Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Exemestane tablets

What do exemestane tablets do?

EXEMESTANE (Aromasin®) blocks the production of the hormone estrogen. Some types of breast cancer depend on estrogen to grow, and exemestane can stop tumor growth by blocking estrogen production. Exemestane is for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women only. Generic exemestane tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take exemestane?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·an unusual or allergic reaction to exemestane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take exemestane tablets by mouth at the same time each day after a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What other medicines can interact with exemestane?

·androstenedione

·any medicine containing estrogens (This may include some herbal products and some birth control pills)

·DHEA

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking exemestane?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·any new or unusual symptoms

·fever

·leg or arm swelling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

·anxiety

·constipation

·cough, or throat infection

·depression

·diarrhea

·difficulty sleeping

·dizziness

·headache

·hot flashes

·increase or decrease in appetite

·nausea

·stomach pain

·sweating

·weakness and tiredness

·weight gain

What do I need to watch for while I take exemestane?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Do not treat yourself for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or other side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 1/27/00]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

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