Exemestane for Breast Cancer User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ren...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2025

"Third aromatase inhibitor. I could not function on Anastrozole or letrozole. Hip pain, bone pain, foot pain, wrists, swollen hands, hand weakness, hot-cold flashes, exhaustion. Exemestane is the most tolerable of all, but only a generic from Breckenridge manufacturer. I know after a day or two when my pharmacist filled with any other generic, as side effects increase. Makes a big difference for me. Gabapentin, antidepressants, or a myriad of other proposed drugs… is no thanks. I don't take meds for side effects of meds. I had to stop working after 3 years on aromatase inhibitors. My job of 14-hour shifts on my feet was impossible. Could not get up after sitting to drive home. Let alone hand weakness made me a danger to others in a hospital environment. I have 1.5 years more to complete 10 years."

• vic...
• 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."

• Sue...
• 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."

• Cho...
• 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."

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

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

• Gra...
• 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 Letrozole 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 lose it! Could it be anything to do with thinning bones and muscle wastage?"

• Kat...
• 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 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!"

• Liz...
• 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 Femara."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2025

"I was initially prescribed Kisqali and Letrozole, neither of which I could tolerate. My oncologist then prescribed exemestane. So far, I’ve had few side effects. When I started getting headaches, I increased my water intake immensely, and that helped a lot. I think these drugs are dehydrating because my mouth and eyes get dry. I changed my diet by limiting meat, dairy, and carbs. I am trying to get more exercise, which helps my energy level. I started to get arthritis before my cancer diagnosis and have been taking Schwartz turmeric-curcumin, which took my arthritis pain away. So, I have not experienced any new joint pain from the medication. So far, so good."

• Kat...
• 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."

• 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."

• Twi...
• 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, and 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 ongoing for about 7 years. So far, these side effects are less than Fareston. Unable to tolerate Tamoxifen post breast CA, Stage 3A. I do not expect to be free of any side effects, rather having some quality of life, and hopeful."

• Dev...
• 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 fighters, 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."

• Spi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 17, 2023

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 S...
• 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."

• Bar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2022

"I was diagnosed with stage IIIA invasive ductal carcinoma in 2014. My tumor had spread 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, and 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 (a total of 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2023

"I have had multiple issues with side effects. It did not start off bad, but after a few years, I have bad bone and joint pain and neuropathy in my hands and feet. I also have headaches and insomnia. I went down to every other day with the 25 mg, but the side effects haven't changed. I only have 5 months left until I hit my 5-year mark and am looking forward to stopping. They have done their job in keeping me cancer-free but not without a lot of miserable side effects."

• Zep...
• April 9, 2023

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."

• Joa...
• 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 medication I take. The first 2 other 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!"

• Nit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2020

"My 3rd aromatase inhibitor (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 means kidneys go in the long run). Also, excessive vaginal dryness. Moved to exemestane. Costs a bomb (we don't get government-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. Anyone else?"

• Lau...
• 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 a lumpy shoulder and redness and stiffness. I haven't been officially diagnosed by 'MD' (my 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 17, 2023

"Taking for 5 years now, fatigue, body aches, muscle cramps especially in my back, shortness of breath, hot flashes, night sweats. I've gotten used to it but not fun, but it's better than getting cancer again. Better than Letrozole side effects, I took that for 1 year and couldn't handle the joint pain so switched to Exemestane."

• rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2023

"I am currently taking exemestane 25 mg daily, after having both breasts removed for cancer. I find that I am extremely lethargic - tired from morning to night. I am looking for an alternative drug without this side effect. Very debilitating."

• Exe...
• 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!"

• Arm...
• 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 Lupron 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 of 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!"