Exemestane and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• LTa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2018

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I was actually a participant in the clinical trial for Aromasin in 2006. At that time, I had Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I had a lumpectomy, radiation, and this drug. I took it for 4 years. I was miserable. The worst side effect was the pain in my joints, particularly my feet. I couldn't walk around the block. I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in September. I have had radiation and am back on the dreaded Exemestane. In addition to some of the other side effects, I have very bad pain in my hip (when I sit). I also have numbness on the same side, along my waist. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't want to quit, but this is pretty miserable."

• Jea...
• February 12, 2015

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Had a lumpectomy for Stage I advanced breast cancer followed by radiotherapy. Then was put on each of the aromatase inhibitors, letrozole and the other one. Basically, I was unable to continue either after 10 days due to increasingly debilitating dizziness, nausea, crying, etc. Then put on tamoxifen, and I developed lymphedema. So tamoxifen was discontinued but still have moderate lymphedema. Then put on Aromasin. Initially able to tolerate it but increasing lightheadedness (four minor car accidents) and debilitating joint pain (everywhere), poor sleep somewhat countered with Lyrica. I had already been diagnosed with widespread arthritis in the joints and the pain with Aromasin has been intolerable, so discontinued, against medical advice."

• ANG...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I have to say I feel very lucky reading all these reviews. I have been on exemestane for just under 2 years. I started following 23 rounds of radiation after my lumpectomy. While I do have sore feet occasionally and some mild tiredness, I feel pretty lucky compared to other people who have posted. I guess I just want people who are new to the drug to know that not everyone has terrible experiences with it. Yes, it does affect your libido as well, but sometimes you just have to learn to make adjustments in what you want to do and what you can do. It has not completely gotten rid of my sex life, but it has definitely made me appreciate the times I am up for it more. It does seem to be getting less of an issue the more I am on it, but the trade-off is rare occurrences of anxiety. I guess after losing more people than I care to count to cancer, I am just lucky there are drugs like this to give us hope."

• She...
• September 14, 2020

For Breast Cancer "Exemestane is the third aromatase inhibitor I have tried, and although side effects are fewer than with letrozole or anastrozole, they are still severe. I decided to make a serious effort to treat side effects aggressively so I can continue exemestane. I have added omeprazole and simethicone to handle the digestive issues and have had good results. My oncologist prescribed Lasix for the swelling in my hands and feet, and that also helps significantly. I'm consulting a rheumatologist about the joint pain in my hands and feet. Hot flashes and night sweats can be addressed with gabapentin and/or Lyrica. I'm using gabapentin. Ask your oncologist or PCP for a prescription. If exemestane makes you cry all the time, don't hesitate to ask for an antidepressant. Don't just sit there and be miserable, ladies! Hold your treating physicians responsible for dealing with your side effects!! Just because you have cancer doesn't mean you're supposed to suffer unnecessarily."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I have been on exemestane for a year and 6 months. My joints, especially ankles and knees, are hurting me!! So much pain. My oncologist suggested to change company (with the same substance) but the pain continues! I really don't know what to do. I had very strong legs until last year. Unfortunately now I can't walk easily and feel much pain while standing... even at sleep."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2011

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I took two years of Tamoxifen, without much side effects that I am manage. I took Femara for one year and could not even turn my head and had joint pains to the point I could not turn my head when I was driving. Now I just got off exemestane after 6 months as I cannot sleep even with sleeping pills. I am five years out from chemo and doctor still wants me to take the pills for another year and four months."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I’ve been on Aromasin for about 9 months. I had hot flashes for the first few months, rarely now. I experience massive fatigue, to the point that for several months I could barely care for my young children. Moderate exercise helps some with that. The joint and bone pain is unpleasant, but tolerable so far. I have nausea throughout the day, mostly in the morning. Shooting pains in my legs, feet, and arms at night. The worst side effect has been the weight gain: 30 pounds in 9 months, despite exercising more and maintaining the same diet, and actually eating less than before. So frustrating. I’m thankful if the drug is keeping the cancer away, but the side effects are really awful."

