Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/11/2006

Question
Hello Dr.  My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and after surgerically removing a 2 1/2 cm lump she underwent radiology one time per day for 5 days.  Her Radiologist then told her that she had an estrogen driven type of cancer and referred her to an Oncologist who prescribed Anmidex.  I have been able to find very little information online about this med. except that it's generic name is anastrozole and that possible side effects are hot flashes and muschle pain.  I believe Arimedex is another form or brand of anastrozole and the possible side effects listed for this med. are many and severe in comparison.  Can you tell me if these are the same drug made by different manufacturers, and if so, can I assume that the same side effects are possible for Anmidex?  Also, how does this compare with Femara (letrozole) in regard to efficacy and side effects?  Thank you for your help, Lisa.

Answer
You are right. Both medicines are made of the same substance, only different manufacturers! Femara is another substance (Letrozole) but it has the same mode of action as the substance above (aromatase inhibitors). So also the side effects are similar. I'm not aware of any real differences neither in effects nor in side effects. They seem to work better than the older tamoxiphene. Given the severity of her diagnosis I support her dr.'s advice. Good luck!