Exemestane and Tiredness: What Users Say

• ANG...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I have to say I feel very lucky reading all these reviews. I have been on exemestane for just under 2 years. I started following 23 rounds of radiation after my lumpectomy. While I do have sore feet occasionally and some mild tiredness, I feel pretty lucky compared to other people who have posted. I guess I just want people who are new to the drug to know that not everyone has terrible experiences with it. Yes, it does affect your libido as well, but sometimes you just have to learn to make adjustments in what you want to do and what you can do. It has not completely gotten rid of my sex life, but it has definitely made me appreciate the times I am up for it more. It does seem to be getting less of an issue the more I am on it, but the trade-off is rare occurrences of anxiety. I guess after losing more people than I care to count to cancer, I am just lucky there are drugs like this to give us hope."

• rol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2013

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Quit anastrozole after 4 months, it was making me so tired. I could hardly get out of bed and was falling asleep at the wheel. I have been on Aromasin for 4 months, and my hair is falling out quite a lot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2016

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Have taken three different drugs of the same nature and purpose. This has the mildest side effects. Nausea, sweats, insomnia, headache, joint pain, increased appetite, lethargy, dizziness are some of the side effects I am experiencing."

• Mam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 3, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Been on this exemestane for 2 years. Had really bad foot pain in the beginning. Had a hysterectomy. Have hot flashes. Not sure if it's from the medication. Also had numbness in hands and pain. It causes me to be very tired as well. I did start working out, and it has helped a ton. No more foot pain or hand pain. I am not good at taking it every day. I also take breaks when I get to the point where I can't function anymore because I'm so tired. I have gained 20 pounds on this medication. I'm able to maintain now with keto and CrossFit. But still can't seem to get back to the body I had 3 years ago."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2017

For Breast Cancer "My oncologist switched me from letrozole to exemestane because I was having some bone loss. I was a little more tired and achy on the letrozole, so I assumed the same would happen with exemestane, but oh my gosh, what a difference. I gained 6 lbs in a month, experienced horrible headaches, pins and needles in my hands, back pain, fatigue, waking up in the middle of the night, hot flashes, ringing in my ears, and blurry vision. I'm switching back to letrozole, at least the side effects are tolerable. I guess everyone is different, if it works for others, awesome, but not for me. These reviews are so needed in our for-profit health care system. Doctors won't tell you or don't know about all the side effects, and who even knows about the long-term ones?"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Very active and fit - 37 yrs old and have been on Aromasin for almost 3 mo. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years previously. It was a cakewalk compared to Aromasin. I haven't slept through the night a single night since starting A. My hands are swollen and weak, and they ache all the time. I have joint pain all over and am terribly stiff when I sit in the same position for long. I'm tired and have a hard time working out (I used to live for this). My vision is blurry sometimes. This blows, but I'm hoping the SEs will improve soon."

• DCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I was on letrozole previously and could not stand the side effects. Joint pain, neuropathy, brain fog, and more. I am now on exemestane for 2 months. No brain fog, but I experience tiredness. I now take it at night, and that helps me function during the day. I am having some vision issues, and I keep getting cysts on my face. It's not pimples, but cysts. As soon as I get rid of one, another pops up. Is anyone else experiencing this?"

• far...
• January 26, 2012

For Breast Cancer "I was on Arimidex for two months, and I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out it was the medication. I have been on exemestane for three months, and my chest feels really tight most of the time. I have no energy and headaches. I am trying to decide whether to go off it and go on Tamoxifen. I have talked to several people on Tamoxifen, with no side effects to speak of except hot flashes. I also have pain in my fingers and feet. I also feel like I am having some hearing loss, which I never had before."

• mar...
• December 6, 2016

For Breast Cancer "This is the second inhibitor that I have tried. Started off great, but now after 3 months, am wondering if it is all worth it. The tiredness, insomnia, and swollen hands and feet are bad enough. The worst part is the confusion. I go to appointments at the wrong times, can't remember some of the grandchildren's names! Along with the hot flushes and nausea, not fun. Then the doctor tells me that I need it for 10 years and just work through the side effects!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2019

For Breast Cancer "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?"

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

• Lau...
• February 1, 2022

For Breast Cancer "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."

