Exemestane

What is Exemestane?

Exemestane is effective in treating certain types of breast cancer in women after menopause such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

This medicine helps to prevent cancer from returning and should be taken only after a prescription from a doctor.

There are some breast cancers that are made to grow faster through a natural hormone known as estrogen.

Exemestane reduces amount of estrogen that body makes and aids in slowing or reversing growth of breast cancers.

This medicine is not safe for use in women of childbearing age.

Doctors also prescribe exemestane to women who have been treated with Tamoxifen medicine for 2 to 3 years.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Exemestane for first time in 1999 and marketed it under the brand name Aromasin.

Aromasin tablets are available but generic Exemestane tablets have been available for a long time.

One can buy Exemestane only after a prescription from a doctor.

Exemestane cost is very reasonable when purchased from a licensed pharmacy.

Depending on patient’s condition, Exemestane 25 mg can be given alone or with other types of treatment.

What are exemestane uses?

Exemestane is used in women who are past menopause for treatment of:

• Early breast cancer (cancer that has not spread outside breast) in women who:

Have undergone other treatments for breast cancer

Have cancer that requires female hormone estrogen to grow

Are switching to Exemestane tablet to complete 5 years in a row of hormonal therapy

Have taken Tamoxifen pill for at least 2 to 3 years

• Advanced breast cancer after treatment with Tamoxifen tablet and it does not work or is not working longer.

How does exemestane work in your body?

Exemestane is a medication that is a member of the aromatase inhibitor class.

Aromatase is a protein in body that is responsible for converting other hormones into estrogen.

By obstructing aromatase, Exemestane reduces amount of estrogen present in your body.

Estrogen can fuel development of certain types of breast cancer cells and without estrogen, cancer cells are not able to grow or spread. 

Exemestane dosage

Exemestane comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth only once a day after having a meal.

Swallow this medicine with a glass of plain water without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

Make sure you take Exemestane tablet at same time every day so that you do not miss a dose.

Before starting treatment with this medicine, carefully read patient information leaflet provided with Exemestane itself.

If there is any doubt about this medication or its dosage then discuss it with your doctor once.

Take Exemestane exactly in same way as recommended. Do not take less or more of it than directed by your doctor.

You might need to take an Exemestane tablet for a long time or several years. Even if you feel well, continue taking it.

Without talking to a doctor, do not stop taking Exemestane as it can worsen your condition.

As this medication can be absorbed through lungs and skin, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle it.

Also, do not breathe dust from the tablets because it can cause serious health problems.

• What happens if you miss a dose of Exemestane?

In case, you miss a dose of Exemestane then take it as soon as you remember only if it is within 12 hours of missed dose.

If it’s already more than 12 hours then skip your missed dosage and continue with next dose at usual time.

• Overdose

Not following your doctor’s recommendation for prescribed dosage can lead to an overdose.

If you overdose and experience symptoms like trouble breathing or passing out then call your doctor immediately.

Precautions and warnings for Exemestane

Exemestane is not recommended for patients who are allergic to it or other ingredients present in this medicine.

This medication can contain some inactive ingredients which can cause you allergies or allergic reactions.

Before using Exemestane, let doctor know about your medical history, especially of the:

• High blood fats
• Bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteopenia
• Heart problems like heart failure, chest pain, and heart attack
• Liver disorders
• Stroke or blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems

This medication can make you feel dizzy or tired, so avoid alcohol consumption because it can make you feel more dizzy.

Do not drive, use heavy machinery, or do anything that demands attention unless you can do it safely.

Avoid getting pregnant when taking this medication or for 1 month after you stop taking Exemestane.

Women must inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they can be pregnant.

Women of childbearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine.

There is a potential for severe side effects on an unborn child. Avoid breastfeeding an infant when taking Exemestane or for 1 month after stopping this drug.

In case, you experience hot flashes or sweating while taking this tablet then avoid smoking, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine.

This can further help you to decrease risk of experiencing severe side effects.

Ask your medical professional about best way to handle and throw away this medicine safely.

You must know that anticancer medicines can be harmful to people who handle or come in contact with them.

Side effects of Exemestane

Remember doctor has prescribed you this medicine because he/she thinks benefits of Exemestane are greater than Exemestane's side effects.

Several people who use this medication do not experience any serious side effects.

Hair loss, dizziness, hot flashes, tiredness, trouble sleeping, bone pain, and nausea might occur.

Let your doctor know immediately if any of these common side effects last or become worse.

A very severe allergic reaction to this medicine is rare. Call doctor, if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions including:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling of tongue, face, neck, and throat
• Serious dizziness
• Trouble in breathing

Sometimes, Exemestane tablets can also cause rarely serious problems including:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden dizziness and fainting
• Vision changes
• Severe headaches

Get emergency medical help, if any of your side effects continue or turn out to be worse with time.

Storage

It is suggested to store Exemestane at room temperature right away from moisture and light.

Keep this medicine away from children and pets. Properly discard this drug when expires or is no longer required.

Frequently asked questions about Exemestane (FAQs)

• Can I stop taking Exemestane?

Do not stop taking this medication unless a doctor recommends even if you start feeling better after a few days.

• Is Exemestane effective in treating breast cancer when women have not gone through menopause?

Tamoxifen and Exemestane can be helpful in treating breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Though Exemestane is not FDA-approved to treat breast cancer in premenopausal women, but it can be given in combination with other treatments.

This further helps in stopping amount of estrogen that your ovaries make.

• Is Exemestane a chemotherapy treatment?

Exemestane is not a chemotherapy medicine because it does not kill cancer cells.

It is a form of hormonal therapy that works in body by reducing amount of estrogen that your body makes.

• How long do you need to take Exemestane?

You must take Exemestane as directed by a doctor. How long this medication takes depends upon several factors like how well Exemestane is working to treat your condition or how well your body tolerates it.

It might also depend on if you have already gone through menopause and if you have taken Tamoxifen tablet before.

• Can I take Exemestane during pregnancy?

No, doctors do not recommend intake of Exemestane during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby.

In case, you are a woman of childbearing age then a pregnancy test within 7 days before starting Exemestane is important.

When taking Exemestane, you must use effective birth control for almost 1 month after last dosage.

• How long does exemestane stay in your system?

Exemestane stays in your body or system for almost 24 hours or 1 day.