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.
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.
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.
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
Exemestane is not for use in women of child-bearing age. Do not use exemestane if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
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.
Exemestane Side Effects
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.
- hot flashes;
- headache, tired feeling;
- joint pain;
- nausea, increased appetite;
- sleep problems (insomnia); or
- increased sweating.
Exemestane Interactions
Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
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.
Exemestane Dosage
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.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
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.
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.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
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.