Exemestane and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Sho...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 20, 2020

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I have had several discussions with my doctor regarding this drug. He refuses to take me off of this after experiencing extreme night sweats, urinary problems, bone and muscle aches, extreme swelling of hands and feet, water retention, and weight gain. The benefits of this drug lowering the recurrence of disease progression is 14%. I have been a 20-year survivor of metastatic breast cancer and do not understand why I'm still on this. Seriously considering stopping the use of this because the side effects of this drug are truly ruining my quality of life. For only a 14% benefit, I don't see the point. The horrible symptoms of taking this drug are not worth it."

• 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."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2019

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I was on Arimidex for 6 months and started having neuropathy in hands and feet. Doc changed me to Aromasin, and I still have the neuropathy, which has altered my quality of life. Had no side effects from Tamoxifen other than weight gain and hot flashes. The Aromasin has also caused overall weakness and balance issues. I have been off of it for 2 weeks and still have the neuropathy and weakness. I am waiting to make sure it is from the Aromasin and then deciding what to do. I am quite certain I will not go back on the medication."

• 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."

• Cur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 21, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed in June 2018, Stage 2 BC. Started chemo, stopped after the 12th treatment, cancer was getting bigger. Bilateral mastectomy in Dec '18, then 30 rounds of radiation in 2019. In April 2019, I had a full hysterectomy. I was getting the Zoladex shot since Jan '19 and began taking exemestane in February '19. After the hysterectomy, I really started to notice the side effects. By June, my body was aching all over: knees, back, hands. Headaches occasionally. Weight gain was horrendous. From April to June, I gained 15 pounds, and this was with exercising 2x a day and watching everything I eat. I've started a medication holiday, been off for one week. I'm starting to feel so much better. I've lost 2 pounds already. I see my OC next month (July '19). I had ER/PR BC, so I'm nervous about not taking anything, but my quality of life on this daily pill is atrocious."

• 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."

• 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?"

• Sha...
• June 7, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I started taking exemestane after trying Tamoxifen and Femara. Unfortunately, these medicines have been hard on me. I do not have quality of life. I am constantly tired, and the joint pain is unbearable. My hands are swollen, I have trigger finger, and cysts in my wrist. I have also gained a lot of weight and developed bad acne."

• 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!"

• Mz ...
• November 21, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Have been on this medication about 4 months. I was wondering why I couldn't sleep and have gained an excessive amount of weight. I read the reviews, which helped me considerably. I wake up with headaches in the morning. I take Excedrin, it helps. My skin breaks out weekly. My right arm is numb and feels like no circulation. I believe I am going to take myself off this medication. I can't afford to keep buying clothes. Oh, by the way, my sugar has gone up. I've never had this problem before. I believe this medication is the common denominator for most, if not all, my issues."

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

For Breast Cancer "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."

• 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!"

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 23, 2022

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this 2.5 years. I hate it! I have put on so much weight in my midsection that I don’t even recognize my body anymore. Hot flashes, restless sleep, and nerve pain that travels to different parts of my body. I’ve always had headaches, migraines, so I can’t say that it’s from the medication. I am so tempted to just stop taking it. I mean, 2.5 years seems sufficient. This is awful."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2023

For Breast Cancer "Lots of weight gain, like 30 pounds from before taking it. My weight had been stable for 15 years before taking exemestane, and it keeps going up, with no dietary change. Usual joint pain, especially in my knees after sitting and then getting up. Bad coughing spells occasionally, like once a month, but then it won't stop for an hour or two. Often when I'm in bed, the larynx irritation starts and I have to get up to cough for 1 or 2 hours."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 16, 2023

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this for over eight years. I hate it! It’s really starting to take a toll on my physical and mental state. My skin is a mess (skin tags, yuk), weight gain, insomnia, facial hair, and thinning hair. I need to come off of it. My doctor recommends I take it for 10 years."

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

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