Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Aromasin

Generic Name: exemestane (Pronunciation: ex e MES tane)

• What is exemestane (Aromasin)?
• What are the possible side effects of exemestane (Aromasin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about exemestane (Aromasin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking exemestane (Aromasin)?
• How should I take exemestane (Aromasin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aromasin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aromasin)?
• What should I avoid while taking exemestane (Aromasin)?
• What other drugs will affect exemestane (Aromasin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is exemestane (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.

Exemestane 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.

Exemestane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aromasin 25 mg

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What are the possible side effects of exemestane (Aromasin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• new or unusual bone pain;
• vision problems;
• 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 side effects may include:

• hot flashes;
• headache, tired feeling;
• anxiety;
• joint pain;
• upset stomach;
• 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about exemestane (Aromasin)?

You may need to take a pregnancy test before using exemestane, to make sure you are not pregnant.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to exemestane, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before using exemestane, 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 exemestane 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. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Exemestane may not work as well if you take it together with hormone replacement medication, or while using birth control pills or patches.

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