Exemestane and Bone Pain: What Users Say

• Shi...
• August 18, 2016

For Breast Cancer "This drug is perhaps saving my life, but who knows - and at what cost? Right now I seriously question the value of treatment that has such violent side effects. I'm experiencing: bone pain, extreme hot flushes/cold shivers, chronic constipation, vaginal dryness and discomfort, cognitive impairment, inability to concentrate, insomnia, significant weight gain (18 lbs in 8 weeks), rapid aging, facial hair growth, irritability, depression (big surprise there). It really angers me to see the glib way doctors document their research on this drug, claiming it is 'well tolerated'. I'm sure there are exceptions but in my personal experience so far, every woman I have met who's taking it complains of similar symptoms."

• fin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 18, 2013

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I just came off Aromasin, on tamoxifen for 2 years, then Aromasin for 5 years. I am having cold chills and then hot flashes now. While on it, I had all the side effects, sore bones, hot flashes, gained weight, etc."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I’ve been on Aromasin for about 9 months. I had hot flashes for the first few months, rarely now. I experience massive fatigue, to the point that for several months I could barely care for my young children. Moderate exercise helps some with that. The joint and bone pain is unpleasant, but tolerable so far. I have nausea throughout the day, mostly in the morning. Shooting pains in my legs, feet, and arms at night. The worst side effect has been the weight gain: 30 pounds in 9 months, despite exercising more and maintaining the same diet, and actually eating less than before. So frustrating. I’m thankful if the drug is keeping the cancer away, but the side effects are really awful."

• Mic...
• April 16, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Aromasin (Exemestane) 25 mg for three years. I tried the other two inhibitors but had severe bone pain, so this one is the best of the bunch. I do have some joint pain, low stamina, no libido, waking throughout the night, swollen fingers, toes, and abdomen, severe hot flashes that feel like I'm being burned at the stake, and the worst one is the weight gain. I've gained 50 pounds in the last two years and still have two years to go. My doctor put me on Clonidine every 6 hours because my skin was allergic to the 24-hour patch. It helps ease the hot flashes for about 4 hours. He doesn't have any advice for my inability to lose weight and the fact that I keep gaining even though I exercise and eat the same as before. Ugghhh!"

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I took for 60 days and had horrible joint and bone pain. At times, I could not make a fist, snap my fingers, or get out of bed. I was tired all the time. My face broke out with acne and seborrheic dermatitis. I stopped for a week and already feel so much better (more energy, much less joint pain). I am meeting with the oncologist in a couple of weeks to discuss a new drug... hopefully without the awful side effects."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

For Breast Cancer "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."

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

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

For Breast Cancer "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?"

• Gin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 12, 2021

For Breast Cancer "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 side 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 of paracetamol to help me sleep until 2 am. I now have the softest pillow, but even my ear cartilage pains will wake me. Stopped my antidepressant 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!"

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2022

For Breast Cancer "So many reviews of this drug with horrible side effects. My journey started last May with stage 1A breast cancer, ER positive. Lumpectomy with 2 nodes removed in June. Started radiation in August along with Anastrozole. Started having burning, pins-and-needles feeling in my face, then went to my head. Every few weeks it spread to a different part. Radiation oncologist and medical oncologist said no, it was not radiation or hormone blockers causing this. I suffered from hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, low libido, depression, bone pain, confusion and memory issues, vaginal dryness, and hair loss. I kept telling doctors it was the medication, but they insisted it was not. In December, the oncologist switched me to exemestane because I complained. The bone pain lifted but I started having frequent urination, bladder issues. Had a severe sore throat for a month. Started having itching from chest up, so the oncologist finally took me off. I have an appointment tomorrow."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2023

For Breast Cancer "Not good! Osteo, bone pain, weight gain, and hair loss."