Forum Discussion

Mjjeje's avatar
Mjjeje
Member
6 years ago

Aromasin (Generic Brand)

My mom was prescribed aromasin (exemestane), but recently when I bought her the medication I was given Exemestane GH instead the original Aromasin, which I think was produced by Pfizer. My chemist told me that aromasin has been discontinued. I usually don't have anything against generic brand, but since this is a major case I'm a little worried with switching the medication to generic.

Is it ok to take generic brand? And since they said the original aromasin is discontinued, which brand should I go for?

Thank you.
hormone-therapy
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    6 years ago
    I guess I preferred Exemestane GH as it was the first one I started with & didn't want to change 'mid stream' - like your Mum.

    I just googled whether Aromasin was discontinued in Australia - and couldn't find evidence of it.

    Maybe check with a different Chemist too - sometimes one will have the other brand in stock (if still available!)   If asked, your regular chemist should also get it in for you.  Ask for them to get a decent stock of it, as it will be an ongoing medication!


  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    6 years ago
    The active ingredient, the therapeutic ingredient, is the same. The components used to bind the active ingredient to create a pill may differ from brand to brand (the fillers). Some people are more sensitive to the different fillers that may be used than others. Changing brands may alleviate side effects caused by the fillers so doctors may recommend changing brand before switching to a different AI.
  • Mjjeje's avatar
    Mjjeje
    Member
    6 years ago
    Sorry if my wording was unclear as I am still confused with the naming/medicine as well.

    When my mom first bought the medicine, the box said “Aromasin Exemestane 25mg” and it was made by Pfizer. When I bought it for her, the chemist gave me “Exemestane GH 25mg” made by Generic Health. Both contains exemestane 25mg.

    I’m just worried that the generic brand (GH) won’t be as effective as the one made by Pfizer. May I know why you preferred exemestane rather than aromasin? 

    Also thank you for the list of side effect. After seeing it, my mom has been complaining about her blurred vision and hand pain, might be the side effect of the medication :(
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    6 years ago
    It is interesting, @Mjjeje - 'Exemestane' is the 'active ingredient' of 'Exemestane' 25mg) aka Aromasin - so I am not sure which is  the actual 'generic brand'!?  When I was on it, I preferred Exemestane, rather than Aromasin!  But then eventually had quite severe side effects, to swapped to another one (Arimidex!)  I was originally on Letrozole.  I have the least side effects on Arimidex!

    There are three aromatase inhibitors:
    • Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole)
    • Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane)
    • Femara (chemical name: letrozole)

    Exemestane (Aromasin) ... Exemestane is a type of hormone therapy drug and is also known by its brand name, Aromasin. It is a treatment for women with breast cancer who have had their menopause. 

    Sometimes the generic brands have a 'different coating' on the tablets that may have a different side effect on those taking it (as has been documented on the BCNA) .... but the actual 'tablet constituents' has to be identical to the original tablet, ie the 25mg of Exemstane.

    Here is a list of the most commonly used Hormone Tablets for BC with 'common' side effects (with 'generic' brand names shown as well.)  Those with 'x' next to it are from anecdotal evidence from members of BCNA.