I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has been on Exemestane after Tamoxifen. I've been taking Tamoxifen for more than two years, and experienced a few side effects. To begin with I had severe headaches but these wore off after I'd taken the drug for a while. I had hot flushes throughout the two years, and a few other minor problems.

I've now been switched to Exemestane which I've been taking for a month and a half, and I am again getting bad headaches. The most severe side effect that has been worsening dramatically since I started taking the drug is arthritic pain in all my joints, especially my fingers and wrists, but also elbows, shoulders, hips etc. I am also getting other side effects such as nausea, dizziness, indigestion, constipation and a few more. I feel hot and feverish all the time rather than having hot flushes.

My oncologist suggests I take the tablets for another three or four weeks to see if things improve and if not, go back on Tamoxifen.

I am just wondering what other people have experienced? Are the side effects likely to wear off if I continue on Exemestane? If I stop taking it, will my joints go back to normal or will they be permanently affected?

Obviously I don't want the cancer to return, but neither do I want to continue with a treatment that is making me feel ill all the time if it's not absolutely necessary.

I'd love to hear other people's experiences. Thank you.