I tried Exemestane for 3 days and felt really nauseaous and stopped taking it. Nausea went away next day. Has anyone else had this side effect after such a short time? I found one old post on Reddit saying the same thing. My oncologist questioned that I could get such an extreme reaction after such a short time.
Hi JosephineB1 Though not on that particular hormone blocker, when I first started I was nauseous I took a mild anti nausea at first it all eventually settled. There are other brands and types you can try to find one that agrees with you better. Also I changed the time of day as well I take it have found taking it after food. and with water, and staying upright and gentle walk helped. because I have GERD/ reflux most of the time anything I swallow likes to try come back up if I dont do the above things. We all react differently similar to things. My hormone positive results were up there, my oncologist basically said my cancer had an good appetite for estrogen and progesterone high 90's for both. They have come a long way since my first diagnosis and treatment.
from what I understand Exemestane is steroidal and where as the one I'm on Anastrozole isn't they each work differently on the way they block the hormone.
You can only ask the Oncologist about trying a different one especially if your on the high risk area. I hope you find one that you can tolerate in the long run we can only be guided by our medical team, don't be afraid to ask the questions and make sure they don't get too medical just plain speak. Take someone with you and a written list of question regarding your treatment.
JosephineB1 ... everyone reacts differently to different drugs - so your Onc really should have been listening & believing your side effects and acted appropriately, trying a different one that 'may' suit you.
I only lasted 6 weeks on Letrozole as my side effects were really nasty .... but my original Onc didn't believe me. I saw his Locum next time (he was on leave) & told her the same - and she believed me & after a break (for a number of weeks) she swapped me to Exemestane. I then also swapped over from my original male Onc, to her!
It took 6 months for Exemestane to reach the same level of discomfort & pain as the Letrozole ... and I was then swapped over to Anastrazole (after a few weeks break) and was on it for the next 7 years.
I actually just finished my BC journey with my Onc today!! YAY!
You are allowed to swap Oncologists if you think you are not getting the service you require ... just as I did. A 2nd opinion is also invaluable.
take care & all the best
