Natasha Tiffany, M.D.: A Primer on the Breast Cancer Hormone Therapy Drugs Anastrozole, Letrozole, and Exemestane

1. Natasha Tiffany, M.D.: A
Primer on the Breast
Cancer Hormone Therapy
Drugs Anastrozole,
Letrozole, and
Exemestane

2. Natasha Tiffany, M.D., serves as a partner at
Hematology Oncology of Salem, LLP, a
comprehensive cancer care clinic located in
Salem, OR. A member of the clinic’s physician
team since 2005, Dr. Tiffany previously earned
her M.D. from Oregon Health & Science
University and conducted a clinical fellowship in
medicine at Harvard Medical School.

3. Marketed under the trade name Arimidex,
anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor-type of
hormone therapy drug most often used in post-
menopausal women with breast cancer. Other
aromatase inhibitors include letrozole (Femara)
and exemestane (Aromasin). Aromatase
inhibitors work by blocking estrogen production
and lowering estrogen levels found in the blood
and tissues. The drugs are taken as a pill once
a day.

4. The majority of women on aromatase inhibitors
experience mild side effects. The most common side
effects are joint stiffness and joint pain. Other common
side effects include tiredness or fatigue, mood
changes, and vaginal dryness. More serious side
effects can include a slight increase in cholesterol
levels and loss of bone density. I encourage my
patients to take calcium and vitamin D and it is
recommended that bone density tests be monitored
yearly while on these medications. It is important to
remain proactive about bone strength. Additionally,
cholesterol levels should be checked at least yearly.