Is exemestane a steroid?
Hi, everyone. After 2 years on anastrozole, my oncologist has switched me to exemestane, due to my complaints about how I feel.
I am now reading about exemestane and many articles refer to it as a steroid. My oncologist had not mentioned this to me, so I just called her to discuss it. She told me that it is NOT a steroid, and does not understand my concern about taking exemestane long term (another 3 to 8 years).
Would you please share what your oncologists have told you about exemestane? Is it a steroid or not? Thank you for your time.
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I had the same question for my onc when she wanted to switch me from anastrozole to exemestane. She said no.
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Exemestane is an aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole and letrozole.
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I am aware that it’s an aromatase inhibitor. When I looked up the drug, it is described as a “novel steroidal irreversible” aromatase inhibitor.
That description prompted me to ask my onc about it.
I’m assuming nutmegger read the same thing about it.1 -
Years ago when I was having issues with Letrozle, I considered other AI's and read about them. I was surprised when I saw in my reading that Exemestane was referred to as a steroid. I never pursued it, so have no idea about any particulars, but I definitely saw it being referred to as a steroid and it turned me off.
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I took exemestane after severe SE's from Letrozole and Anastrozole. It was a breeze to take and I took it for over 4 years to finish 7 years of AI's. It is not a steroid.
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The adjective steroidal is used because the chemical structure of exemestane is similar to that of androstenedione which is a steroid. Exemestane has a methylidene group while a true steroid does not. Exemestane binds to aromatase differently from the other two AIs but I don’t know the biochemistry of that. A pharmacist might be able to explain the different bonding mechanisms.
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Yes, exactly. When you try to learn about it on your own, the language is quite confusing.
When you said your onc said “no”, did that mean, “no, it’s not a steroid”, or “no, I don’t want you to take it?” Thanks. 🤗
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nutmegger,
She said it’s not a steroid. I really didn’t understand the explanation. Think it was similar to what maggie15 was trying to explain. Something about the chemical structure but I don’t remember because it was a few years ago. I only lasted on exemestane for 6 mos. Lots of people seem to do well on it so might have less SE’s for you.
I did complete 5 yrs of AI. Took Letrozole the longest but made the rounds on app 3 of them.0
