Aromasin Exemestane: An Answer to Postmenopausal Breast Cancer
Aromasin exemestaneis used to treat breast cancer occurring after menopause. It works by reducing in hormone (estrogen) levels.
Dosage
Take Aromasin exemestaneby mouth, usually once daily with food or as directed by your doctor.
It is very essential on the patient’s part to continue taking this medication (and other medications for your cancer) just as recommended by your health care provider.
This drug is more effective when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a regular level. Hence, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. For this, take it at the same time each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than recommended. Also don’t discontinue taking it (or other cancer medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. If you want to skip or change your dose, consult your doctor. Otherwise it may deteriorate side effects or cause the cancer to spread or come back
Possible Side Effects of Aromasin
All medicines of Aromasin exemestanemay lead to side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Seek advice from your doctor if any of the most common side effects persist or become annoying. These can include coughing; diarrhea; dizziness; anxiety; back, joint, muscle, or limb pain; constipation; fatigue; flu-like symptoms; hair loss; headache; hot flashes; increased or decreased appetite; increased sweating; joint pain; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; vomiting.
Seek medical attention without ado if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
- Sudden, unusual weight gain;
- Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; vision or speech changes
- Numbness of an arm or leg;
- Numbness or tingling in the skin, hands, or feet;
- Chest pain;
- Confusion;
- Depression;
- One-sided weakness; severe or sudden bone pain;
- Severe stomach pain;
- Shortness of breath;
- Severe dizziness, headache, vomiting, or fainting;
This is not all that may occur. If you have query about side effects, contact your doctor. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug Interactions
Aromasin exemestane is widely metabolized by CYP 3A4, but concurrent use of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP 3A4, has no significant effect on Aromasin exemestane pharmacokinetics. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions mediated by inhibition of CYP iso enzymes consequently appear dubious. Co-medications that stimulate CYP 3A4 (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or St. John's wort) may considerably reduce exposure to exemestane. Dose modification is essential for patients who are also receiving a potent CYP 3A4 inducer.
If you take an overdose of Aromasin exemestaneunknowingly, get in touch with your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents must call their local poison control center straight.
Notes: Do not share this medicine with others. Perform laboratory and/or medical tests to monitor your progress.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is just the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing agenda. Do not double the dose at any cost.
Safety Information
Aromasin exemestane is used in treatment of adjuvant in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer. Therapy course with exemestane must be initiated after 2 to 3 years of tamoxifen at which time tamoxifen should be stopped.
Treatment with Aromasin is required to be continued for 2 to 3 years until the completion of a total of 5 years of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen and Aromasin.
Pregnant women should not take it. It also should not be used if the patient has not undergone menopause.