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My Doctor wants to switch me to Femara since I cannot tolerate the side effects of Arimidex. Shocked at the high cost! What other choices are there?

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Experiencing a long list of side effects including thinning hair, severe joint pain, dizzyness, no libido, etc. The side effects are so bad, I need pain and sleep meds and it is becoming a never ending cycle.
I exercise as an athlete and am in otherwise great health and weight. Do I just have to "live with it"? I've heard rumors about Femara going generic thus reducing the cost??

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Topics (Tags):

Anastrozole (Arimidex) Letrozole (Femara) Exemestane (Aromasin) Aromatase Inhibitors Nolvadex Tamoxifen

Topics:

Anastrozole (Arimidex) X Letrozole (Femara) X Exemestane (Aromasin) X Aromatase Inhibitors X Nolvadex X Tamoxifen X

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Answers (1)

JKJones (Pharmacist (Verified) ) - 04 / 12 / 2011

Here are some options to consider:

1) Getting financial support for Femara. You may be eligible for financial support to help purchase Femara. One program specifically is the Femara Cares Program at http://femara.com. You may want to ask the community about other financial support programs.
2) Stay on Arimedex and treat the side effects. The medications to treat the side effects may improve your quality of life, but you will need to discuss their costs and side effects with your physician.
3) You may consider the other Aromatase Inhibitor, Aromasin (exemestane). Pfizer has a financial assistance program as well - http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/misc/Default.aspx
4) Another alternative is Tamoxifen. Studies have shown that Aromatase Inhibitors are more effective in postmenopausal women with ER+ breast cancers, but if side effects are severe, Tamoxifen is an option to consider.

Here are a couple of articles comparing tamoxifen to aromatase inhibitors:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447550_2
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081211161737.htm

Here are some options to consider:

1) Getting financial support for Femara.  You may be eligible for financial support to help purchase Femara.  One program specifically is the Femara Cares Program at <a href="http://femara.com" target="_blank">http://femara.com</a>.  You may want to ask the community about other financial support programs.
2) Stay on Arimedex and treat the side effects.  The medications to treat the side effects may improve your quality of life, but you will need to discuss their costs and side effects with your physician.
3) You may consider the other Aromatase Inhibitor, Aromasin (exemestane).  Pfizer has a financial assistance program as well - <a href="http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/misc/Default.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/misc/Default.aspx</a>
4) Another alternative is Tamoxifen.  Studies have shown that Aromatase Inhibitors are more effective in postmenopausal women with ER+ breast cancers, but if side effects are severe, Tamoxifen is an option to consider.

Here are a couple of articles comparing tamoxifen to aromatase inhibitors:  
<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447550_2" target="_blank">http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447550_2</a> 
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081211161737.htm" target="_blank">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081211161737.htm</a>

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2 Replies

I do not qualify for financial assist. but it is still a crime what my OOP expense is after ins. covers! I may consider going back to Tomoxifen, but I was 39 at dx, so dr. wants me on A.I. meds.

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raysingboyz
- 04/12/2011

There is a good chance you still may qualify for the Femara Cares program. Here is a link to their FAQ. http://www.femara.com/assets/pdf/Femara_Branded_POD_FAQ.pdf

They give assistance to those with private insurance, but not under federal or state health care programs.

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JKJones
- 04/29/2011

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