Common side effects of exemestane include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Hot flashes and increased sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Joint pain or back pain
This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or trouble breathing, chest pain, or swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles while taking exemestane.
As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with exemestane. Exemestane can also interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.
Exemestane can lower your bone density, which increases your risk of developing osteoporosis.
In addition, let your doctor know about any birth control that you are using before taking exemestane, as many birth control methods contain estrogen which can impact the effectiveness of the exemestane treatment.
Although the changes of pregnancy are low in post-menopausal women, you should call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while on exemestane, as it may harm the fetus. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with exemestane and for 1 month after your final dose.