Aromasin (exemestane) is used to treat some types of hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Exemestane blocks aromatization, which is the process by which testosterone is converted to estrogen.
Aromasin lowers the levels of estrogen, which can prevent the recurrence of growth in early breast cancer after treatment for 2-3 years with Nolvadex (tamoxifen.) In women with advanced breast cancer whose disease has progressed following one or more hormonal therapies, lowering estrogen levels can slow or completely stop the growth of cancer cells.
Dosage
A doctor will determine the dose and regimen. The usual dose is one 25 mg tablet to be taken daily after a meal.
If a dose is missed, take the pill as soon as remembered on the same day. Do not double-dose on the following day to make up for a missed dose.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication. Please take time to read the manufacturer’s Product Insert that comes with the medication.
Most of the side effects are associated with estrogen deficiency, so they are similar to the symptoms of menopause. They can include hot flashes and night sweats, depression, difficulty falling asleep, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle and joint pain (including osteoarthritis, back pain, arthritis and joint stiffness), tiredness, or abdominal pain.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen. Not all possible side effects are listed here.
Aromasin is prescribed for women who have early hormone-dependent breast cancer and have been treated for 2-3 years with tamoxifen, and for women who have advanced hormone-dependent breast cancer.
Aromatase is an enzyme necessary for the production of the female sex hormone estrogen in postmenopausal women. Aromasin is an aromatase inhibitor that is used to reduce estrogen levels in order to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer.