Exemestane
Trade Name:
Aromasin
Type of Drug:
Exemestane belongs to a general group of drugs called hormone or hormone antagonists. An antagonist blocks the effect of a hormone. It is used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose cancer no longer responds to tamoxifen therapy.
How Drug Works:
Exemestane prevents the body's adrenal glands and ovaries from making estrogen. Other steroid hormones are not affected.
How Drug Is Given:
Exemestane is given as a pill once a day after eating a meal. The dose is standard for everyone. Keep the pills in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you. This drug can be given at different strengths depending on the type of cancer being treated. Dosage may vary depending on your weight and your type of cancer.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives ("the pill") without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
It is important to keep taking the drug even though you are feeling well.
You may feel depressed or have difficulty sleeping while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor or nurse about ways to manage these side effects to make you feel better.

Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.

  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
Less Common Side Effects
  • Hot flashes
  • Pain at tumor site
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
Rare Side Effects
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Pain
  • Increased sweating
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have severe hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, or feel depressed. There is much that can be done.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.