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Has anyone changed from Anastrozole to Exemestane?
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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@angele2times no you don’t. Especially with Anastrozole. You can stop
it anytime and there are no side effects
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1 ReactionYes. I switched to Exemestane for a short time after having side effects from Anastrozole. For me the drugs were the same. I switched back to Anastrozole because it was less expensive. I have been taking Anastrozole for nearly three years. It helped me to take a couple of breaks in the first two years. I’ve gotten more acclimated to the lack of estrogen and tolerant of the symptoms. But it’s not easy. I have a high risk of recurrence. For women who have low risk the options for discontinuing AI meds is completely different.
Tamoxifen is for women who are premenopausal. It is not an AI. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI) are for post menopausal women. Are you post menopausal now? Your diagnosis and prognosis 16 years post DCIS is what determines the best treatment.
Unfortunately many things people post in these groups is nonsense. Exemestane has a different mechanism of action but it still blocks the production of hormones that your body converts to estrogen. It’s this process as well as the lack of estrogen that causes side effects.
The idea that hydration will fix your symptoms is not accurate. It’s always important to stay hydrated. Symptoms of dehydration are similar — brain fog, fatigue and headaches, etc. Your medication symptoms may feel similar. If you’re drinking enough fluids you’ll be fine. You don’t need special drinks. Hydration isn’t a cure for the side effects. Many foods and beverages have electrolytes. Coconut water and/or anything with potassium is sufficient. Commercial brands with flavorings and chemicals are just gimmicks.
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2 Reactions@rosa1935 hey Rosa. This works for me, but not for all. What I have learned that all breast cancers and cures?? , and reactions are all different. I am glad this worked for you, however! You are warrior.
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1 ReactionGreetings, Healthy Sorority Sis of a different kind. 9/2021 Diagnosed, age 67.
Yes,1/2023 ended chemo, started meds in 2/2022. My nickname is Zole, aka Anastrozole. April 2022, taken off to start May radiation. Had Stage 2 breast cancer mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time. Every 3 mos, "Healthy Checkups" fyi, I do best not to claim and try to guide body, mind, spirit to think Healthy. When diagnosed. I'd correct dr and staff when they said Cancer,etc. and I'd say, Healthy Sick, healed. etc.
July 22 started zole again changed end of Dec. 2025 to Dex.
Each happy, healthy checkup, now every 6 months, I'd express concerns. Would ask, how long does it take to detox Chemo fog, aches, etc.
Feb. 2026: Fog lifted, cognitive thinking improved. However, still not the same. I constantly repeat, I know my body and mind. Most of the side effects continued; however, happy to have Brain working better. The biggest side effect is: Weight Gain, up 33 lbs since January. My homeopathic creams and supplements of magnesium, etc has helped with muscular and joint pain. At the end of Aug, I return to the team for a health visit. This time they will run tests on thyroid. I've always had weight challenges. This gain was not earned.
Once I receive Happy Healthy results, I will emphasize: WT gain, fatigue, tired, energy, Hair and side effects, increasing LDL, etc.
I WILL ASK IF I CAN TAKE EVERY OTHER DAY. I HAVE 3 YRS LEFT. Will I continue after 3 yrs, is TBD.
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1 ReactionCorrection: Healthy Sorority Sis of a different kind. NOT Dex; I changed over to exemestane.
This is a good example of my brain. I want it back!
@angele2times and so are you!💪
@angele2times , Thank you for the reminder of Warrior. We are all Sorority Warrior Sisters.
I have switched from A to E a year ago due to trigger finger and joint pain. For me the side effects were about the same. The trigger finger went from right hand to left and the join pains are maybe slightly better. At my appointment with my oncologist last week, she said that these drugs have been in used for the last twenty years. She said that a new drug is about to be approved toward the end of his year. Some of her patients have used it for a while and she believes this drug is superior to the Aromatase Inhibitors that we have been using. They act differently in that instead of blocking the production of estrogen, they attack the estrogen receptor itself. She said that one in particular will be approved by FDA before the end of this year and beginning of next year we can look to switch to this type of drug instead. Sorry that I do not remember the specific name but I believe that there is more than one of this type of drugs. You can probably google for new hormone therapy drugs for breast cancer. I have 2 more years to go...