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Exemestane side effects

Posted by brightlight66 @brightlight66, Sep 16 12:44pm

I've been on Exemestane for two weeks and have abdominal discomfort...gas, nausea, rumbling, diarrhea, etc.
Thinking of just getting off it as I can't imagine feeling this way for 5 years. Any other experiences out there? I was diagnosed with invasive lobular and already had surgery, chemo and radiation.
Thanks!

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roseann4z | @roseann4z | Sep 17 1:57pm
In reply to @reflector75 "The recurring comments about acid reflux are interesting, as someone who already had real problems with..." + (show)
Profile picture for reflector75 @reflector75

The recurring comments about acid reflux are interesting, as someone who already had real problems with this I felt that worsening symptoms were a progression of the original problem.
I am now considering that Anastrozole may be behind this and will raise this with my oncologist.
I also feel that Gastroenterologists are often not that conversant with the crossover effects of this time of cancer therapy.

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I received various comments from different doctors about the connection but a nurse whose opinion I respect said it was a definite side effect she’s seen. And from reading comments here and in another support group I attend it seems to be a real side effect.

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prc73 | @prc73 | Sep 18 12:18pm
In reply to @briarrose "Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you..." + (show)
Profile picture for briarrose @briarrose

Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you are now experiencing.
But remember, ALL of the AI's have many, many side effects.
I am on anastrozole 1 mg. daily since June 2025. I have an annoying headache just about every day. And I am monitoring my blood pressure as it has increased (the systolic) despite 2 increased in my blood pressure medication. It's not at a danger zone right now...but it's consistently higher than it was before taking this drug.
My bone density at age 68 was normal. Now at age 70 and 3 months on this medication I have osteopenia in my left hip. Normal aging? Maybe. No one knows. But I will be monitored more frequently now. Plus I have ischemic heart disease and the combination of this health issue but the AI is not good at all. I can have a heart attack or stroke.
What to do? With invasive cancer (like me) I feel one needs to take their best shot to prevent a reoccurrence.
Of course, not all women feel this way. Some women are living in the moment and want quality of life.
But like everyone else, I don't want the cancer to return...and it most certainly can. I am between a rock and a hard place. But this was my decision. Weigh the pros and cons. And "maybe" your symptoms will resolve after a bit more time(??). All the best to you!

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I literally signed up for a clinical trial and pray I get picked but it's to see if Zepbound can be used to prevent reoccurrence. Makes sense since post menopause your estrogen is coming from fat cells . As a single woman I cannot afford to take any more time off , have bad side effects where I can't work etc.

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dea2xILC | @darack | Sep 18 5:32pm
In reply to @briarrose "Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you..." + (show)
Profile picture for briarrose @briarrose

Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you are now experiencing.
But remember, ALL of the AI's have many, many side effects.
I am on anastrozole 1 mg. daily since June 2025. I have an annoying headache just about every day. And I am monitoring my blood pressure as it has increased (the systolic) despite 2 increased in my blood pressure medication. It's not at a danger zone right now...but it's consistently higher than it was before taking this drug.
My bone density at age 68 was normal. Now at age 70 and 3 months on this medication I have osteopenia in my left hip. Normal aging? Maybe. No one knows. But I will be monitored more frequently now. Plus I have ischemic heart disease and the combination of this health issue but the AI is not good at all. I can have a heart attack or stroke.
What to do? With invasive cancer (like me) I feel one needs to take their best shot to prevent a reoccurrence.
Of course, not all women feel this way. Some women are living in the moment and want quality of life.
But like everyone else, I don't want the cancer to return...and it most certainly can. I am between a rock and a hard place. But this was my decision. Weigh the pros and cons. And "maybe" your symptoms will resolve after a bit more time(??). All the best to you!