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

• PMC...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2023

For Breast Cancer "This drug caused tiredness, lowering of the sound of my voice, thickening of eyebrows with growth at sharp angles (old man eyebrows), increased facial hair, and the inability to concentrate due to the tiredness. By the second year, I had to reduce the use from once a day to every other day. By the third year, I tapered off to every three days and quit the drug completely during that year. I was supposed to have taken it for five years. I don’t know how effective this drug is/was. I have not had a recurrence of breast cancer since starting or stopping this drug. It was difficult to tolerate."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2022

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking exemestane for nearly a year now. At first, I tried to fight every side effect I was having. Then I wrote a diary, and for me, the side effects ran to a pattern. Little or no sleep for a few days. Then so exhausted, slept for hours and felt as if I had lost a day. Feeling depressed, I even went to my GP for antidepressants and help with sleep, thankfully, he advised against this. Now I call feeling depressed my can't-be-bothered days, so I'm just lazy. Then I feel better. The aches and pains, a gentle exercise, sitting in a chair, and exercises help. I bought a recliner that has really helped with the aches in my legs and back. I found a herbal remedy to take when sleep is really bad, and this helps a little. These tablets used to really have me upset, but now I recognize the signs, go along with them, and try to be calm because I have to take them for 5 years and I won't let them get me down. The weight gain I can't do anything about. I just buy a larger blouse or trousers. I'm 69."

• Ces...
• May 17, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer in my left breast and Stage 1 in my right. This is my 2 months taking it. It is way better than the first one I was on. That made me really bad leg pain, stiffness, and Charlie horses. When I started exemestane, it made my hand itch like I wanted to scratch the skin off my hands, but that went away. The only side effect I feel now is really, really tired, lifeless, but looking at other comments, I will start exercising. I’ve been doing a lot of natural vitamins like Seamoss every day, and I feel my energy coming back. I also get headaches, and my voice is very hoarse at times, and I feel like sometimes a Charlie horse is coming but doesn’t really. I’ve been drinking a lot of water and Pedialyte to stay hydrated, so far it’s not that bad, I can maneuver around the symptoms."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2021

For Breast Cancer "Been on Aromasin for 7 months and supposed to take it for 10 years. Not even 1 full year in yet, and I'm falling apart. I'm 38 and was a healthy, active young woman prior to cancer and meds. Now I'm borderline depressed, extremely fatigued and tired, achy joints, mean, moody, and insensitive, lethargic, no energy nor interest, not sleeping despite taking Gabapentin, thinning hair, genital/urinary problems, and unrelenting, unforgiving hot flashes. I'm struggling to work my normal full-time job and will have to go down to part-time. Married with 4 kids and will continue to take in hopes of reducing a recurrence."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2021

For Breast Cancer "Been on Aromasin for 7 months and supposed to take it for 10 years. Not even 1 full year in yet, and I'm falling apart. I'm 38 and was a healthy, active young woman prior to cancer and meds. Now I'm borderline depressed, extremely fatigued and tired, achy joints, mean, moody, and insensitive, lethargic, no energy nor interest, not sleeping despite taking Gabapentin, thinning hair, genital/urinary problems, and unrelenting, unforgiving hot flashes. I'm struggling to work my normal full-time job and will have to go down to part-time. Married with 4 kids and will continue to take in hopes of reducing a recurrence."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2021

For Breast Cancer "Been on Aromasin for 7 months and supposed to take it for 10 years. Not even 1 full year in yet, and I'm falling apart. I'm 38 and was a healthy, active young woman prior to cancer and meds. Now I'm borderline depressed, extremely fatigued and tired, achy joints, mean, moody, and insensitive, lethargic, no energy nor interest, not sleeping despite taking Gabapentin, thinning hair, genital/urinary problems, and unrelenting, unforgiving hot flashes. I'm struggling to work my normal full-time job and will have to go down to part-time. Married with 4 kids and will continue to take in hopes of reducing a recurrence."

• Eve...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 15, 2023

For Breast Cancer "It has made me extremely tired and seems to have affected my cognitive abilities. My short-term memory is noticeably worse since taking this drug, and in spite of sleeping well, I am always dragging through my day. I am continuing to do mild exercise, but with difficulty. I am considering going off this drug due to how it is affecting my quality of life."