Aromatase inhibitors
What are Aromatase inhibitors?
Aromatase inhibitors are a class of medicines that work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are used in the treatment of breast cancer to reduce levels of circulating estrogen. This means that less estrogen is available to stimulate the growth of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells, slowing or inhibiting the progression of these cancers. Approximately 80% of all breast cancers are ER positive.
Aromatase inhibitors are unable to prevent the ovaries from making estrogen, which means that they are only used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
There are three aromatase inhibitors: anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole.
List of Aromatase inhibitors
Drug Name | Avg. Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
letrozole systemic (Pro) Brand name: Femara |
367 reviews | |
anastrozole systemic (Pro) Brand name: Arimidex |
236 reviews | |
exemestane systemic (Pro) Brand name: Aromasin |
119 reviews | |
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
See also
Medical conditions treated or associated with aromatase inhibitors:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.