Aromatase inhibitors, mechanism of actions, uses, side effects & dosage
To determine whether breast cancer cells contain hormone receptors, doctors test samples of tumor tissue that have been removed by surgery. If the tumor cells contain estrogen receptors (ERs), the cancer is called estrogen receptor positive (ER positive or ER+), estrogen sensitive, or estrogen responsive. Similarly, if the tumor cells contain progesterone receptors, the cancer is called progesterone receptor positive (PR positive or PgR positive). Breast tumors that contain estrogen and/or progesterone receptors are sometimes called hormone receptor positive (HR positive). Most estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers are also PR positive. Moreover, aromatase inhibitors can be used in premenopausal women if they are given together with a drug that suppresses ovarian function.
Because the ovaries are the main source of estrogen in premenopausal women, estrogen levels in these women can be reduced by eliminating or suppressing ovarian function. Ovarian ablation can be done surgically in an operation to remove the ovaries called oophorectomy or by treatment with radiation. By mimicking gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), these medicines interfere with signals that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. Letrozole (Femara)is in a class of medications called aromatase inhibitors. Letrozole (Femara) works by decreasing the amount of estrogen produced by the body. This can slow or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
Are the side effects with Aromasin and Femara the same?
These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. To find out more about the price you’ll pay for exemestane, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. To find out what the cost of exemestane will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Reducing the amount of estrogen in your bloodstream or blocking estrogen receptors can help protect you from growing new tumors, which reduces the risk of your cancer coming back. There aren’t any studies showing that lowering the dosage can help reduce side effects.
- You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.
- Uncommon, but potentially severe side effects of anastrozole include decrease in bone mineral density, increase in serum cholesterol and increased rate of cardiovascular events.
- If you have serious side effects from Arimidex, call your doctor right away.
- With estrogen receptor-positive tumors, late recurrences are more common than with other types of breast cancer.
They can help determine the best treatment for your condition. If you would like to learn more about breast cancer treatment options, see this article. You may also wish to learn about complementary and alternative medicine for breast cancer. If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you take a pregnancy test before starting Arimidex. You’ll also be advised to use an effective form of birth control throughout treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
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It’s used to stimulate (activate) ovulation in females who are trying to become pregnant. Off-label means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for. AIs are also used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
The coupon doesn’t expire, so be sure to save it for refills. You can also visit the Arimidex manufacturer’s website to see support options. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Arimidex that’s right for you.
After primary treatment for breast cancer, there is a risk of recurrence, when the cancer is in remission (no detectable cancer) and then comes back. If you’re taking certain medications or have other medical conditions, your risk may be higher. It’s possible to have hair loss or hair thinning with Arimidex. This side effect was only reported in people taking the drug for advanced breast cancer. Arimidex may also be prescribed off-label to certain males who are having testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Exemestane may be more expensive than similar breast cancer medications, such as letrozole. But exemestane https://bayside84.com/anapolon-50-mg-prime-dosage-4/ costs significantly less than other breast cancer treatments, such as Kisqali or Ibrance.
One early study compared outcomes for those who took the aromatase inhibitor letrozole after tamoxifen and people who didn’t. The study showed that taking letrozole reduced the risk of dying of breast cancer by 24% to 35%. Aromatase inhibitors are approved to reduce the risk of recurrence in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. They can also be used to treat advanced breast cancer, including stage 4 breast cancer, in which the malignancy has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. While tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors both prevent recurrence of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, they do work in different ways and for different people. Below are the pre-insurance, U.S. prices for a month’s supply (30 days) of the brand name and generic versions of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.