Exemestane for Breast Cancer User Reviews (Page 3)

• victo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2018

"I had hot flashes when I first started taking it, but one year on and I have none. I always get the Greenstone brand of exemestane now as I have found it very tolerable. If I take other formulations, I tend to have side effects. Also, I do walk 5 miles a day. It is not always easy, but I push myself to do this every day. I think that helps me a lot. They just started me on Letrozole. I don't like it at all"

• Chowder...
• September 19, 2017

"Hot flushes and sweating are the worst aspects, especially as I have thyroid issues. Otherwise not as bad as I thought and what really helped with joint pain is taking Omega-3 fish/krill oil, calcium, Vitamin D and Biotin for hair thinning. Biotin stopped the thinning completely. If I forget to take it for a day or two the hairs start shedding. I was told quitting caffeine might help with the sweating, but that's not happening so I guess I'll have to deal with it:) Exercising regularly also helped a lot with the joints."

• Kathe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

"Getting ready to start this after quitting anastrazole which I was on it for 18 months. With the anatrazole I ended up in hospital thought I was having a heart attack fatigue was terrible vision problems dizziness. If this doesn’t work I’ll quit taking tablets"

• SueLin
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

"I was on Letrozole and it was making me a sweaty, raging maniac. I could NOT control my rage. I decided to try exemestane, which cost me $73.00 out-of-pocket because my insurance doesn't cover it. Results: The bones in my hands hurt, my feet are incredibly sore in the morning, and I'm still sweating! Suffice it to say, I've contacted my Oncologist and asked her if I could try Anastrozole again. But, I will ask (and thank you for the idea) my OC about taking Aromasin every other day to see if that calms the sweating a bit."

• Kathy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2021

"It was really helpful to read the comments here as I thought I might be the only person to have a bad experience with exemestane. I switched to exemestane after 2 years on letrozole. I was having severe muscle pain with letrozole and heard from a variety of sources that a switch to exemestane would cure all my ails. Well, I did not have muscle aches, but the other side effects were worse - light-headed, headache, spaciness and forgetfulness (possibly because of the insomnia from the drug). I did not feel like myself at all and quit after one month since I thought I might not survive the 6 month adjustment period. It was also 4x as expensive as the letrozole. At least I can take ibuprofen (although it has its own issues) to counteract the muscle pain. I'm sorry any of us have to take any of these medications!"

• GranG
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2019

"I'm 78 yrs old and was diagnosed two years ago with stage 2 breast cancer, this is a recurrence as I first had it 30 yrs ago- had surgery then, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen for 5 years and all was well until 2017. I was then prescribed Letrazole but have been on exemestane for the past 8 months. Usual symptoms, hot flushes, aches and pains, tingling, excessive tiredness, foggy memory. But I'm losing weight - I am small built anyway - oncologist doesn't seem worried but has this happened to anyone else? Everyone seems to gain weight rather than loose it! Could it be anything to do with thinning bones and muscle wastage?"

• Lizzie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2016

"I was put on Femara after my radiation and had terrible debilitating side effects. My bones and joints were in constant pain, the headaches and hot flashes were frequent. My oncologist took me off and put me on Aromasin. What a difference! I occasionally get ringing in my ears and an upset stomach but thank goodness nothing like the Fenara."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2017

"I have been on this for 2 years now. I have recently noticed that I have been very tired. In addition, last week I noticed that my hair was falling out. My hair is so thin and weak and has been shedding. I tried to search if anyone else had hair loss with this medication. I am so not going back on this."

• Twin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

"Been on this for a few months, bone pain, fatigue, weight gain, pain in feet and legs, migraine headaches, more depression, anxiety & hair loss, vision issues, tinnitus. Was on Fareston for over 5 years and made a choice to change as it may have caused other serious accumulating health issues, Although not cancer. Also have lymphedema and have custom made garments to keep potential infections under control which has been on going for about 7 yrs. So far, these side affects are less than Fareston. Unable to tolerate Tamoxifin post breast CA, Stage 3A. I do not expect to be free of any side effects rather having some quality of live, and hopeful."

• Kathe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2021

"I have been taking Exemestane for 2 1/2 years for DCIS. I have experienced severe joint pain, insomnia, hair loss and weight gain. I started having cardiac symptoms (increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol and heart palpitations) and decided to discontinue the medications. I would rather take my chances, than have a Cardiovascular event-heart attack or stroke."

