My understanding is that there are about 3-4 main
aromatase inhibitors. I was also on Tamoxifenfor 16 months, but got severe arthritis, so I first went on
Aromasin. The other 2 are
Arimidex and
Femara. I think there may be a couple others, but those are the top 3. The each work a bit differently, but you have to be in menopause to take them. They stop androgen released from the Adrenal Glands from being converted into
estradiol. They assume that your ovaries aren't making estrogen anymore, so the AIs stop estrogen from adrenals. They all have pretty good side effects, sort of similar to
Tamoxifen. And the 3 can promote bon loss, so you need a Dexascan to see if you need a bone med. I had very bad arthritis on
Tamoxifen, also had it on
Aromasin, and still have it on
Femara, but it is more tolerable and I take
Lyrica to help. Not all women get the arthriitis, joint, and muscle pain, but more get it than doctors realize. The usual hot flashes, dryness, memory issues, are common, too. I didn't try
Arimidex, because my doctor said it was the worst of the 3 for side effects. I
hope this helps and let me know if I can add anything else. Good Luck!!
