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2.9 Overall Rating

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Most voted positive review

58 People found this comment helpful

I've been taking this med for about 3 months now. I have experienced joint pain and hot flashes as expected. However, the pain and flashes are relatively minor as compared to what I have already faced with chemo, radiation and 3 surgeries. I've read many reviews on similar meds and many women are suffering. I think the most important factors I've kept in mind are: this is temporary and I'm st...

Most voted negative review

4 People found this comment helpful

new medication, haven't started taking it,want to know about it first.

Shared reviews and ratings

SCBeachMom33 | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
1/22/2024
Condition: Prevention of Breast Cancer
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

58 yr old stage 1 post lumpectomy radiation txt oncologist prescribed Anastrozole but way too many adverse side affects he then tried me on Letrozole which was worse made me a complete zombie could not function, next he switched me to Exemestane taking it 3 years now and having to take 14 day breaks every 3 mos at time due to multiple cummulative side affects: vertigo severe fatigue & hot flashes chills bad shoulder arm wrists hand lower back pain; constipation headache to name a few. Weight gain 30 lbs from size 2 to a 6! While taking my 14 day breaks my body rebounds to normalcy the weight gain dissipates & in ZERO joint body pain no headache no vertigo no issues whatsoever! Does living with side affects of big pharma drugs & pain outweigh 60% mitigation of reoccuramce? Quality of life vs living with Exemestane’s non-reversal & serious side affects after 5 years- is a LOT to think about. Where are the statistics and articles online of women with breast cancer who refused hormone therapy and are alive & thriving? Big pharma commercials on US tv 24/7 is telling. Anyone else question taking these hormone therapy drugs fir 5-10 years? I’m contemplating stopping mine. I can’t function like myself taking cancer drugs! And my Male doctors have zero clue about taking hormone therapy! Read More Read Less

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Suzy | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/29/2023
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I'm 54. With BC stage 3 ER+ . Took exemestane for 4 months but stopped on my own 3 weeks ago after lingering awful lower back/ left hip/left leg pains worsened especially when sitting/standing still ! Oncologist downplays symptoms saying it ain't that bad he's upset saying my quitting this med before the aimed 10yrs.period will likely cause cancer to spread and I may die....but I let him talk. I'd rather have a pain free life. This med is about 60% effective not 100%effective...not worth the pains !!!Read More Read Less

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M | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
10/14/2023
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started on Aromatase Inhibitors in 2017 after a bilateral mastectomy and historectomy. ER / PR + BRCA1. I was never on Tamoxifen, straight onto arom. The first inhibitor I tried was very rough and I felt I would be in a wheelchair after just 4 weeks. Onco changed me to Exemestene, AND I changed my diet This may sound odd, I can't explain why, but I found removing ALL sparkling water from my diet helped my joint pain TREMENDOUSLY. Literally like night and day. Went from hard to close my hands. Nevermind being able to open a pill bottle or squeeze a door knob, to having the ability to play the piano and swing a golf club. Reduce / remove sugar, remove soda, and definitely remove sparkling water. Soda did not create the same strange arthritis as Sparkling water. I am on Venlafaxine to help with hot flashes and mood. Does help with mood stabilization, but I do have memory impacts. I used to have at least 40 to 50 flashes a day. Probably down to ~30 / day but I don't count anymore. I am used to sweating. Am very tired but am about to start electrolyte supplements as all the sweating may be impacting the balance. Supplements may help with energy levels. Also I find I need to NOT consume caffeine. It has a weird rebound effect where it makes me extraordinary tired. Been 6 years with few side effects. God Willing I will be on this medication for 30 or 40 more years. God Bless.Read More Read Less

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E97 | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/14/2023
Condition: Prevention of Breast Cancer
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

On Arimidex for 16 months, got too debilitating, month break then Tamoxifen,15 months, no symptoms sent for scans because I was complaining of back pains, long story short found a Pulmonary Embolism, now on anticoagulant (Xarelto) wanted me to try Exemestane, had month break, did 3 weeks. Had/have extreme debilitating back and side of pelvis pain, can’t function. One drug for something then another for another life threatening problem. I asked the Nurse how long am I on the anticoagulant, he said oh a long time. Because the oncologist wants me to do another 2 & 1/2 years on exemestane (she did say if causes problems could stop) so to be safe side keep taking the anticoagulant as well. She didn’t tell me this. Well that’s caused pain, have rash on face. I did 3 weeks on the Exemestane, stopped because trying to combat the back pain. I want off these Xarelto as well. Not at all happy. All these drugs are dangerous.Read More Read Less

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Exemestane 25mg | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
8/1/2023
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have ER+BCdiagnosed stage 3 went down to stage 2 after surgery.Never took tamoxifen but was on letrozole 6 months & quit after severe pain.tried anastrozole& threw up on first dose. Now started Exemestane 25mg. 1 wk.ago.only joint /bone pains no other symptoms YET.I'm on this for 10 yrs. !!!??Suzy??????

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Kandy | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
10/5/2022
Condition: Prevention of Breast Cancer
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started taking Exemestane after my lumpectomy surgery and radiation treatments were done, I also take a monthly lupron injection to shut down my ovaries. I have had increased tiredness, hip pain and weird thigh pain while on this medication, but the worst side effects for me is the horrible anxiety and depression. I have to take zoloft which has helped to manage the anxiety / depression issues. Overall, this medicine is tolerable for me as the side effects can be managed so I will continue taking it. You need to have a bone density test done if you are on it as it can cause bone problems. Read More Read Less

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Dee | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
9/20/2022
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This is my second medication all my joints hurt I have hot flashes 10-15 a day insomnia its horrible.

