Examastene - not on NHS list?

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1

I was originally prescribed Femara (letrozole) by the oncologist following chemo and rads. As the side effects of joint pain, stiffness and hot flushes are proving too much for me, the breast surgeon has suggested that I try Examastene instead. Obviously, he is not an oncologist but he says that in his experience many ladies suffer with Femara and that the s/e of examastene are less extreme.

The problem is that my GP insists that this drug is not available on the NHS in England, and that she would prescribe another AI. She will however query it with some drug board or other for our area (Essex) and see if she can let me have a small supply.

Have other ladies had this problem?

2

No problems - I was changed from Arimidex to Aromasin (Exemestane) and there has never been an issue with getting it prescribed by my GP.
Good luck
Anne

3

I haven’t had a problem either, I was on Letrozole before Exemestane and the se’s are much less for me now.

I’m in the Sheffield area.

Good luck

Jan

4

i was changed from tamoxifen to aromasin , exemestaene, no problems at all i get mine on repeat prescription tell your GP to speak to your oncologist if they not sure i live close to birmingham

5

hello
I had no problem in getting aromasin, but am finding the SEs worse (for me) than letrozole - although also got some ?neurological probs - not mets- investigated and maybe they are all linked up.
good luck

6

Beenie,

I’m in Essex - no problems getting repeat prescriptions from GP, no suggestion from him or Onc that it is not on NHS.

Best Wishes
Linda

7

I think the problem may have been that the letter from the breast surgeon had not made it’s way to my GP, so she only had my word for it that this was the correct drug.

The surgeon’s secretary has faxed over a copy today and so I hope this will sort the problem out. I will let you know!