1. < Breast Cancer

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.

ebtexas55 | @ebtexas55 | Jun 4 5:27pm
In reply to @rosa1935 "Thank you. Haven’t heard of this therapy" + (show)
@rosa1935

Thank you. Haven’t heard of this therapy

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Its fabulous for various health issues and overall good health.
It reduces inflammation.
Some with lymphodema have been helped.
Research it. Whole body can be done at tanning spas or at some Planet fitness places. You can buy them online for in-home use. Check with your dr.. he might be able to write a script for one.

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Rom828 | @jgallagher04921 | Jun 5 5:29am
In reply to @thora902 "I am on Exemestane and my oncologist told me to be careful of phytoestrogens. I said..." + (show)
@thora902

I am on Exemestane and my oncologist told me to be careful of phytoestrogens. I said doesn't the AI block estrogen? And he said no, Exemestane does not block estrogen, it only keeps your body from making it. Has anybody else been told this? I am concerned because all the healthy foods contain phytoestrogens: beans, legumes, whole grains, broccoli, cabbage, kale, fruits, flax seed, etc. I am also taking chamomile as a sleep aid - and there is a warning on the MSK website saying that people with hormone sensitive cancer should not be given this.....

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My oncologist did not tell me this! I was under impression all 3 AIs worked the same way. I'll be asking about this!

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1 reply
dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Jun 6 7:54am
In reply to @1cs "Anastrozole How high does the breast cancer risk score have to be for this drug to..." + (show)
@1cs

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

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Taking AIs is always the patient's choice. The usual recommendation for estrogen positive breast cancer is for 5 years of an AI drug. If your risk score is higher, 7 - 10 years can be indicated. If your risk score is low and you don't tolerate the drug well, you may choose to terminate use earlier. But even with a low risk score, it will always be recommended. Earlier today I read an article about a trial using AIs as a preventative BEFORE getting cancer.

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Jun 6 7:59am
In reply to @myoga "AIs prevent body from making estrogen. Exemestane is steroidal and irreversible, so it tends to have..." + (show)
@myoga

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."

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Your comment falls in line with various articles I've read since I began using AIs over the last 5 years. Physical activity and weight control are more important than worrying about soy intake.

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Jun 6 8:19am
In reply to @jgallagher04921 "My oncologist did not tell me this! I was under impression all 3 AIs worked the..." + (show)
@jgallagher04921

My oncologist did not tell me this! I was under impression all 3 AIs worked the same way. I'll be asking about this!

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Because of what I read here I did some serious internet searches on this subject. What I found is that Anastrozole and Letrozole are nonsteroidal while Exemestane is a steroid. All three work similarly. I found not one single (credible) article mentioning avoiding any type of food. There's plenty of information on drug interactions but none on food. When I first started started AIs (I've used all three), logic indicated I avoid soy products. I then began seeing articles disputing this. I've had four oncologists over 5 years, and not one mentioned avoiding any types of food. I also found that they are not god-like, don't all agree, and don't always have all of the answers. I ask, I listen and I do my own research. When I developed chemo induced neuropathy, 2 oncologists diagnosed fluid retention. I self-diagnosed neuropathy which was later confirmed when I joined a clinical trial for neuropathy. So, don't take everything as gospel.

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anjalima | @anjalima | Jun 7 7:31am
In reply to @ebtexas55 "Glad you mentioned you take it every other day because Exemestane takes 50 hours to eliminate..." + (show)
@ebtexas55

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.

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All three AI meds appear to have a 50 hour half life. That said the med community knows this and presumably counts on the accumulation. IMO

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sally484 | @sally484 | Jun 7 9:02am

I was switched to Exemestane and the this makes me very tired and I have gained about 20 lbs. This is the first AI I've been on that has affected my weight. I've been on Xeloda and Anastrozole. The Xeloda affected the skin on my hands and feet and made them very sore. The Anastrozole made me very moody. I'm not liking the weight gain!!!

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