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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21 7:48am | Replies (1935)

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@sparklegram

Trixie, as I've mentioned several times here, I'm taking Arimidex and the side effects are not good! I took an 8 week leave from them (with my Oncologist's OK) and saw relief) i began taking them again on Sept. 9th, hoping they wouldn't return but they have. I have an email into my doctor to see if I can take another test break, returning to the state of health I had BEFORE Arimidex and then try a different drug. Trixie, how long have you been on Exemestane, and how are you feeling? i just read a pretty reassuring article about that drug. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/exemestane-reduces-risk

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Replies to "Trixie, as I've mentioned several times here, I'm taking Arimidex and the side effects are not..."

Sparklegram, I was on Anastrozole for about 6 months and had some awful side effects. The worst being problems with cognitive function and memory loss. I was very fearful that I was starting to slip into dementia. My doctor switched me to Tomoxifin and the cognitive problems were better, but not relieved. She then gave me several months of no meds at all to see if those cognitive issues world get better. Sure enough, after just a month or so of being off meds., my cognitive abilities were fine again. Yes, Anastrozole and other estrogen medications can cause memory issues. At my most recent appointment, about a month ago, my oncologist switched me to Exemestane. So far it’s been ok, with few side effects. Hoping it stays that way for me! Best of luck to you in finding just the right treatment/meds for you. I surely is a challenge!

Yes - good luck with that. Just FYI - exemestane is very expensive. Check to see what your insurance will pay. Mine was going to pay like 340 a month, but my co-pay was going to be 245 a month. In the end my Oncologist did not switch me. Anastrozole is like 18$ for 90 day supply for me in comparison.

@sparklegram I've been on the exemestane for about a month now. Still having some bone pain, but not severe and all over like with the other two AIs. Have a few hot flashes, but nothing like when I had surgical menopause. I do take my pill at night time so that may help alleviate some of the hot flashes, possibly going on while I'm sleeping because I will wake up with sweats. I do get insomnia..go to sleep and wake up 1-2 hours later and can't sleep. I keep my Nook near me so when I can't sleep, I just read for 1 or 2 hours and then fall back to sleep. The fatigue from all three is rough, but I'm dealing better with it from walking and therapeutic water exercise. For me, after trying out all 3 aromatiase inhibitors, the exemestane seems to be tolerable.