Aromasin

Aromasin

     * Generic Name: exemestane
     * Brand Name: Aromasin


     * 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 (Aromasin)?

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
   surgery, radiation, or other cancer medications have been tried
   without success.

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

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

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * new or unusual bone pain;
     * 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.

   Common side effects may include:
     * hot flashes;
     * headache, tired feeling;
     * joint pain;
     * nausea, increased appetite;
     * 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 should not use exemestane if you have not started menopause, or
   if you are pregnant or able to become pregnant.

   Do not use exemestane if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn
   baby.

   Aromasin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

   Breast Cancer Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Breast Cancer Quiz
   Breast Cancer Pictures Slideshow: 10 Things Young Women Should Know

   Breast Cancer Screening

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking exemestane
(Aromasin)?

   You should not use exemestane if you are allergic to it, or:
     * if you are pregnant or able to become pregnant; or
     * if you have not yet completed menopause, and are still having
       menstrual periods.

   To make sure exemestane is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * liver disease; or
     * kidney disease.

   Exemestane can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase
   your risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about
   your individual risk of bone loss.

   Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be
   pregnant, exemestane can cause birth defects. Do not take this medicine
   if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. You may need to have a
   negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

   If you are not past menopause, use effective birth control to prevent
   pregnancy while you are taking exemestane and for at least 1 month
   after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become
   pregnant while taking exemestane.

   It is not known whether exemestane passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

How should I take exemestane (Aromasin)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Exemestane is usually taken once per day, after a meal. Try to take the
   medicine at the same time each day.

   While using exemestane, you may need frequent blood tests.

   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.

   Store in the original container at room temperature away from moisture
   and heat.

   Aromasin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

   Breast Cancer Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Breast Cancer Quiz
   Breast Cancer Pictures Slideshow: 10 Things Young Women Should Know

   Breast Cancer Screening

What happens if I miss a dose (Aromasin)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Aromasin)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking exemestane (Aromasin)?

   This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
   Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
   fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
   Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
   linens separately from other laundry.

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect exemestane (Aromasin)?

   Other drugs may interact with exemestane, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Aromasin)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about exemestane.
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