EXEMESTANE belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause (cessation of menses periods). Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells stimulated by the female sex hormone known as estrogen.
EXEMESTANE works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which produces the estrogen hormone. Thus, it lowers the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. The cancer cells require estrogen for their growth. Hence, blocking the aromatase enzyme, EXEMESTANE prevents the growth of cancer cells. Together, EXEMESTANE helps prevent or stop the growth of spreading the tumours (cancer cells) to other body parts.
Take EXEMESTANE as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take EXEMESTANE for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical conditions. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as insomnia (difficulty sleeping), nausea, headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle, or joint) pain, increased sweating, and fatigue. Most of these side effects of EXEMESTANE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
EXEMESTANE should not be taken in conditions like liver and kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before taking EXEMESTANE if you have any type of allergy with EXEMESTANE or any part of EXEMESTANE. If you have not yet gone through menopause, i.e. if you still have periods, then immediately inform your doctor before taking EXEMESTANE. EXEMESTANE should not be taken If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. EXEMESTANE causes weakness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol with EXEMESTANE as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. EXEMESTANE should not be given to children as safety has not been established.
Breast cancer.
This EXEMESTANE is used to treat specific types of breast cancer in women after menopause. EXEMESTANE is also used to help avoid cancer from returning. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone known as estrogen. EXEMESTANE works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which is involved in producing the estrogen hormone. Therefore, EXEMESTANE lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. EXEMESTANE helps prevent or stop the growth of spreading the tumours (cancer cells) to other body parts.
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Nausea
Headache
Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
Increased sweating
Fatigue
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking EXEMESTANE for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop EXEMESTANE midway. Do not take EXEMESTANE if you are allergic to any of its contents. EXEMESTANE should not be taken in conditions like liver and kidney disease. Before taking EXEMESTANE inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis, as EXEMESTANE may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have not yet gone through menopause, i.e. if you still have periods, then immediately inform your doctor before taking EXEMESTANE. EXEMESTANE should not be taken If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. EXEMESTANE causes weakness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol with EXEMESTANE as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. EXEMESTANE should not be given to children as safety has not been established. EXEMESTANE may have an intolerance to some sugar. Inform your doctor before taking this EXEMESTANE.
Drug-Drug Interactions: EXEMESTANE may interact with an antibiotic (rifampicin), and medicines used to treat fits/epilepsy (carbamazepine, phenytoin).
Food-Drug Interactions: No food interaction was found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: EXEMESTANE should not be given to patients with osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency.
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking EXEMESTANE to avoid unpleasant side effects. Alcohol intake, along with EXEMESTANE, may cause increased drowsiness.
EXEMESTANE should not be used during pregnancy because it causes harm to your fetus (newborn baby). Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it.
EXEMESTANE should not be taken during breastfeeding as it may harm your baby. Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it.
EXEMESTANE may cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
If you have or had a history or evidence of any liver diseases, please consult the doctor before taking EXEMESTANE. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
If you have or had a history or evidence of any kidney diseases, please consult the doctor before taking EXEMESTANE. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
EXEMESTANE should not be used by children, as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells stimulated by a female sex hormone called estrogen. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), fatty tissue, or fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and travel to lymph nodes which are a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.