Aromasin (Exemestane)

What is Aromasin?

Aromasin is an irreversible steroidal aromastase inactivator.

What is Aromasin used for?

Aromasin is used for treatment of certain kinds of breast cancers in females, who are in a postmenstrual state. Also, women who had already taken some other cancer medicines but couldn’t get much benefit are prescribed Aromasin.

How does Aromasin work?

Aromasin alters the usual production of estrogen in the body, which is the reason for most of the breast cancer developments. The medicine works by limiting the level of estrogen exposure for the tumor. This, in turn, reduces further tumor growth.

How to use Aromasin

It is highly recommended that Aromasin should not be taken without prior advice of a medical expert.

Be very cautious regarding the doses, while you are on it, as, if you take more doses than directed, it can result in some serious side effects. On the other hand, if you take less of it, it may not give the expected results.

Carefully read the patient instruction insert, which comes with this drug, for more information about the dosage.

Generally, doctors prescribe 25 mg of Aromasin, once a day after a meal. Take the medicine at the same time, each day.

Aromasin warnings and precautions

Consider the following points, if you are taking or have been prescribed Aromasin:

1. Act in accordance with the direction of the doctor and make sure that you pay a visit to your doctor regularly. This is, because blood tests are required to determine the extent to which the medicine works in your body.
2. Doctors do not allow females, who are on Aromasin, to breast feed their children. Also, pregnant women should avoid taking this medicine.
3. As taking this medicine has been linked to osteoporosis and weakness in bones, ask your doctor to prescribe you accordingly.
4. Using medicines containing estrogen, birth control pills and patches and hormone therapy medicines, during your course of treatment with Aromasin is not permitted.
5. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any food or other medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Aromasin dose?

If you have missed your Aromasin dose, you should take whenever you recall.  Skip it only if it is almost time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Aromasin overdose?

If you have taken an Aromasin overdose, you should contact your doctor right away and do not try any remedies on your own.

Aromasin interactions

Let your doctor know if you are using any other prescribed or non prescribed drug or even herbal drug, concurrently. The most common known drug interaction reported is in co-medications inducing CYP 3A4, like phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbital.

Patients should not take estrogen-containing agents, while on Aromasin, as there is a possibility that it can interfere with the pharmacologic action of the drug.

Aromasin side effects

If you do not comply with the doctors’ advice, the use of Aromasin can result in some side effects.

Minor side effects, however, fade away as initially the body makes adjustments for the drug, but if they persist, contact your doctor right away.

Some common side effects of Aromasin that need immediate medical attention are difficult or labored breathing, fever or chills, blood pressure fluctuations, lower back or side pain and swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs.