Arimidex or femara - what is the difference?

I often see references to Armidex and its side effects but only rarely does anyone mention Femara. I am wondering why some ladies are prescribed one and other ladies the other. The effects and side effects seem to be the same.
Can anyone enlighten me please?
Sarcath

I think it depends on your consultant. I was expecting to go on to Arimidex after 2 years of Tamoxifen but my consultant asked my GP to prescribe Aromasin. Apparently recent research had recently been made available. I think it is very much up to how much weight certain doctors put on latest research.

Arimidex (anastrozole) and Femara (letrozole) are very similar drugs. Aromasin (exemestane) is a more recently developed drug which has a slightly different mechanism of action in the body. All three are aromatase inhibitors.

Hi
due to a recurrence I have been put on Femara, after being on Arimidex, whilst I have further tests. I have noticed in the 2 weeks I have been on Femara that I am not tired and have energy, which I have not really had since the beginning of treatment in 2001, I feel really good on it, I don’t ache as much either. The only difference seems to be hot flushes, which are pretty bad, but I see this as being good as it is getting rid of oestrogen. So hoping this works, and can stay on it for some years.
Ann

Hi all, been put on femara to !has this put weight on you ? or is it the steriods ?

sophie