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Anyone experience finger/hand tingling taking Exemestane (Aromasin)?

Posted by ram33 @ram33, Jun 24 3:00pm

Besides the typical side effects of hot flashes, sweating, tiredness, trouble sleeping, I'm experiencing finger/hand tingling. Typically not painful but it can be at times. The pads of my finger tips feel very different than they did before starting the medication. It's very hard to explain. My Oncologist says this side effect is rare. This side effect is more tolerable than the extreme jaw pain I had with the first AI med. Just wondering if anyone else is/has experienced this. A bit worried on any long term after effects if this keeps happening for the next 4.5 years...? Thanks.

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Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Jun 24 6:37pm

Mayo Clinic’s info on exemestane-
Under less common symptoms (see second section near bottom of page),
- burning, tingling, or prickly sensations
- decreased sense of touch
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/exemestane-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063757
Another healthcare site mentioned carpal tunnel syndrome associated with exemestane. It makes sense because with lower estrogen there can be issues with tendons. Are you having tingling/pain in both hands? If yes, then probably not carpal tunnel. If you suspect carpal tunnel, though, it would be best to limit movement of your forearm, wrist, and hand on that side until you can see the doctor. Carpal tunnel does not mean surgery - they’ll probably start with anti-inflammatories and a splint.

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1 reply
3dogngt | @3dogngt | Jun 25 7:21am

Paresthesia is a common side effect of exemestane. My fingers/hands go " to sleep" several times per day. I just shake them for a few seconds to the feeling comes back. It's an annoying side effect but not nearly as bad as some of the other side effects.

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1 reply
celestebradham | @celestebradham | Jun 25 8:33am

I started acupuncture and it has helped with all side effects from Exemestane. Hand, finger joints were really bad- hurt to write- . My acupuncturist is also an oncologist which made me feel more comfortable. I also do healthy yoga , nidra and breathing yoga through MD Anderson, which has also helped

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bjohnson511 | @bjohnson511 | Jun 26 11:33am

I had to go off of my anastrozole. All the side effects were terrible but when I got trigger thumb and my two baby fingers don’t work. I can’t close them all the way. So it’s very difficult to write. I can’t play golf anymore. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow to look at other options. But reading everything on here doesn’t sound like any of these drugs or without major side effects. At 73 years old, I want to live a full life. Difficult decisions.

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ram33 | @ram33 | Jun 27 9:12am
In reply to @triciaot "Mayo Clinic’s info on exemestane- Under less common symptoms (see second section near bottom of page),..." + (show)
@triciaot

Mayo Clinic’s info on exemestane-
Under less common symptoms (see second section near bottom of page),
- burning, tingling, or prickly sensations
- decreased sense of touch
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/exemestane-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063757
Another healthcare site mentioned carpal tunnel syndrome associated with exemestane. It makes sense because with lower estrogen there can be issues with tendons. Are you having tingling/pain in both hands? If yes, then probably not carpal tunnel. If you suspect carpal tunnel, though, it would be best to limit movement of your forearm, wrist, and hand on that side until you can see the doctor. Carpal tunnel does not mean surgery - they’ll probably start with anti-inflammatories and a splint.

Jump to this post

It is in both hands. We have ruled out carpal tunnel at this point. Thanks.

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ram33 | @ram33 | Jun 27 9:19am
In reply to @3dogngt "Paresthesia is a common side effect of exemestane. My fingers/hands go " to sleep" several times..." + (show)
@3dogngt

Paresthesia is a common side effect of exemestane. My fingers/hands go " to sleep" several times per day. I just shake them for a few seconds to the feeling comes back. It's an annoying side effect but not nearly as bad as some of the other side effects.

Jump to this post

I agree this is not as bad as other side effects. I had terrible jaw pain on anastrozole which was then changed to exemestane. This is tolerable but a bit concerned if it will have a lasting impact once I've completed the remaining 4.25 years on this drug. How long have you been on exemestane?

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