Has anyone used all of three aromatase inhibitors to compare?

Hi Sumomo,

Don't assume from the get go that you will get significant side effects from whatever AI your oncologist puts you on. Because most people don't get serious side effects. Also, side effects one might experience at the beginning often subside after a few months.

Keep in mind that the purpose of all AIs is to stop your body from producing estrogen. Without estrogen your scalp and skin will get dryer, and you will probably experience some vaginal dryness too. I think you might expect this from any AI you take.

As always, it is better to discuss the meds with your oncologist first who might have specific reasons to put you on a particular AI based on your history, other medical conditions or interactions with the other meds you might be on.

Best

The AI side effects are variable. Some Oncologists say letrozole 2.5 mg reports the fewest side effects and start with that one. It made me dizzy and I felt body aches, so they switched me out after 2 months to Arimidex. Then there were hot flashes and generally the type of stuff your body would do if you stopped getting estrogen. I have backed down to 1 mg every other day and it's been tolerable. It's a very important part of my treatment plan, so I am keeping with it. I'm 51 now, so I have been on arimidex for over a year.

I think it would be very safe to switch out, one to another, because they all are AIs. Sometimes you take a two week " holiday", let the drug leave your system and then pick up a different AI.

I took anastrozole and then exemestane, I found the side effects specifically joint pain to get worse over time. With anastrozole it got so bad after 18 months I couldn't take it anymore and switched to exemestane that eventually caused severe dry eye I had to quit. I definitely found side effects to be cumulative.

I was also exercise swimming doing 1hr 3.5 miles on the treadmill everyday did not make the joint pain any easier. Also the same dosage given to everyone. My height is 5' 3" weight 125lbs. I also do yoga, the pain had no bearing on my activity level.

Luckily now I have been off the drugs for 3 years the joint pain is really reduced although not gone. I never had any pain before taking this stuff. Before I enjoyed really excellent health.

I have been on all three. I had some pain on anastrazole. Not really unbearable but my MO encouraged me to switch. Letrozole was about the same. She suggested I switchto exemetane and Iwas surprised that it is better for me. So you certainly can try others if you have issues.

yeah, aromasin.