Exemestane Side Effects
Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.
Serious side effects of Exemestane
Along with its needed effects, exemestane may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking exemestane:
More common
- Cough or hoarseness
- difficult or labored breathing
- fever or chills
- lower back or side pain
- mental depression
- swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- tightness in the chest
Less common
- Chest pain
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- frequent urge to urinate
- headache
- sore throat
- unexplained broken bones
Incidence not known
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- clay-colored stools
- confusion
- dark urine
- decreased urine output
- diarrhea
- difficulty with speaking
- dilated neck veins
- dizziness
- double vision
- inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
- inability to speak
- irregular breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- itching or rash
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- slow speech
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting of blood
- weight gain
- yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects of Exemestane
Some side effects of exemestane may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Anxiety
- constipation
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- hot flashes
- increased sweating
- pain
- trouble sleeping
Less common
- Back pain
- bone pain
- burning, tingling, or prickly sensations
- decreased sense of touch
- increased appetite
- joint pain
- loss of hair
- runny nose
- stomach upset
- weakness, generalized
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (28.8%)
Common (1% to 10%): Pain in limb, back pain, osteoarthritis, myalgia, pathological fracture, hypoesthesia, skeletal pain, osteoporosis, muscle cramp
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteoporotic fracture[Ref]
General
The most commonly reported side effects were hot flushes, arthralgia, and fatigue.[Ref]
Immunologic
Common (1% to 10%): Infection[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very Common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 18%), abdominal pain (up to 11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastric ulcers[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Increased sweating (17.8%), alopecia (15.1%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis
Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, pruritus, acute generalized exanthemos pustulosis[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Hot flushes (up to 32.9%), Hypertension (15.1%)
Common (1% to 10%): Lymphedema, chest pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thromboembolism, myocardial infarction[Ref]
Hepatic
Very common (10% or more): Elevation of liver function tests (including enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase)
Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis including cholestatic hepatitis[Ref]
Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (13.7%)
Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, confusion[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (13.6%), dizziness (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, neuropathy[Ref]
Respiratory
Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea
Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 101%): Visual disturbances[Ref]
Oncologic
Common (1% to 10%): Other primary cancer[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 22.2%), pain (13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Edema, influenza-like symptoms, fever, generalized weakness, pain at tumor sites, asthenia, peripheral edema[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Increased appetite, anorexia, hypercholesterolemia[Ref]
Genitourinary
Very common (10% or more): Gynecological (10.5%)
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, vaginal hemorrhage
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uterine polyp, uterine polydectomy
Rare (less than 0.1%): Endometrial hyperplasia[Ref]
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Decrease in lymphocytes (20%)
Uncommon (0.1%to 1%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better - Aromasin or Femara?
- Aromasin vs Femara - how do they compare?
- How long do you need to take Aromasin?
- Should you take Aromasin with food?
More about exemestane
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (116)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: aromatase inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Aromasin (exemestane)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.