• Spicee
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2023

Aromasin (exemestane) "I take 25 mg of aromasin daily and have now been on it for two years. Initially it caused nausea and some vomiting but that passed after a few months. Long-term I suffer severe muscle weakness in my legs and pain in my feet which prevents me from walking any great distance or standing for too long. I also have increased facial and body hair which is emotionally distressing and excessive sweating which is embarrassing. I get very breathless on the slightest exertion. I have no idea how to evaluate whether it has 'helped' or 'worked'. However 18 months after commencing this therapy a further nodule was discovered in my other breast. This was biopsied and found to be benign. I am seriously considering stopping this medication because of the effects it has on my daily life which are quite debilitating."

• M Such
• May 15, 2017

"I've been on exemestane for 3 months now. After the first couple of weeks the joints in my feet hurt so much I couldn't walk. I now take vitamins that help out immensely- fish oil, calcium, vitamin D and joint mix in the morning and mega red at night when the pain flares up again. I get hot flashes but my oncologist put me on a serotonin booster to help with them and it also helps with my mood. I wake up at night, throughout the night. Ibuprofen P.M. helps. Lately I've been very fatigued through the day. Other than coffee in the morning I don't know how to fix that. So far it's not too bad once I got my vitamin regimen figured out."

• Joanie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2016

"Exemestane is the 3rd anti estrogen medication I have taken. I was not able to take Tamoxifen due to a bad interaction with another medicationI take. The first 2other aromatase inhibitors I took gave me severe side effects. Exemestane has been the best so far, but it does give me insomnia and then fatigue, and headaches. My main problem is the expense! Although it is generic it is much more costly than the other medications I was on and I can't understand why!"

• Barbie
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2022

"I was diagnosed with stage IIIA invasive ductal carcinoma in 2014. My tumor had spread across my to my sentinel lymph node. I had 5 surgeries, 33 rounds of chemo over a year and a half using 3 different types of drugs, & 6 weeks of radiation therapy. My oncologist started me out on Tamoxifen then switched me to Exemestane after my complete hysterectomy. My tumor was hormone fed. I have taken every step possible to prevent recurrence. I have had many of the symptoms others have shared but exercise minimized my side effects a lot. I was diagnosed at age 38. I’m still cancer free at age 47. I’m very thankful for Exemestane that I’ve been taking for the last 7 years. I will continue to take it for 2 more (total 9 prescribed years.) If my oncologist thinks it will keep me cancer free, I will take Exemestane indefinitely. In my experience, the benefit of having more time with my family is worth the trade off of side effects. Not everyone has a horrible experience with this drug."

• Deva
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2023

"I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Right Breast Grade II in April 2021 at the age of 47. Triple Positive Cancer (ER,PR,Her2). Had 8 cycles of chemo at Apollo proton cancer care followed by Right Breast wide local excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy + LICAP flap (Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator) followed by 15 fractions of radiotherapy. (7 Months Treatment). I was on Tamoxifen for 8 months and then my OC shifted me to Exemestane. Yes, there are side effects, severe joint pain, arm pain, loss of memory, and every day a different pain. However, let us see that this medicine is making all of us a fighter, we are fighters, fighting to live, fighting to exist, and let's continue with lots of strength. I go for a Zoledronic acid bone injection every 6 months, take zolodex injection every month to suppress ovaries, take vitamin D injection for 3 months, take calcium tablets every day, and take biotin every day. We are beautiful warriors fighting every day with ourselves fiercely."

• Zephyr
• April 9, 2023

Aromasin (exemestane) "This is my second AI, and while it’s been better than the first. I still experienced new pain in both wrists, trigger fingers, and other new joint pain. I feel “off” 24-7 and doubt I will continue it another 4 years."

• Nits
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2020

"My 3rd Aromatase inhibitors (AI). Was on letrozole(gave me osteoporosis in 1 year and horrible fibromyalgia. But got rid of my horrendous migraines. Then Tamoxifen, all else went but daily migraines back with a bang. Then I would have to increase Topiramate (which mean kidneys go in the long run) Also excessive vaginal dryness. Moved to Exemestane. Costs a bomb(we don't get Govt aided health care in our country. And this is an in between. Had to take Zoledronic IV to stop osteoporosis. Fibro back 60%, bone ache a bit. Migraines back 30%. Biggest issue is weight gain. I have gained 6 kgs in 3 months.I never put on weight like this.Any one else?"

