Switching from anastrozole to exemestane: Anyone made this switch?

Posted by reginacrick @reginacrick, Jun 1 1:27pm

My oncologist switched me from Anastrozole to Exemestane.. anybody familiar with this medicine? Side effects? I’m always scared to switch meds.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

myoga | @myoga | Jun 2 4:04pm

In reply to @reginacrick "Thank you so much!! I feel better about it now!!❤️❤️" + (show)

You're welcome! ❤️❤️

myoga | @myoga | Jun 2 4:42pm

In reply to @thora902 "I am on Exemestane and my oncologist told me to be careful of phytoestrogens. I said..." + (show)

AIs prevent body from making estrogen. Exemestane is steroidal and irreversible, so it tends to have long term effect compared to Anastrozole. I will ask my onco about photoestrogen effect in breast cancer. I found this article about this article about phytoestrogen effect on breast cancer, the conclusion is particularly interesting. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9776930/
I also remember reading some where that low breast cancer in Asia is linked to high consumption of soy.
" In conclusion, in this review, none of the selected studies found statistically significant adverse effects of soy consumption on BC recurrence or mortality (specific or all-cause). Almost all studies showed beneficial effects of soy isoflavone intake, in variable ways, on BC recurrence and mortality. These results coincide with other recent works and suggest that soy isoflavone intake is safe for BC survivors.

However, in order to confirm the current results, larger studies are needed. Future research should have larger sample sizes, more accurate assessments of soy isoflavone intake (and total phytoestrogen intake), better control of confounding factors, and longer follow-ups."

1cs | @1cs | Jun 2 8:04pm

Anastrozole
How high does the breast cancer risk score have to be for this drug to be recommended?

anjalima | @anjalima | Jun 3 6:55am

I believe it is recommended treatment for all hormone positive breast cancers.

ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | Jun 4 7:06am

In reply to @rosa1935 "I was switched from Anastrozole to exemestane a year ago after being in Anastrozole for 2..." + (show)

Glad you mentioned you take it every other day because Exemestane takes 50 hours to eliminate from your body.

A natural aromatase inhibitor is mushrooms.
Research Lions Mane and combinations in powder or capsule form.

Also see Chris Beats Cancer and other integrative and holistic ways to fight cancer.

Research Genuine Essiac Tea.
https://genuineessiac.com/pages/aabout-us
Research Sir Jonathon Winters Tea
https://www.sirjasonwinters.com/
Watch the interview wit Chris Wark
Both have helped cancer patients.

rosa1935 | @rosa1935 | Jun 4 7:20am

In reply to @ebtexas55 "Glad you mentioned you take it every other day because Exemestane takes 50 hours to eliminate..." + (show)

I’ve just been on a call to to a centre to get me on the list for physiotherapy. After all the questions I was asked, it’s clear that my back pain is from Anastrozole and started just after I began taking the meds. This weekend has been horrendous with pain. I had mri last July and results of that were normal wear and tear on my back. I was worried in case there was secondary cancer.

ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | Jun 4 11:07am

In reply to @rosa1935 "I’ve just been on a call to to a centre to get me on the list..." + (show)

It sounds a bit typical. It found a vulnerable place. Consider Exemestane.
And if your backs a problem consider redlight therapy.

rosa1935 | @rosa1935 | Jun 4 12:14pm

In reply to @ebtexas55 "It sounds a bit typical. It found a vulnerable place. Consider Exemestane. And if your backs..." + (show)

Thank you. Haven’t heard of this therapy

celestebradham | @celestebradham | Jun 4 4:30pm

In reply to @rosa1935 "Thank you. Haven’t heard of this therapy" + (show)

I am 61, I am currently on Exemestane. Anastrozole did NOT agree with my body … many many side effects-literally out me in a tailspin mentally and physically. I started exemestane- and had a lot better luck. I
Did end up taking a little vacation from it due to bad hand joint aches( I ended having mild arthritis), insomnia and more fatigue .I have started acupuncture over a month ago and have NO side effects- it has been a blessing . I also do yoga(a few types), walk or swim.