Cancer so I chose the Arimidex. I am post-menapausal.
    Alot depends on your age, child bearing decisions and the effects of early menoapause and chemical interuption of your cycles. I agree with all the above. Speak to your OC and get all the facts. There is no risk free decision but you will arrive at the one best for you. Good Luck! Beth
  • sandytrif525
    sandytrif525 Member Posts: 106
    #7
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    Diane, I am 43 was diagnosed at 41. I went into menapause after my first chemo. I was on tamoxifin for a year and then switched to arimidex. I have been on that since June. I really had no major problems with either drug. I like that this has less side effects than the tamoxifin. Hope this helps. Sandy
  • TylersMom1
    TylersMom1 Member Posts: 57
    #8
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    Hi,
    Well, it looks like I am the odd man out. I was put into menopause with my chemo as well. I just recently had a hysterectomy because of a tumor on my ovary and asked my onco if I should switch to Arimidex. He said no because the tamoxifen has a benefit for osteoporosis (sp?) which there is a history of in my family. He also said because we have years of data on tamoxifen but not arimidex he thought I should stay with tamoxifen. I have had no bad side effects of the tamoxifen (yet anyways). I have been on it for almost one year. Good luck with your decision. Cheryl

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