Exemestane Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 22, 2023.

Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. It is important for women to have regular gynecologic check-ups while taking this medicine.

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test 7 days before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.

Do not take this medicine if you are also using medicines that contain estrogen (eg, Premarin®), birth control pills or patches, or other medicines used for hormone replacement therapy.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of exemestane

Along with its needed effects, exemestane may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking exemestane:

Other side effects of exemestane

Some side effects of exemestane may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were hot flushes, arthralgia, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (28.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in limb, back pain, osteoarthritis, myalgia, pathological fracture, hypoesthesia, skeletal pain, osteoporosis, muscle cramp
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteoporotic fracture^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 18%), abdominal pain (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastric ulcers^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased sweating (17.8%), alopecia (15.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, pruritus, acute generalized exanthemos pustulosis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hot flushes (up to 32.9%), Hypertension (15.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphedema, chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thromboembolism, myocardial infarction^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevation of liver function tests (including enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase)
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis including cholestatic hepatitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (13.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, confusion^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (13.6%), dizziness (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, neuropathy^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea
• Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 101%): Visual disturbances^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Other primary cancer^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 22.2%), pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, influenza-like symptoms, fever, generalized weakness, pain at tumor sites, asthenia, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased appetite, anorexia, hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Gynecological (10.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, vaginal hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uterine polyp, uterine polydectomy
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Endometrial hyperplasia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decrease in lymphocytes (20%)
• Uncommon (0.1%to 1%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Which is better - Aromasin or Femara?
• Aromasin vs Femara - how do they compare?
• How long do you need to take Aromasin?
• Should you take Aromasin with food?

Further information

Exemestane side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer