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Advice on Exemestane

Posted by ram33 @ram33, Nov 7, 2023

I've been prescribed Exemestane after severe jaw pain from Anastrozole. The listed side effects of both drugs are terrifying to me. Even more terrifying after the pain I suffered from Anastrozole. Looking for any advice about Exemestane like what time of day to take it? I've read a few posts on starting with 1/2 dose for a bit and slowing increasing. Anyone do that and find it helpful? Really interested in any advice on what to do or not to do to try moving forward. Thank you in advance.

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mogoodwin | @mogoodwin | Mar 16 10:55am
In reply to @angele2times "@debby100 About to start herceptin and Letrozole, I had horrible bone pain and muscle pain with..." + (show)
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@debby100
About to start herceptin and Letrozole, I had horrible bone pain and muscle pain with chemo.
I think I want to start exemestane instead of Letrozole? I am 74 years old, I think my oncologist will go along with my new plan. Cross your fingers. I want minimal side effects and certainly don't want to go through menopause again!! Horrible first time! Chemo was incredibly awful, with major joint paint and muscle pain still!!
Wish you luck! Keep posint everyone! It's good information.

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@angele2times
Started Exemestane after horrible Anastrozole joint pain. On Exemestane every offer day until estrogen levels get tested and I am feeling pretty good. If ok, I am hoping to stay every other day.

Saw study where it didn’t make a lot of difference if every day or every other day.

I saw a study on this website.

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angele2times | @angele2times | Mar 16 3:43pm

The Mayo Clinic website?
Thanks I will look!

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briarrose | @briarrose | Mar 17 6:19am

Update: I will be starting exemestane in 2 weeks, washing out Letrozole.
My breast oncologist threw me a curve ball. She wants to also start me on Verzenio - first with a low dose.
She was looking at my "stage 2-3" 1 positive lymph node, ER+...she said I would "qualify" for this drug.
She also said "it's between an AI and chemo" wants me to have a "couple of layers to prevent reoccurrence".
I told her I would think about Verzenio - I read (& she told me) some of the side effects which can really be very serious, i.e. severe diarrhea and drop in white blood cell count - which, of course, would make me vulnerable to all kinds of infections.
I am 71...have heart disease, abnormal brain MRI & a host of other medical conditions.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Verzanio? Anyone taking this drug with good results?
It's scary to me.
Wishing all the best.

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ksue3 | @ksue3 | 5 days ago

I started on Anastrazole and had to stop when diarrhea and trigger thumbs hit me. I took a break and was put on Exemestane. Have been on it now 15 months. I have joint aches and stiffness, mainly in hands, feet and ankles. Stretching does help. Warm water helps the hands. I am almost 86, had a mastectomy and chemo in 2024. My risk number was 34, which is considered high so when I am tempted to stop the drug, I remember that score. I continue to be active and involved. Fatigue hits me in the afternoon. Age or drug, or both?? I have a friend who takes this drug and has no side affects at all. Isn't it odd that everyone reacts so differently? Give this drug a try and let us know how it goes. Best Wishes as you go forward.

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mspass | @mspass | 4 days ago
In reply to @ksue3 "I started on Anastrazole and had to stop when diarrhea and trigger thumbs hit me. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for ksue3 @ksue3

I started on Anastrazole and had to stop when diarrhea and trigger thumbs hit me. I took a break and was put on Exemestane. Have been on it now 15 months. I have joint aches and stiffness, mainly in hands, feet and ankles. Stretching does help. Warm water helps the hands. I am almost 86, had a mastectomy and chemo in 2024. My risk number was 34, which is considered high so when I am tempted to stop the drug, I remember that score. I continue to be active and involved. Fatigue hits me in the afternoon. Age or drug, or both?? I have a friend who takes this drug and has no side affects at all. Isn't it odd that everyone reacts so differently? Give this drug a try and let us know how it goes. Best Wishes as you go forward.

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@ksue3 I can relate to all of the side effects, I have been on exemestane for 3 years and it is a challenge. I did help some of the fatigue by taking it at night instead of the morning.

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