Tamoxifen Vs. Arimidex

Tamoxifen is the generic name for a medication developed by ICI Pharmaceuticals (now known as AstraZeneca) and sold under the brand names of Nolvadex, Istubal, and Valodex. It has been used for 30 years for the treatment of hormone receptive breast cancer in both premenopausal and menopausal women and in men. Arimidex, generic name anastrozole, is another medication developed by AstraZeneca for the treatment of hormone receptive early breast cancer; it is only to be used on women who are menopausal.

Tamoxifen

• Estrogen often promotes the growth of cancer cells. Tamoxifen works to bind the protein that estrogen attaches to, thereby blocking the effect of estrogen on the cancer cells. Tamoxifen is only effective against estrogen receptive breast cancer and should only be used after determination is made of the exact kind of cancer that is being dealt with. Tamoxifen also works to reduce the loss of bone that is often encountered with chemotherapy treatments for cancer, and thereby helps prevent osteoporosis.

Armidex

• Armidex is a medicine available for prescription that is used for the treatment of cancer in women who have gone through menopause. It is for the treatment of early stage breast cancer, after surgery and whose breast cancer is considered estrogen receptor positive. It is also used in advanced cancer and for metastatic breast cancer, and after the use of tamoxifen therapy. Armidex will not work for women who have not gone through menopause.

Side Effects of Tamoxifen

• Common side effects of tamoxifen therapy include those commonly associated with menopause, this includes: irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness and itching and skin rash. Men who take tamoxifen for breast cancer may experience nausea and or vomiting, skin rash, a decrease in sexual interest, or headaches.

  Serious side effects of tamoxifen therapy in both men and women include the risk of blood clots, strokes or cataracts, and uterine cancer in women.

Side Effects of Armidex

• Common side effects of Armidex in women include: hot flashes, high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, hair loss, lymphadema, and depression. Serious side effects could include: increased blood cholesterol, rash, and inflammation of the liver, severe allergic reactions or malaise.

Precautions with Tamoxifen

• Tamoxifen should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant as studies have shown that it could cause damage to the fetus. Tamoxifen has been proven to increase the risk of cataracts in some women.

Precautions with Armidex

• Armidex should not be taken with Tamoxifen. It should also never be taken with any type of estrogen replacement therapy. Armidex is also noted to cause osteoporosis, and should be supplemented with calcium therapy to help prevent or slow down this possible bone loss.