Exemestane

Generic name: Exemestane
Brand name: Aromasin
Drug Class: Aromatase inhibitors, Hormones/antineoplastics

What is Exemestane?

Exemestane lowers estrogen levels for postmenopausal women. This can reduce the development of certain kinds of breast tumors that require estrogen to grow within the body.

Exemestane is a treatment for advanced and early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Breast cancer that is early in its development is cancer that hasn’t developed outside of the breast. Breast cancer with advanced stage has spread to different areas of the body.

This medicine may be given following the use of Tamoxifen for two or three years, or when tamoxifen failed to perform or stopped working.¶

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Exemestane in case you have an allergy to exemestane, are not yet menopausal, or are or may be pregnant.

Avoid using this medicine when you are expecting. It can harm the unborn baby.

Before taking this medication consult your physician if you have kidney or liver disease or if you’ve not yet reached menopausal age and you are still experiencing menstrual cycles.

Make use of Exemestane often to get the greatest benefits. Refill your prescription prior to the time you are out of medication completely. It is possible to continue taking this medication for up to five years. Follow your doctor’s advice. The medicine might not be effective when you combine it with hormone replacement medicine.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor

Do not take this medication, If you have an allergy to exemestane or:

• you are expecting or are able to become pregnant
• You haven’t yet reached the menopausal cycle you are experiencing menstrual cycles.

Certain drugs shouldn’t be taken in conjunction with Exemestane. Your doctor could alter the treatment regimen if you also take medications that contain estrogen, for example:

• birth control pills patches, injections, patches, or implants;
• therapy for hormone replacement.

To ensure that Exemestane is safe for you, inform your doctor if previously had:

• kidney or liver disease or
• If you’re still experiencing menstrual cycles.

This medicine could reduce bone mineral density, which could increase your chances to develop osteoporosis. Discuss with your physician the risk you face for bone loss.

This medicine is recommended only for women who no longer become pregnant. Exemestane may harm a newborn baby. Avoid taking this medication in case you are pregnant or could be pregnant. It is possible that you will need to take a pregnancy test that is negative prior to taking this medication.

If you’re not over menopausal age, take effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while on Exemestane or for less than one month after the last dose. Inform your doctor immediately in case you become pregnant.

This medication can affect fertility (your potential to become pregnant). If you’re not yet menopausal, you should continue to use birth control to stop pregnancy since exemestane may cause harm to a baby who is not yet born.

It is recommended not to breastfeed when taking this medication and for a month following the last dose.

How to take Exemestane?

Consume this medicine exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all the medication guides or instructions on the label.

Exemestane is generally taken one time every day, following eating. Make sure to take the medication in the same order each day.

You’ll require regular medical examinations.

Your doctor might suggest that you take additional vitamin D when you are taking Exemestane. Only take the vitamin D dosage your doctor has recommended.

Make use of Exemestane frequently to reap maximum benefits. You might need to continue taking this medication for up to 5 years.

Place the container back in the original at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:

25 mg orally every day

Comment:
The medication is best administered after the consumption of a meal.

Uses:
Postmenopausal women who have estrogen receptor-negative early-stage breast cancer, who’ve received up or three consecutive years’ Tamoxifen, and are then switched to exemestane upon the completion of five years of adjuvant hormone treatment.
Treatment of breast cancers that are advanced for postmenopausal women whose disease has advanced following treatment with Tamoxifen.

If I don’t take a dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don’t have two doses at one time.

Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication completely.

If I consume too much?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid?

Follow your doctor’s advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or activities.

Exemestane side effects

See a doctor immediately If you notice symptoms of an allergy reaction Exemestane: hives or difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Consult your physician immediately If you are suffering from:

• chest pain or pressure
• New or unusual bone pain;
• swelling of your feet or hands
• experiencing breathlessness feeling short of breath, even when exerting only a little experiencing shortness of breath even after moderate exercise
• indications of a blood clot such as the sudden feeling of numbness or weakness difficulties with speech or vision swelling or redness on the leg or arm.

Common Exemestane adverse reactions could include:

• Hot Flashes;
• headache, feeling tired;
• joint pain;
• nausea;
• Increased appetite
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• more sweating.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice on medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088

What other drugs can influence Exemestane?

When you begin or stop taking Exemestane and your doctor will require adjustments to the dosages of other medicines you take on a daily basis.

A variety of drugs can interact with exemestane and certain medications should not be taken simultaneously. Discuss with your physician your current medications and all medicines you begin or stop taking. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbs.

More details

Keep this and all other medications away from the reach of children. Never give your medication to anyone else Use Exemestane only as that is prescribed.

Always consult your physician to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.