Table 4. Adverse Effects of Endocrine Therapy
Post-Menopausal Women
• Anastrozole
• Reduction in bone density
• Musculoskeletal symptoms (i.e. arthralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Vasomotor symptoms
• Vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, reduced libido
• Hypertension
• Dry eyes
• Alopecia
a
Exemestane
• Reduction in bone density
• Musculoskeletal symptoms (i.e. arthralgia)
• Muscle pain
• Vasomotor symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
Raloxifene
• Lower risk of adverse effects than tamoxifen in the STAR trial
• Thromboembolic events
• Cerebrovascular disease (i.e. strokes and transient ischemic attacks)
• Vasomotor symptoms
• Dyspareunia
Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women
Tamoxifen
• Endometrial cancer
• Thromboembolic events
• Other g ynecological conditions (endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal discharge, vaginal
dryness)
• Vasomotor symptoms
• Cataract
a
Alopecia is likely an underreported adverse effect in clinical trials. e incidence for single agent AI and
SERMS appears to be similar in the range of 3-4%.
