Exemestane is used to treat progressive forms of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also given to women who have tried other medications that have not been effective.
What is Exemestane?
Exemestane works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase. In this way, it blocks the production of estrogen, which in turn reduces the size of tumors and stops their growth.
How should Exemestane be taken?
Exemestane is administered orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Exemestane
Among the possible side effects of exemestane include the following:
- Anxiety
- Back, joint or limb pain
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Flushes
- Changes in appetite
- Increased sweating
- Nausea
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Confusion
- Depression
- Fainting
- General ill feeling
- Numbness, burning or tingling in the skin, hands or feet
- Numbness of the arms or legs
- Weakness in one side of body
- Sudden or severe bone pain
- Stomach ache
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden or severe dizziness, headache or vomiting
- Sudden or unexplainable weight gain
- Swelling of the hands, legs or feet
- Vision problems or difficulty speaking
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Exemestane
Exemestane is contraindicated before menopause, during pregnancy and breast-feeding and in case of intake of estrogen-containing medications.
The drug can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol or other medicines.
Before starting treatment with exemestane, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: carbamazepine, medicines containing estrogen, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, or St. John's wort
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver or kidney problems, osteoporosis, heart or blood vessel disease
- You have recently suffered from a stroke
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Treatment with Exemestane may take several weeks before taking complete effect. It is important not to stop taking this medication without first consulting with a doctor.
