Aromasin (exemestane) lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.
Aromasin is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after surgery, radiation, or other cancer medications have been tried without success.
Aromasin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Aromasin if you are allergic to exemestane, if you have not started menopause, or if you are pregnant or able to become pregnant.
Do not use Aromasin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you have not yet completed menopause and are still having menstrual periods.
Use Aromasin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to keep taking take this medicine for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor"s instructions. Aromasin may not work as well if you take it together with hormone replacement medication, or while using birth control pills or patches.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Aromasin if you are allergic to exemestane, or:
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if you are pregnant or able to become pregnant; or
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if you have not yet completed menopause, and are still having menstrual periods.
To make sure Aromasin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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liver disease; or
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kidney disease.
Aromasin can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk of bone loss.
Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be pregnant, exemestane can cause birth defects. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may need to take a pregnancy test before using Aromasin, to make sure you are not pregnant.
It is not known whether exemestane passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Aromasin?
Take Aromasin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Aromasin is usually taken once per day, after a meal. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day.
Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to keep taking take this medication for up to 5 years.
While using Aromasin, you may need frequent blood tests.
Store in the original container at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medicine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Aromasin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Aromasin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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new or unusual bone pain;
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swelling in your hands or feet;
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
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chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Common Aromasin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Aromasin?
Other drugs may interact with Aromasin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
