Exemestane Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 22, 2023.

Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of exemestane

Along with its needed effects, exemestane may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking exemestane:

More common side effects

• cough or hoarseness
• difficult or labored breathing
• fever or chills
• lower back or side pain
• mental depression
• swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• tightness in the chest

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• sore throat
• unexplained broken bones

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain
• clay-colored stools
• confusion
• dark urine
• decreased urine output
• diarrhea
• difficulty with speaking
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness
• double vision
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• inability to speak
• irregular breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• itching or rash
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• slow speech
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting of blood
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of exemestane

Some side effects of exemestane may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• anxiety
• constipation
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• hot flashes
• increased sweating
• pain
• trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

• back pain
• bone pain
• burning, tingling, or prickly sensations
• decreased sense of touch
• increased appetite
• joint pain
• loss of hair
• runny nose
• stomach upset
• weakness, generalized

For healthcare professionals

Applies to exemestane: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were hot flushes, arthralgia, and fatigue.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (28.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in limb, back pain, osteoarthritis, myalgia, pathological fracture, hypoesthesia, skeletal pain, osteoporosis, muscle cramp
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteoporotic fracture^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 18%), abdominal pain (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastric ulcers^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased sweating (17.8%), alopecia (15.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, pruritus, acute generalized exanthemos pustulosis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hot flushes (up to 32.9%), Hypertension (15.1%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphedema, chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thromboembolism, myocardial infarction^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevation of liver function tests (including enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase)
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis including cholestatic hepatitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (13.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, confusion^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (13.6%), dizziness (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, neuropathy^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea
• Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 101%): Visual disturbances^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Other primary cancer^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 22.2%), pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, influenza-like symptoms, fever, generalized weakness, pain at tumor sites, asthenia, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased appetite, anorexia, hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Gynecological (10.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, vaginal hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uterine polyp, uterine polydectomy
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Endometrial hyperplasia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decrease in lymphocytes (20%)
• Uncommon (0.1%to 1%): Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Which is better - Aromasin or Femara?
• Aromasin vs Femara - how do they compare?
• How long do you need to take Aromasin?
• Should you take Aromasin with food?

Further information

Exemestane side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer