Exemestane: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Exemestane?

What is exemestane for?

Exemastene is commonly used for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer (such as hormone receptor positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Exemestane is also used to prevent cancer from returning. Some breast cancers develop rapidly due to the natural hormone estrogen. Exemestane lowers the levels of estrogen produced by the body and slows down the growth of breast cancer.

Exemestane is rarely used by women of childbearing age.

How do I use exemestane?

Take this medication with meals, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.

The dosage is based on your age, body weight, medical condition, response to treatment and other drugs you are taking. Make sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist any medicines you are taking or have been using, including prescription / nonprescription medicines and herbal products.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

Because this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or have the potential to become pregnant are prohibited from touching or inhaling the powder from these tablets. (See Warning section.)

Tell your doctor right away if your condition worsens (such as a lump in the breast).

How do I store exemestane?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Exemestane dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the exemestane dosage for adults?

The usual adult dosage for breast cancer

For early stage and advanced breast cancer, recommended sausage: 25 mg orally once a day after meals.

In postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer and who have been on tamoxifen treatment for 2 to 3 years, treatment with exemestane should be continued if breast cancer has not recurred or is contralateral, until 5 years of continued endocrine therapy is complete.

For patients with advanced breast cancer, treatment with exemestane is continued until tumor development is seen.

What is the dose of exemestane for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is exemestane available?

Exemestane is available in the following dosages.

Tablet, oral: 250 mg

Exemestane side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to exemestane?

Common side effects include hot flushes, hair loss, pain in joints, bones or muscles, fatigue, unusual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and trouble sleeping.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:

• pain in the bones
• vision problems
• swelling of the hands or feet
• hard to breathe
• chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, confusion, problems seeing, speech or balance.

Less severe side effects include:

• flushed face and hot
• headache, tired feeling
• anxious
• joint pain
• stomach ache
• depression
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• increased sweating

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Exemestane Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using exemestane?

Before using Exemestane, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

• tell your doctor if you have an unusual or allergic reaction to Exemestane or any other medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Make sure you are informed about any medications: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); medications containing estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin); and rifampin (Rifadin, on Rifater, on Rifamate). Your doctor can change the dose of your medication or observe side effects on you.
• tell your doctor if you are taking herbal products, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have had liver or kidney disease.
• You should know that Exemestane should only be used in women who have gone through menopause and are unable to get pregnant again. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before you start using this medicine. Exemestane can harm the fetus.

Is exemestane safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Exemestane Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with exemestane?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Carbamazepine
• Enzalutamide
• Fosphenytoin
• Idelalisib
• Mitotane
• Nilotinib
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• St. John's Wort

Can food or alcohol interact with exemestane?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with exemestane?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• bone marrow problems (lymphocytopenia)
• bone problems (osteoporosis, fractures) - Use with caution. May worsen the condition.
• pregnant women
• women in the premenopausal period (still having menstrual cycles) - should not be used in this patient group.

Exemestane overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.