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2019

"I just took my first dose of Exemestane. I'm 2 weeks post radiation therapy for breast cancer. I'm wondering if there is a patient Facebook group for this med.? There is a support group on this website https://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/exemestane/ "

• Lauri...
• February 1, 2022

"I try not to read these posts as it makes me dwell on this miserable pill. I agree for me the WORST part is the doctors gaslighting us that "it isn't a side effect" when clearly from everyone I know, and on here it causes miserable side effects. I have constipation to the point that I now have hemorrhoids and yes, I have tried so many things, miralax and fibercon in desperation. Trifala, magnesium and some work and then don't. But now a new side effect bursitis, I woke up with lumpy shoulder and redness and stiffness. I haven't been officially disagnosed by "MD" (me doctor) but pretty sure that is what it is, like everyone else, stiffness, difficulty in moving around, tired. I have MS so she always blames the progression of MS but I didn't have these symptoms until this pill, neuropathy. I have a friend who never had neuropathy and did NOT have rads like I did for stage 1 cancer, Oncotype 9, lumpectomy and again, the oncotype is 9 so how necessary is that pill. I am on it 3.5 years."

• ArmyC...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 20, 2021

"I am a 48 year old woman, diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer at age 41 that was pretty aggressive. I had a left breast lumpectomy and I did 6 months of chemo 2x per month and then 28 days of radiation daily. I started with Tamoxifen, but after a year my breast cancer team didn’t think that was the best option for me. I’ve been on Exemestane with Leupron injections for the past 5 years, my oncologist said I need to be on it for 10 years due to my age. I have horrible hot flashes, I sweat ALL the time and not just a little! I do CrossFit 5x a week and I still haven’t been able to lose weight! My carpal tunnel is worse than ever before and I’m afraid I’m going to have to get the surgery because I wake up a couple times a night because my right arm has fallen asleep. And that makes me so tired, I’m getting dark circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep!"

• 2018J
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2023

"It is the best of the three aromatase Inhibitors that I have tried. I have been taking it since 2019. I have been experiencing fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, and insomnia. However, on the bright side, I have not had a third recurrence of cancer. I was due to finish the Exemestane in 2024, but my oncologist advised me to continue taking it for the next 7-10 years. Well, Snap-Crackle-Pop to me, I guess."

• Kat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2021

"I wish I had read this before trying Exemestane. I was diagnosed with 1B cancer, some cells in one lymph node. Had radiation because of that and got pneumonia-like pneumonitis. Given steroids, which I loved. Doing yoga, walking and pilates. Then put on Arimidex. Awful joint pain, among other things. Femara. Same. My gynecologist suggested Exemestane, which worked for her. For me, who usually experiences no drug side effects, it was a horror show. Gradually waning ability to exercise, as arthritis-like symptoms worsened. Depression. Trouble sleeping. Then, dizziness. It was no life, so this week I decided to risk cancer return in order to feel somewhat normal. My doctors were great -- each said it was better odds to take it but that cancer cells could already be floating around and you never know who is going to have a recurrence. Now my question is: How long does it take to feel better? Does joint pain and dizziness go away or just get better?"

• Exeme...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2023

"I have now been on the drug for 6 1/2 years and it has been a nightmare. I have had every single side effect possible but the worst three side effects are the constant pain everywhere in my body, the osteoporosis, and the very frequent dizziness. That all being said, I am staying on the drug for the recommended 10 years for me because I have friends who have gone off of it and have gotten metastasized breast cancer. My fear of cancer overrides all the pain I deal with on a daily basis, but it is a horrible drug, make no mistake!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2022

"I have been taking exemestane for three years now and after a year of struggling with the side effects I've decided to stop taking it. I feel like I'm 99 years old. I cry all the time. I have had problems with my stomach and bowel. I now need hearing aids. My body aches constantly all over. I have neuropathy in my foot. My foot continuously twitches. I just want quality of life. And to feel happy again. It hasn't been an easy decision. I have to do it for myself not any one else."

• Ginyer
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 12, 2021

"After breast cancer treatment and surgery I was put on Anastrozole the side effects came on within a week; swollen painful joints, flushes, tired, but can't sleep and grrrhh - weight gain. I've since changed to exemestane, and guess what? Not a lot of difference in the s/effects!! The joints are less swollen and less painful, but still hurt. Burning hot flushes, worse at night. If the aching bones don't wake me, the flushes do (window open, duvet off, no clothes, still I sweat) never used to sweat during exercise, and I'm talking crossfit, but I do now. The exercise helps, as do a couple paracetamol to help me sleep until 2am. I now have the softest pillow, but even my ear cartilage pains will wake me. Stopped my anti depressant as I'd rather know about the feeling blue than masking it with yet more drugs, that and I want some sex drive, which is already flagging! I'm glad I'm cancer free but this exhaustion, being fat, flushes and pains!"