Aromasin

Generic Name: exemestane
Other Brand Names: exemestane

What is exemestane?

Exemestane decreases estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.

Exemestane is used to treat some types of estrogen-requiring breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen (Nolvadex) therapy.

Exemestane may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
Related Tags

arimidex

femara

tamoxifen

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking exemestane?

Exemestane should not be taken if you are premenopausal or if you are taking other medicines that contain estrogen.

Before taking exemestane, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take exemestane, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.

Exemestane is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that exemestane is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take exemestane without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether exemestane passes into breast milk. Do not take exemestane without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take exemestane?

Take exemestane exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Exemestane is usually taken once a day after a meal. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Store exemestane at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of exemestane?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Where can I get more information about exemestane?
Your pharmacist has information about exemestane written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of exemestane?

Stop taking exemestane and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to exemestane.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Notify your doctor if you experience

  • increased sweating,

  • fatigue,

  • swelling or water retention,

  • hot flashes,

  • depression or anxiety,

  • insomnia,

  • abdominal pain,

  • nausea or vomiting,

  • diarrhea or constipation,

  • dizziness or headache,

  • changes in appetite,

  • shortness of breath or coughing, or

  • flu-like symptoms.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about exemestane?

Exemestane should not be taken if you are premenopausal or if you are taking other medicines that contain estrogen.

What should I avoid while taking exemestane?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking exemestane unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect exemestane?

There are no known significant interactions between exemestane and other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking exemestane.

What happens if I have an overdose of exemestane?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an exemestane overdose are not known.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008