• tho...
• November 16, 2009

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I have just been on Aromasin for 9 days and so far have no side effects. I tried Femara and after 14 days went off it because of joint pain and fatigue. On Femara, it was so bad that I couldn't climb my staircase without crying. So far, Aromasin is a miracle drug for me if it stops estrogen in its tracks!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2016

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Have taken three different drugs of the same nature and purpose. This has the mildest side effects. Nausea, sweats, insomnia, headache, joint pain, increased appetite, lethargy, dizziness are some of the side effects I am experiencing."

• Del...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I’ve been on AIs since 9/2017 for BC in 2016. I’ve used all 3 and am currently on exemestane. All 3 have caused a significant amount of hair loss, muscle aches, horrendous joint pain, sores in my throat and elsewhere on a regular basis now, and worse...broken bones within just a few months of each other without falling or tripping. I’m on my 4th broken bone, this one on my spinal cord. I have a huge decision to make."

• Sha...
• June 7, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I started taking exemestane after trying Tamoxifen and Femara. Unfortunately, these medicines have been hard on me. I do not have quality of life. I am constantly tired, and the joint pain is unbearable. My hands are swollen, I have trigger finger, and cysts in my wrist. I have also gained a lot of weight and developed bad acne."

• Fre...
• October 4, 2013

For Breast Cancer "I have been on exemestane for 7 months and stopped because of the severe joint pain, especially when first getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed. Been off for about a month and I'm still experiencing symptoms."

• Gol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I have been on Aromasin for about 70 days. Just had a short holiday. Came back hardly able to walk, joints were aching from first taking it. But thought this might be because I'm not getting any younger. But now I wonder. Also, my sleep patterns have altered. I wake quite early and am a lot more tired. Also, at times I seem quite breathless, although I'm asthmatic. It has always been well-controlled. Will see my doctor to see what he suggests. This was my last resort for drugs, as most of the others I have tried had side effects."

• Dox...
• December 29, 2014

For Breast Cancer "This is my 3rd medicine for reducing estrogen. I have been on it for 6 months, after going through surgery and radiation for Stage 1 breast cancer. It is much easier than the other medications. BUT I'm still not sure if I will continue. Since I have started on this medicine I have had the following: blood clot in lung, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, pain in my right side, insomnia, jaw pain, ringing in ears & some imbalances, these are new just since starting this medicine. (Pain in joints is something that is better on this medicine than others.) As I have already tried the other medications available to me this is my only option except taking nothing."

• Mic...
• April 16, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Aromasin (Exemestane) 25 mg for three years. I tried the other two inhibitors but had severe bone pain, so this one is the best of the bunch. I do have some joint pain, low stamina, no libido, waking throughout the night, swollen fingers, toes, and abdomen, severe hot flashes that feel like I'm being burned at the stake, and the worst one is the weight gain. I've gained 50 pounds in the last two years and still have two years to go. My doctor put me on Clonidine every 6 hours because my skin was allergic to the 24-hour patch. It helps ease the hot flashes for about 4 hours. He doesn't have any advice for my inability to lose weight and the fact that I keep gaining even though I exercise and eat the same as before. Ugghhh!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I have been on exemestane for almost 3 years, I will be finished in Nov. 2020. The first two years, I was on tamoxifen. Since being on exemestane, I have had 2 carpal tunnel surgeries just so I could do my job. My fingers, joints, and wrist ache like no other, and I haven't worn my rings for months. 2 more months, hallelujah!!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Very active and fit - 37 yrs old and have been on Aromasin for almost 3 mo. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years previously. It was a cakewalk compared to Aromasin. I haven't slept through the night a single night since starting A. My hands are swollen and weak, and they ache all the time. I have joint pain all over and am terribly stiff when I sit in the same position for long. I'm tired and have a hard time working out (I used to live for this). My vision is blurry sometimes. This blows, but I'm hoping the SEs will improve soon."

• KTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 29, 2018

For Breast Cancer "After trying Arimidex and Femara, which both made me horribly miserable in many ways, I tried Aromasin, but first I let my body 'detox' from the other drugs for a month or so. Both my oncologist and my pharmacist were good with that. Exemestane (Aromasin) has had the least number of side effects for me. I was already taking fish oil and glucosamine chondroitin for arthritis, so not sure if that may help as some have noted or not. Two years after chemo and I still have terrible neuropathy in my feet, and they hurt most all of the time. Was taking gabapentin for the neuropathy, but had to take so much so often, and it just kept wearing off, so I stopped taking that. The worst side effect that I have now (other than hot flashes and sore feet) is my thin, brittle fingernails. They were always thick and strong before cancer. I started taking biotin for that, but only recently, so no great results yet. I also take vitamin B12, which helps with energy."

• DCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I was on letrozole previously and could not stand the side effects. Joint pain, neuropathy, brain fog, and more. I am now on exemestane for 2 months. No brain fog, but I experience tiredness. I now take it at night, and that helps me function during the day. I am having some vision issues, and I keep getting cysts on my face. It's not pimples, but cysts. As soon as I get rid of one, another pops up. Is anyone else experiencing this?"

• far...
• January 26, 2012

For Breast Cancer "I was on Arimidex for two months, and I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out it was the medication. I have been on exemestane for three months, and my chest feels really tight most of the time. I have no energy and headaches. I am trying to decide whether to go off it and go on Tamoxifen. I have talked to several people on Tamoxifen, with no side effects to speak of except hot flashes. I also have pain in my fingers and feet. I also feel like I am having some hearing loss, which I never had before."

• apr...
• March 21, 2016

For Breast Cancer "This medication was not good for me. I had a lot of severe joint pain, and I was sad all of the time. I cried at the drop of a hat, and this is not my normal personality at all. I always felt as though I just wanted to curl up in a ball and stay under the covers. I lasted 2.5 years. All of my joints hurt. So, now I am trying letrozole. So far, it seems more of the same... sigh."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I took for 60 days and had horrible joint and bone pain. At times, I could not make a fist, snap my fingers, or get out of bed. I was tired all the time. My face broke out with acne and seborrheic dermatitis. I stopped for a week and already feel so much better (more energy, much less joint pain). I am meeting with the oncologist in a couple of weeks to discuss a new drug... hopefully without the awful side effects."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I was on letrozole, and it was making me a sweaty, raging maniac. I could NOT control my rage. I decided to try exemestane, which cost me $73.00 out of pocket because my insurance doesn't cover it. Results: the bones in my hands hurt, my feet are incredibly sore in the morning, and I'm still sweating! Suffice it to say, I've contacted my oncologist and asked her if I could try anastrozole again. But, I will ask (and thank you for the idea) my OC about taking Aromasin every other day to see if that calms the sweating a bit."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking exemestane for 2 1/2 years for DCIS. I have experienced severe joint pain, insomnia, hair loss, and weight gain. I started having cardiac symptoms (increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and heart palpitations) and decided to discontinue the medications. I would rather take my chances than have a cardiovascular event-heart attack or stroke."

• Dev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2023

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, right breast, grade II in April 2021 at the age of 47. Triple positive cancer (ER, PR, Her2). Had 8 cycles of chemo at Apollo Proton Cancer Care, followed by right breast wide local excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy + LICAP flap (lateral intercostal artery perforator), followed by 15 fractions of radiotherapy. (7 months treatment). I was on Tamoxifen for 8 months, and then my OC shifted me to exemestane. Yes, there are side effects: severe joint pain, arm pain, loss of memory, and every day a different pain. However, let us see that this medicine is making all of us fighters, we are fighters, fighting to live, fighting to exist, and let's continue with lots of strength. I go for a Zoledronic acid bone injection every 6 months, take Zolodex injection every month to suppress ovaries, take vitamin D injection for 3 months, take calcium tablets every day, and take biotin every day. We are beautiful warriors fighting every day with ourselves fiercely."