Aromasin Vs. Arimidex

I'm currently taking Arimidex (I've been taking it for 7 months now).  Some days I do okay with it, other days I ache all over, suffer joint and bone pain, depression, and extreme fatigue.  I also have Fibromyalgia, hence it is difficult to determine if the pain/fatigue/depression is related to the Armidex, Fibromyalgia, or simply stress.  I've also started losing my hair, which hasn't helped my outlook on life. 

In the past, exercise and diet seemed to help me a great deal, but I'm now finding it increasingly difficult to exercise and eat.  My blood pressure and weight has been slowly dropping with every doctor visit (Last visit: BP 90/50; weight 146lbs). The doctor hasn't mentioned these changes as being a problem, but if my blood pressure continues dropping it is obviously going to become an issue.  I do feel dizzy and faint sometimes when I am walking or standing, however, it doesn't happen everyday.

Sometimes I wonder if the Arimidex has stopped working.  I no longer suffer hot flashes, and the terrible vaginal dryness I once suffered has now mysteriously vanished.  Has my body become accustomed to the medication or somehow discovered a way to create Estrogen in spite of it?  I discussed my concerns with my doctor, and he simply stated hot flashes are usually temporary. 

Nonetheless, my doctor suggested I switch from Armidex to Aromasin, under the assumption it may help some of my issues.  I asked if there was a difference in the effectiveness of either medication, and he claims they are both the same.

My question is if they are both the same, then why should I switch?  I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the chemical differences between Armidex and Aromasin and the methods in which they work.  Is Aromasin known to cause less pain/fatigue/depression/hair loss, and if so, why???  Is it possible Aromasin could cause more problems than the Armidex?  What side effects can I expect from the Aromasin in comparison to the side effects of Armidex?

I'm feeling apprehensive about making the switch.  I'd like to hear from other women regarding their personal experiences with both medications and any health care professionals who can explain the chemical differences.

Thank you for your time.

Blessings,

Moon Masque

 

 

My suggestion is that you use your computer time getting specific information about Arimidex and Aromisin.  Just enter those words on your search bar and you'll see many sites available.  Arimidex and Aromasin are different but I can't say how; just go to their individual websites.  You'll be able to get manufacturers info usually just available to doctors.  When I complained to my doctor about the terrible effects of Arimidex, he suggested Aromasin.  I just said forget about it and haven' t used any kind of estrogen-related drug for years, except for Faslodex, which made me go bald and grow a moustache that I have to shave every day.  Your doctor is responsible for giving you as much information as possible; however, they usually don't.  In my own history I've found Arimidex is profoundly damaging to bone and destroyed my femaleness and my sexuality--after all, it is an estrogen suppressor and the company's own advertising states it causes osteoporosis, joint and bone pain, etc., etc.  If you take any type of estrogen-interfering drug, make sure you've done your own research, because they are very damaging and your doctor doesn't care if you lose your hair or have painfull intercourse or have to shave every day or your bones fall apart.  They only care that you are a positive statistic--one who survives, at any cost..   

I have been taking aromasin for about a year now and am tolerating it fairly well. I have friends in my support group who started on Arimidex or Femmara and have switched to Aromasin. Aromasin (exemestane) is different from the other aromatse inhibitors in that it is steroid based.  It bonds with the aromatse cells permanently and keeps them from turning into estrogens. There is an excellent article on the three drugs in "Mamm" magazine.  I couln't find my copy of it but I believe it was in Sept or Oct of 2007.  I would definitely give it a try.  It is different.  Another thing to consider is whether you are eating any estrogenic foods such as soy.  My oncologist says that soy is the one to avoid.  Check your supplements too.  My multi vit and fish oil both had soy so I found new ones.  You gotta read the fine print!  A lot of the low carb foods and protein supplements are soy based as well.  The aromatse inhibitors only work on the aromatase that your body creates.  It doesn't block other estogens that you ingest.  Hope this helps.

 

On 3/7/2008 Kbcns7 wrote:

My suggestion is that you use your computer time getting specific information about Arimidex and Aromisin.  Just enter those words on your search bar and you'll see many sites available.  Arimidex and Aromasin are different but I can't say how; just go to their individual websites.  You'll be able to get manufacturers info usually just available to doctors.  When I complained to my doctor about the terrible effects of Arimidex, he suggested Aromasin.  I just said forget about it and haven' t used any kind of estrogen-related drug for years, except for Faslodex, which made me go bald and grow a moustache that I have to shave every day.  Your doctor is responsible for giving you as much information as possible; however, they usually don't.  In my own history I've found Arimidex is profoundly damaging to bone and destroyed my femaleness and my sexuality--after all, it is an estrogen suppressor and the company's own advertising states it causes osteoporosis, joint and bone pain, etc., etc.  If you take any type of estrogen-interfering drug, make sure you've done your own research, because they are very damaging and your doctor doesn't care if you lose your hair or have painfull intercourse or have to shave every day or your bones fall apart.  They only care that you are a positive statistic--one who survives, at any cost..   

So what is Faslodex?  It sounds like that's not working for you either.  I started out on Arimidex and the joint pain was so bad I switched to Aromasin.  I also have fibromyalgia and it seems that the Aromasin makes the FM at its worst.  The pain is pretty constant and indescribable.  Joint pain is still bad and overall swelling of my body.  But I'm also on Effexor for depression and anxiety and Crestor for high cholesterol.  So now I think I need to try to go off the Crestor for a few weeks and see what that does.  I'm 52 yrs old and feel like an old lady but still try to keep as active as I can.  Jazzercise a few times a week, Jin Shin once a month, Reiki and looking for a solution to the pain without taking more drugs.  I go to a good support group and have a great oncologist but she's so very busy that I don't get a lot of time to speak with her.  I got the name of a Naturopath but insurance doesn't cover that.  Waiting to hear from a nutritionist and taking it one day at a time.    I figure it beats the alternative but sure does rule a lot of my time.  I also work FT.  God give me strength.