Topic: Anyone taking exemestane ( Aromasin)?

Anyone taking exemestane ( Aromasin)?

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 10:03AM
Barbiemac

Have been asked to enter trial to compare taking exemestane for 5 years against taking tamoxifen for 2½ years then exemestane for remaining 2½ years.

Anyone taking this already?

Alternative is that I take tamoxifen for 5 years as usual, but with less follow up it seems. Think increased follow up may swing me to take part.

aromasin

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 02:12PM
sam52

Hi Barbie!
I took tamoxifen for 2.5 years and have been on aromasin since March.The switch was done at my request (I have a large fibroid which was steadily growing on tamoxifen) - I am not part of a trial.

Side-effects so far.....bad headaches when I first started (thankfully subsided now); weight gain (round my middle) and I am eating for England; hair thinning; some aches and pains, mainly first thing in the morning (ouch my feet!), but actually not quite as bad as tamoxifen; and lastly lack of energy.
However, overall, I do not feel much different than when I was on tamoxifen. Don't have that horrible vaginal discharge that I got on tamox, thank goodness.

You may well have different experiences....in my opinion a trial is always good.You often end up getting better treatment than if you weren't on a trial.

Sam

Exemestane/Tamoxifen Trial

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 02:27PM
Catfan

I'm seeing my consultant on Monday about the possibility of going on this trial. I was keen at first but now, with the news that Arimidex is more freely available, I'm going to find out which would be the most suitable for me - or which I'm most likely to be given! As Arimidex seems to have benefits over Tamoxifen it's the possibility of having Tamoxifen that is making me question the trial.

When do you have to make up your mind?

Will post again after I've seen the consultant.

Exemestane/Tamoxifen Trial

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 04:20PM
Barbiemac

Have to decide by Wednesday

They all seem to have side effects, am having some doubts but I think that is more to do with taking anything for 5 years and not so much about what it is I take.
My GP is very well informed and she advised me to go for Arimidex over Tamoxifen, but now it is a 3 way decision.
Think I might end up flipping a coin!!

Exemestane/Tamoxifen Trial

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 04:24PM
Barbiemac

Have taken it

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 08:49PM
sandie1

Have taken it

posted Fri, 08 Jul 2005 09:14PM
sandie1

Hi Barbie,

See my other postings.

I took Arimidex for about 14 months but suffered awful flushes, joint pain & fatigue. Went on to Aromasin for only 16 days & came off it as it made me so depressed plus other symptoms. I am known for being very sensitive to drugs so I am not the usual run of the mill!

I am having a few months rest at not taking anything to see if I feel any better - if not I will go back on Arimidex so I have some protection. We just have to go along with advice given & then do what we think is right for us. But no harm in trying whatever advised as everyone reacts differently and you really do not know until you try.

So why not give Aromasin a try you can always come off it if you react badly but you may be fine.

Best of luck.

Going on the Trial

posted Wed, 13 Jul 2005 04:42PM
Catfan

Hi Barbie,

What did you decide to go for?

I saw my consultant on Monday to discuss either the Tamoxifen/Exemestane trial or Arimidex and between us we decided I will go on the trial. If I have problems or severe side effects I can come off it at any time and switch to something else, and for the first year I'll get quarterly checkups which apparently I wouldn't get on Arimidex. I'm told that the trial drug will be allocated by computer but once that's done the doctors, and I, will know which one I'm one so that's a relief!

Keep well.

Catfan

Trial

posted Wed, 13 Jul 2005 09:38PM
Barbiemac

Yes agreed to go on trial today!

Feel very nervous about it. Was allocated extemesine for 5 years and have 4 months supply (on the plus side no prescription charges!!).
Like you decided to go on trial just for increased follow ups and can withdraw at anytime. Would have been put on Tamoxifen otherwise.
Haven't taken one yet, going to leave it till morning.
Going to stock up on calcium /vit D to protect my bones and have ordered my chillow!. Having hot flushes already so will be worse once on exemestine.

I think I just hate the thought of taking something for 5 years no matter what it is.

2 months ago I was a fit healthy woman working in a responsible job, now I feel I am a scarred, tired, sweating, aching air head!!!

Let me know which you get allocated - we can compare side effects!!
Good Luck
Barbara

trial

posted Thu, 14 Jul 2005 08:53AM
Barbiemac

trial

posted Thu, 14 Jul 2005 08:59AM
Barbiemac

Hi Catfan

Haven't even started taking the exemestane yet but had all the side effects last night!! Couldn't sleep, hot flushes, felt sick and dizzy, just as well I hadn't swallowed the pill or I'd be on the phone complaining!!

At least if the same happens tonight I'll know it's just me and not panic!

Good luck