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I have taken Exemestane and it caused afib. What else can I take?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dewey, OK
July 10
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Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer Read Article...
A MyBCTeam Member

I took Tamaxifin for 4 years and my breast cancer came back., then flasadex shots for two years ate my bones. I am in pain every day.

July 13
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Any of the aromatase inhibitors can cause
arrhythmias. This may be in older women.

Also, if you already have arrhythmias, your arrhythmias can get worse on aromatase inhibitors.
If your medical oncologist and cardiologist are not aware of this,
(the case of arrhythmias getting worse on aromatase inhibitors)
,then you must bring this up and be watched carefully for this.

“No, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) do not cause arrhythmias in everyone. However, medications like anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane are classified as independent risk factors for new-onset arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), compared to other endocrine therapies like tamoxifen.

Key DetailsThe Mechanism: Estrogen has cardioprotective properties and plays a role in cardiac electrical conduction. By significantly lowering estrogen levels, AIs can alter this process and increase vulnerability to irregular heartbeats.

Prevalence: While heart palpitations and arrhythmias are potential side effects, they are generally considered less common or minor, though prolonged use (four years or more) is associated with higher risks.

Who is Most Affected:
Patients with a pre-existing history of heart disease, hypertension, or those who use these medications for extended periods (e.g., 5-10 years) face higher risks.

***Discussing a baseline cardiac evaluation and routine surveillance with your oncology team is highly recommended if you are undergoing these treatments.1

For a more tailored understanding, you can explore the information provided by Breastcancer.org.If you're taking or considering an aromatase inhibitor,

I can help by:Outlining common warning signs to watch out forExplaining how AIs compare to tamoxifen regarding heart safetyProviding tips on lifestyle changes to protect heart health during treatment.”

( 1 My own footnote…**** So, the breast cancer survivor needs to be aware of this at the beginning of her breast cancer treatment
and advocate for her own health and safety.)

July 10 (edited)
MyBCTeam

That sounds really frustrating, and it's so important that you flagged that side effect. While exemestane is one of the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, it's not the only option in that class.

Other FDA-approved aromatase inhibitors include:

- Anastrozole (Arimidex)
- Letrozole Show Full Answer

That sounds really frustrating, and it's so important that you flagged that side effect. While exemestane is one of the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, it's not the only option in that class.

Other FDA-approved aromatase inhibitors include:

- Anastrozole (Arimidex)
- Letrozole (Femara)

Each AI works similarly but can have slightly different side effect profiles, so one may suit you better than another. Beyond aromatase inhibitors, there are other hormonal therapy approaches your oncologist might consider, depending on your specific situation, such as ovarian suppression if you are premenopausal.

The most important next step is to have an open conversation with your oncologist about what happened with exemestane. They can review your full health picture and recommend the safest and most effective alternative for you. Please don't stop or switch any medication without their guidance first.

July 10
A MyBCTeam Member

@GenoveffaDiCostanzoChen

Has your Dr. offered any remedies?

Have you gotten a 2nd opinion of what can be done e?

Have you seen a naturalpath Dr. or a pain Dr.?

July 13
A MyBCTeam Member

@TammyKendall

How are you today and were you able to get help?

July 13

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