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Thank you briarrose and brightlight66 for sharing the details. I am finding it very hard to swallow this little white pill that make me feel tired, sad along with the other side effects you both mention. I continue on 1/2 dose in the evening. I have been talking in my sleep which is kind of scary. I haven't dont that since I was a kid. I am 65 years old.

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kategiddyup | @kategiddyup | Sep 19 9:24am

Game changer for me! I read on this blog that taking Claritin with Aromasin helps with bone pain. I did some checking and found that info to be true. So, I have been taking Claritin in the am and my little white pill at night. Yes, I still have other side effects but my bone issue is much better.

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1 reply
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lifetraveler | @lifetraveler | Sep 19 9:37am
In reply to @prc73 "I literally signed up for a clinical trial and pray I get picked but it's to..." + (show)
Profile picture for prc73 @prc73

I literally signed up for a clinical trial and pray I get picked but it's to see if Zepbound can be used to prevent reoccurrence. Makes sense since post menopause your estrogen is coming from fat cells . As a single woman I cannot afford to take any more time off , have bad side effects where I can't work etc.

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Unfortunately for us though, @prc73, the medication Zepbound may cause serious side effects, including Pancreatitis, Gallbladder problems, Thyroid issues, etc. Please be cautious if you do try it, my friend!

Best wishes to all!

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prc73 | @prc73 | Sep 19 8:07pm

Oncologist did suggest Ozempic but when I saw the clinical trial for Zepbound I thought why not if it will be free. Not sure if I'll even get in.

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kal25 | @kal25 | Oct 17 8:57pm

I too have Gastro difficulties on Exemestane, taking it after my dinner meal has helped some. By 18 to 20 month, I had so many side effects on anastrozole I had to go off. These intermittent Gastro symptoms are so minor to the symptoms of fatigue, pain, dry eye, lichen, sclerosis, tendon problems, etc. on anastrozole. I think with all these medicines, you have to find one that is the lesser evil of the others for you and your body.

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kategiddyup | @kategiddyup | Oct 18 9:55am
In reply to @kategiddyup "Game changer for me! I read on this blog that taking Claritin with Aromasin helps with..." + (show)
Profile picture for kategiddyup @kategiddyup

Game changer for me! I read on this blog that taking Claritin with Aromasin helps with bone pain. I did some checking and found that info to be true. So, I have been taking Claritin in the am and my little white pill at night. Yes, I still have other side effects but my bone issue is much better.

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@kategiddyup
I read your post a few weeks ago and checked up on Claritin, etc. It has been a game changer for me as well. I have much less bone pain and can now exercise. Thank you for your post!

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1 reply
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myoga | @myoga | Oct 19 7:42am
In reply to @kategiddyup "@kategiddyup I read your post a few weeks ago and checked up on Claritin, etc. It..." + (show)
Profile picture for kategiddyup @kategiddyup

@kategiddyup
I read your post a few weeks ago and checked up on Claritin, etc. It has been a game changer for me as well. I have much less bone pain and can now exercise. Thank you for your post!

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@kategiddyup
Discussion on using Claritin for bone pain was also mentioned in a different threat few years ago. What really interesting is the ASCO abstract found the link between using Loratadine and lower risk of cancer recurrence. It recommends further research but I could not find any update. I think we need to talk to oncologist before taking medications together though.
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2018.36.15_suppl.e12527

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kategiddyup | @kategiddyup | Oct 19 11:16am
In reply to @myoga "@kategiddyup Discussion on using Claritin for bone pain was also mentioned in a different threat few..." + (show)
Profile picture for myoga @myoga

@kategiddyup
Discussion on using Claritin for bone pain was also mentioned in a different threat few years ago. What really interesting is the ASCO abstract found the link between using Loratadine and lower risk of cancer recurrence. It recommends further research but I could not find any update. I think we need to talk to oncologist before taking medications together though.
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2018.36.15_suppl.e12527

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@myoga You are right about doing due-diligence and asking the professionals. As it turns out I have allergies anyway so it has been a win-win for me.

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