Aromasin

The active ingredient in Aromasin is exemestane, which is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is a protein enzyme in your body that helps other hormones convert into estrogen.

Aromasin reduces estrogen levels in the body by inhibiting aromatase. This is beneficial since estrogen can stimulate the growth of some types of breast cancer cells. Without this amount of estrogen, these cancer cells will lack the "fuel" they require to develop and spread. This makes Aromasin effective in treating certain hormone-sensitive or hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Aromasin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aromasin:

• Aromasin is typically taken once a day, following a meal. Try to take your medication at the same time every day.
• You will require frequent medical examinations.
• Your doctor may advise you to take extra calcium and vitamin D while taking Aromasin. Take only the dosage of these supplements suggested by your doctor.
• To maximise the benefits of Aromasin, use it regularly. You may need to continue taking this medication for up to five years.

The most common side effects of exemestane seen in clinical trials include:

• Fatigue.
• Joint pain.
• Hot flashes.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Dizziness.
• High blood pressure.
• Headaches.
• Sweating.
• Depression.
• Vision changes.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aromasin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious, life-threatening allergic reaction with symptoms such as hives, swelling of your face, tongue, and throat, and trouble breathing.
• Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and weakened bones.
• Low vitamin D levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aromasin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aromasin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether any of the following apply:

• You are pregnant or able to become pregnant.
• Have not yet been through menopause, or still have a menstrual period.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Osteoporosis. If you have experienced this, your healthcare provider will monitor your bone mineral density levels and make sure there is no bone loss.
• Because many women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer have low vitamin D levels, your doctor will likely monitor your levels while you’re taking Aromasin.

There are no contraindications with Aromasin.

Aromasin begins to function quickly after you take a dose. Your doctor will schedule regular blood and imaging tests to determine how Aromasin is working to treat your breast cancer.

When Aromasin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Birth control pills, contraceptive patches, or implants.
• Anastrozole.
• Tamoxifen or tamoxifen therapy.
• Carbamazepine.
• Phenytoin.
• St. John’s wort.

The normal dose is 25 milligrams administered orally once daily after a meal. This dose may vary if you are taking any drugs that may interact with Aromasin.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the company that manufactures Aromasin.

There are lower-cost generic versions available of Aromasin.

If you are considering stopping taking exemestane for whatever reason, consult your physician beforehand. Sometimes it is feasible to switch to a different hormone medication. Hormone therapy is a popular treatment for secondary breast cancer, and many patients use it for a long time.

This medication should only be used by women who are no longer able to become pregnant. Exemestane can harm an unborn child. This medication should not be taken if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. You may require a negative pregnancy test before beginning this treatment.

If you are not past menopause, take effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking Aromasin and for at least one month following your final dose. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away.

It is not advised to breastfeed while taking this medication as it could pass through the breastmilk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose.