What Should I Inform My Doctor Before Using Aromasin Exemestane?

 

Aromasin (Exemestane) is a common name in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who had been treated previously with anti-estrogens (for example, tamoxifen). Aromasin (Exemestane) obstruct a substance called aromatase which makes the female sex hormone, estrogen, especially in postmenopausal women. It brings a decrease in the amount of estrogen in the body. This is useful since estrogen may influence the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells.

While deciding to use a medicine, the risks and the benefits of taking the medicine must be measured. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Exemestane, the following should be taken into account:

Allergies — Let your doctor know if you have ever had any strange or allergic reaction to Aromasin Exemestane. Also tell your health care professional if you have allergy to any other products, for example, foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy — Exemestane should be used only by women who have undergone menopause and can no longer become pregnant, however, you should inform your doctor if you think you might be pregnant. If this drug is used by a pregnant woman for any reason it may lead to harm, and possibly even death of the fetus.

Breast-feeding — It is not known whether Aromasin Exemestane excretes human milk. Based on the studies conducted on rats, it has been revealed that exemestane passes into rat milk. Since this drug may result in serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not approved by the doctor.

Older adults — A number ofmedicines have not been studied specifically in geriatric patient. As a result, it is unclear whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Even though there is no data available on comparative use of Exemestane in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medication may not cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Drug interaction — Certain medicines should not be used simultaneously in any way. But other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might take place. In such cases, your doctor may suggest some dosage adjustment, or other precautions may be necessary. Notify your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine including the following:

  • Phenytoin or
  • Rifampin or
  • St. John's Wort — Exemestane may not work as well, the dose may need to be changed
  • Estrogens — Exemestane may not work as well
  • Cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme inducers including:
  • Carbamazepine or
  • Phenobarbital or

Medical condition — Some medical problems may interfere with the work of Aromasin exemestane. Ensure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, particularly:

  • Kidney disease or
  • Liver disease — It is not known whether moderate or severe kidney or liver disease may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.