What is Aromasin?
Aromasin (exemestane) lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.
Aromasin is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 2 to 3 years.
Aromasin may also be used for other purposes not listed.
Important information about Aromasin
Aromasin can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment with Aromasin.
You may need to take a pregnancy test before using Aromasin, to make sure you are not pregnant.
You also should not use Aromasin if you are breast-feeding a baby, or if you are allergic to exemestane.
Before using Aromasin, tell your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you have not yet completed menopause. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medicine.
You may need to keep taking 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 Aromasin
You should not use Aromasin if you are allergic to exemestane, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- not yet completed menopause.
FDA pregnancy category D. Aromasin can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor 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. Do not use Aromasin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Aromasin? Take Aromasin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Aromasin is usually taken once per day. You may need to keep taking take this medicine for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in your stools.
What should I avoid while taking Aromasin?
Aromasin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Aromasin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Aromasin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- swollen glands;
- a bone fracture;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
- chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Less serious Aromasin side effects may include:
- hot flashes;
- anxiety;
- upset stomach;
- joint pain or stiffness;
- weakness, headache, tired feeling;
- depressed mood;
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect Aromasin?
Aromasin may not work as well if you take it together with hormone replacement medication, or while using birth control pills or patches.
Before you start taking Aromasin, tell your doctor if you use any of the following drugs:
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);
- St. John’s wort; or
- seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), or phenytoin (Dilantin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Aromasin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
