What Precautions Should I Take for Using Aromasin Exemestane?

 

Aromasin Exemestaneis a hormonal therapy that is approved for women who have had estrogen-receptor positive early stage breast cancer after menopause. Besides she must have taken tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years.

AROMASIN Tablets may cause a risk for the fetus if a pregnant woman uses it. Radioactivity related to 14C-exemestane crossed the placenta of rats when 1 mg/kg exemestane was administered orally. There are no studies in pregnant women using Aromasin Exemestane.

Mechanism of Action

A hormone called, Estrogen causes the growth of cell for breast cancer. Aromatase is the principal enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens both in pre- and postmenopausal women. While the estrogen (primarily estradiol) is created in the ovary in premenopausal women, the circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women comes from conversion of adrenal and ovarian androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) to estrogens (estrone and estradiol) by the aromatase enzyme in peripheral tissues.

Aromasin Exemestane works by inhibiting aromatase enzyme.  It blocks the enzyme aromatase, which is used to convert androgens into estrogen. As a result, tumors dependent on this hormone for growth will minimize.

Exemestane Precautions 

  • Aromasin ExemestaneTablets should not be administered to pre-menopausal women.
  • It has to be taken after a meal; at about the same time every day.
  • Before starting Exemestane treatment, let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking such as, prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc. 
  • It should not be concurrently used with estrogen-containing agents as these could hinder with its pharmacologic action.
  • If you think you are pregnant or may be pregnant, notify your health care professional previous to starting this treatment. Aromasin Exemestaneis listed under pregnancy category D. So it may be hazardous to the fetus.  Women who are pregnant or become pregnant are advised not to take this medicine.
  • If you observe symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team.  They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
  • Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Exemestane. Barrier methods of contraception, for example, condoms, can be used. Talk to your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy.
  • Aromasin Exemestane leads to little nausea.  But if you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as approved by your doctor, and eat small repeated meals.  Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help. 
  • On the whole, drinking alcoholic beverages should be minimized or avoided totally.  You should talk about this with your doctor.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprophen may lessen pain of fever, headache and/or generalized aches and pains.  But, talk with your doctor before taking it.
  • If you find hot flashes, wear light clothing, stay in a cool environment, and put cool cloths on your head. These actions may decrease symptoms. Check with your doctor if these worsen, or become intolerable.
  • Do not breast feed while taking Exemestane.