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Has anyone changed from Anastrozole to Exemestane?

Posted by rozv @rozv, Jan 7 9:08am

I had DCIS 16 yrs ago and developed memory/cognitive issues along w hair loss, joint pain,etc with Tamoxifen so had to discontinue it after 2 years. There were no other AI's back then so that was the end of my treatment . I was diagnosed with a new DCIS in the opposite breast in Feb 2023.. I had surgery, radiation and began Anastrozole in May. The joint pain and insomnia became severe within 2 months with an average of 3 hrs of sleep a nite/napping during the day, heating pads on my knees and back, etc which impacted my life style and marriage. Then I started to experience brain fog/memory issues so discontinued the Anastrozole with a month long break. The joint pain and insomnia resolved, and the memory issues have improved but are still an issue.
I just started on Exemestane 2 days ago and am wondering if anyone else is taking it and what their experience has been?. Thank you for your input and best wishes on your journey.

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sue417 | @sue417 | Jan 7 10:53am

May I ask if they considered dropping the dose. I have been researching tamoxifen because I am Awaiting my pathology results from dcis surgery. It appears 5mg works as well as 20mg. If they won't do that I am not taking any of them.

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rozv | @rozv | Jan 7 12:13pm

Back then I don't believe there were even other doses of Tamoxifen or my oncologist would have recommended it... It was a big decision discontinuing the Tamoxifen as that basically ended my treatment,! And 16 yrs later here I am with the new breast cancer (not reoccurrence). So I feel we are very lucky to have different AI's to try in the event the side effects of one becomes intolerable

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sarahmh | @sarahmh | Jan 8 7:23am

Hi! Yes, I have made that switch! The anastrozole gave me "trigger thumb" at about two months in (my thumbs would get stuck in a bent position, and I had to manually pop them straight; kinda painful, definitely freaky). Stopped anastrozole, the issue resolved, started letrozole, the trigger thumb immediately returned. After an unsuccessful experience with tamoxifen, I started exemestane, and...Hooray! No trigger thumb! I've been taking it for almost a year now with very little side effects. I do feel stiff and creaky in the morning, or after sitting in the car on a long drive, but that gets worked out quickly as I move around. So exemestane is the AI that works for me; maybe it will be great for you, too! If not, try letrozole. There are so many stories of women who can't tolerate one AI, but another works for them. Hugs to all 🙂

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1 reply
rozv | @rozv | Jan 8 7:53am

Thank you for your input!! I'm encouraged by your experience. So far I haven't had any pain at all, no dry eye, and sleeping well! Fingers crossed I continue to have good tolerance to this AI like you!

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3dogngt | @3dogngt | Jan 8 10:15am

I switched also. The anastrozole gave me endless migraines, the radiation left me with tremendous rib pain, reclast just about did me in, I have a seroma that won't go away....so when I switched to exemestane I was prepared for the worst! Much to my surprise and delight I have few side effects, all of which are doable. It's really hard to guess which drug or procedure will be best tolerated.

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bjohnson511 | @bjohnson511 | Jan 9 8:44am
In reply to @sarahmh "Hi! Yes, I have made that switch! The anastrozole gave me "trigger thumb" at about two..." + (show)
@sarahmh

Hi! Yes, I have made that switch! The anastrozole gave me "trigger thumb" at about two months in (my thumbs would get stuck in a bent position, and I had to manually pop them straight; kinda painful, definitely freaky). Stopped anastrozole, the issue resolved, started letrozole, the trigger thumb immediately returned. After an unsuccessful experience with tamoxifen, I started exemestane, and...Hooray! No trigger thumb! I've been taking it for almost a year now with very little side effects. I do feel stiff and creaky in the morning, or after sitting in the car on a long drive, but that gets worked out quickly as I move around. So exemestane is the AI that works for me; maybe it will be great for you, too! If not, try letrozole. There are so many stories of women who can't tolerate one AI, but another works for them. Hugs to all 🙂

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Thank you so much for this information. I am also going through the terrible side effects of anastrozole. Saw the doctor yesterday she’s giving me months and then we will decide on another pill. Sounds like emexestane maybe the final answer.

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rozv | @rozv | Jan 9 4:54pm

I hope it works well for you too!! I have not had any side effects yet (!) and am cautiously optimistic. Best wishes for healing and comfort

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