Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Thank you!

Sparklegram, I’ll post whatever I find out for everyone here to review. But it’s likely to depend on what your individual Medicare drug supplement insurance is willing to cover. Unfortunately the AARP coverage is through United Health Care insurance, and they cover very little of the cost for Exemestane. They cover Anastrozole and Tomoxifin very well, but not much on Exemestane. Many drug costs also depend on state insurance laws.

I'll ask my Oncologist when I speak to her next time. Thank you for your follow-up!

Looked online, and it appears that exemestane IS an off patent drug. The brand name product is called Aromasin. I do not understand why it is still so expensive, unless is more effective or has fewer side effects than the other two Aromatase Inhibitors. I don’t understand all this, but I think it does have a different chemical reaction in the body than Arimidex or Femara.

Good information, cfacarol. So that explains the high cost. i wasn't aware of that.

OOOOO! Will you please let us know what you find out from the Medicare supplement specialist about possible lower costs for exemestane. ( I have to look at my notes every time i write "exemestane". I knew how to spell Arimidex.)

Does anyone know when Exemestane goes off patent and a generic will be available?

Yes, Exemestane is very expensive! I am on Medicare and the AARP pharmacy supplement by United Health Care. I paid nearly $600 for a three month supply. I’ve been on it a little over a month now and the good part is that haven’t had severe side effects so far!! Since I have already bought a three month supply, I’m hoping I can find another pharmacy supplement before I need to refill! I have an appointment coming up with a Medicare supplement specialist to see if he can give me some direction for a lower cost.

Kathy, we have been long-time Kaiser patients and when we qualified for Medicare, we kept Kaiser and enrolled in their Medicare Advantage program, They also have a Medicare Plus option that covers Vision, dental, and hearing. We haven't looked into that, and I'm not sure why not! it only costs $20 extra a month. Heaven knows, those areas should be covered for seniors!!! I plan to ask my Oncoolgist is Exemestane/Aromasin is covered in the Kaiser formulary.

Is that thru Medicare? I will qualify for Medicare next August, I'm on the ACA medical insurance now.