Exemestane 25mg

Antineoplastic Agent, Aromatase Inhibitor

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Exemestane/Aromasin is an irreversible, steroidal aromatase inactivator. It is structurally related to androstenedione and is converted to an intermediate that irreversibly blocks the active site of the aromatase enzyme, leading to inactivation (“suicide inhibition”) and thus preventing conversion of androgens to estrogens in peripheral tissues. Exemestane/Aromasin significantly lowers circulating estrogens in postmenopausal breast cancers where growth is estrogen-dependent.

Breast Cancer

Before starting Exemestane/Aromasin make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Exemestane/Aromasin can cause a decrease in bone mineral density due to a decrease in circulating estrogen levels, lymphopenia and elevated liver enzymes.  Exemestane/Aromasin should not be used in premenopausal women.

Oral: 25mg once daily.

How to Take: Take after a meal.

The frequency of side effects is not well defined but has been reported to include the following:

Hypertension, edema, ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, fatigue, insomnia, pain, headache, depression, dizziness, anxiety, paresthesia, confusion, hypoesthesia, hyperhidrosis, alopecia, dermatitis, pruritis, skin rash, hot flashes, weight gain, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, lymphedema, elevated liver enzymes, infection, joint and muscle pain, weakness, osteoporosis, fracture, muscle cramps, visual disturbance, dyspnea, cough, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, fever. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Exemestane/Aromasin only common ones

1. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.