How does Aromasin (Exemestane) work:

Aromasin (Exemestane) is indicated for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogenreceptor positive early breast cancer who have received two to three years of tamoxifen and are switched to Aromasin for completion of a total of five consecutive years of adjuvant hormonal therapy. Aromasin is also used for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed tamoxifen therapy. Aromasin 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.

Dosage & Administration:

The recommended dose of Aromasin (Exemestane) in early and advanced breast cancer is one 25 mg tablet daily after a meal.

For postmenopausal women with early breast cancer:
Treatment with Aromasin (Exemestane) should continue in the absence of recurrence or contralateral breast cancer until completion of 5 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy.

For patients with advanced breast cancer:
Treatment with Aromasin (Exemestane) should continue until tumor progression is evident.

For patients receiving Aromasin (Exemestane) with a potent CYP 3A4 inducer such as rifampicin or phenytoin:
The recommended dose of Aromasin (Exemestane) is one 50 mg tablet daily after a meal.

The safety of chronic dosing in patients with moderate or severe hepatic or renal impairment has not been studied. Based on experience with exemestane at repeated doses up to 200 mg daily that demonstrated a moderate increase in non-life threatening adverse events, dosage adjustment does not appear to be necessary.

Side Effects:

• visual disturbances
• nausea
• fatigue
• arthralgia
• back pain
• pain in limb
• headache
• dizziness
• insomnia
• depression
• increased sweating
• hot flushed
• hypertension

Precautions:

Aromasin (Exemestane) should NOT be administered to premenopausal women AND coadministered with estrogen-containing agents as these could interfere with its pharmacologic action. Before taking Aromasin, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. Aromasin may make you dizzy and tired. Do not drive a car or use machinery until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.