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Just dana | 55-64 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
7/24/2022
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

ER positive breast cancer. Started on letrozole Oct 2020, had bad bone muscle and joint stiffness, and bad anxiety. My Dr switched me to Exemestame 3 weeks ago and my hands are in worse shape, my tailbone constantly hurts and over all my whole bones and head just aches terribly. Cry all the time, I feel so terribly alone.. I don't know how I'm gna manage this for another three years!! :(..

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Kathy | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
4/4/2022
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started this journey on 11/03/2021 and it had not been fun, the 1st medication I was on was 2.5 Tamoxifen and had heartburn from hell after about a week of being on it, I informed my Oncology PA what I was experiencing and she informed me that, that was NOT one of the side effects.. I let her know that I had been pregnant a few times and NOT one time did I experience heartburn every day SO as of today I am not taking it any more .. HMM after not taking it for 4 days my heartburn went away and has not returned ?? I was then put on 2.5mg Letrozole and that seemed to be going good until about 2 weeks ago when I woke up and every joint, muscle and hair follicle hurt. I informed my Oncologist what was going on and prescribed exemestane 25mg on 3/15/22 . I had questions about taking this because all my past meds were 2.5mg and this one was 25mg, but the Dr said it was the correct dose. I started taking this drug 3/21/22 so I had a fresh outlook to se if the new meds worked better ... THEY DO NOT I hurt everyday, It hurts to stand, sit, walk, write, type, eat, drink , brush my teeth, shower, sleep I feel like I am missing something. and like so many others here posting It seems like no one is listening. and there is no real answer on the web . Read More Read Less

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Maddie | 75 or over | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
3/25/2022
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I had a mastectomy 5 years ago and have been taking Exemestane, one a day, for 5 years. I am 76. Other than ordinary ageing aches and pains, I have not suffered at all with this medication. I think those who have may have other medical issues. I had a bout of sciatica, but only for a few months. No such thing as really painful as some have said. I have great faith in this medication and all medication has some sort of side-effect: Exemestranethe side-effects are minimal. Guess I'm lucky or not a complainer. Read More Read Less

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Anonymous | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
3/19/2022
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been taking this medicine for 7 years now! I have never missed a dose! I hope to be coming off this fall. No it has not been easy but I don’t want the cancer to come back either Side effects did get better the longer I was on it but never totally went away I just hope when I stop taking it that I feel better!!

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Marie | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
7/13/2021
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

have been on all three aromatase inhibitors and have been tortured to the extent of not being able to hold my damn toothbrush or put any weight on my right foot. YOU ARE BEING SLOWLY KILLED by these meds. I read a blog of 200 women where 89 ended up in wheelchairs because of these meds. The doctors don't tell us half of what we need to know.....its time to force it out of them ladies. AROMATASE INHIBITORS SUCK. Im flushing mine today.

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AC | 65-74 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
1/29/2021
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

have been on it for a month or so. I get hot flashes at night, joint & muscle pain, severe weight gain, and fatigue.

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Annadj | 75 or over | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
12/12/2019
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I am 77 and have been on Exemestane for two years now. I tried other hormone inhibitors and they have all had the same side effects for me, the worst being joint pain. Even worse is now I have osteoporosis. My bones were fine before. It appears there is something wrong with a heart valve and I am having a nuclear stress test in a month.

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Marie | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
11/3/2019
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This is the second estrogen blocker I have been on. I have been taking it for a year now and definitely have joint pain, tiredness, but bearable. Much better moods than the Letrozol I was on previously.

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Darlene | 55-64 | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
5/12/2019
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Iâ??ve been on this drug 2 years. Iâ??m now starting to have muscle pain thatâ??s on a scale of 7 in thighs, lower back. My bones ache now. My joints feel they could misalign while walking. My fingers get stiff, but the have done this for a year now. My other concern is how it will effect my organs, kidney, liver, lungs. Iâ??m going to call my dr. In morning. I wish there was another way. I feel Iâ??m slowly killing myself.

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exemestane | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
2/15/2019
Condition: Prevention of Breast Cancer
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

hair loss and fatique and very expensive

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Lin | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
2/10/2019
Condition: Advanced Breast Cancer Progression Post-Antiestrogen Therapy
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Other than tired and some hot flash moments I tolerate this med well.

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Didi | 55-64 | Female | Patient
5/16/2018
Condition: Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on this medication for over a year and not thrilled with the side effects. It seems that it attacks all my joints and my sciatica. I wake up every morning with a different pain. I have also been cancer free for two years so I guess it is working. I think I hit lotto with the side effects You name it , I got it depression, joint pain, tiredness etc.. Its very rough being on this meds.

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Patti | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
10/23/2017
Condition: Breast Cancer that has Spread to Another Part of the Body
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on the drug for 9 years now with one more year to go. I have all of the side effects. The worst one is excessive sweating. Also I have had an increase in my weight. Not sure if this is from the drug or just post cancer or fatigue. Blessed that the drug is available.

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