Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 25mg
Breast Cancer
Advanced disease
- Indicated for treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy
- 25 mg PO qDay; continue until tumor progression
Adjuvant treatment
- Indicated for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with ER+ early breast cancer who have received 2-3 years of tamoxifen treatment and are switched to exemestane
- 25 mg PO qDay; continue until tumor progression
Breast Cancer Prevention (Off-label)
ASCO and NCCN guidelines suggest exemestane as an alternative to tamoxifen or raloxifene to prevent invasive breast cancer in high-risk women
25 mg PO qDay for 5 years
Dosage Modifications
Coadministration with potent CYP3A4 inducers: 50 mg PO qDay
Dosing Considerations
High risk of breast cancer is defined as at least 1 breast biopsy showing lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia, 1 or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer, or a 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer >1.66% (based on the modified Gail model)
Safety and efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (9)
- abametapir
abametapir will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. For 2 weeks after abametapir application, avoid taking drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. If not feasible, avoid use of abametapir.
- apalutamide
apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Coadministration of apalutamide, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can result in lower exposure to these medications. Avoid or substitute another drug for these medications when possible. Evaluate for loss of therapeutic effect if medication must be coadministered. Adjust dose according to prescribing information if needed.
- enzalutamide
enzalutamide will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- ethinylestradiol
ethinylestradiol decreases effects of exemestane by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Exemestane should not be given concurrently with any estrogens or estrogen-containing products.
- fexinidazole
fexinidazole will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2E1 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4. Coadministration may increase risk for adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
- idelalisib
idelalisib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor; avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A substrates
- ivosidenib
ivosidenib will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with ivosidenib or replace with alternate therapies. If coadministration is unavoidable, monitor patients for loss of therapeutic effect of these drugs.
- tucatinib
tucatinib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid concomitant use of tucatinib with CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities. If unavoidable, reduce CYP3A substrate dose according to product labeling.
- voxelotor
voxelotor will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2E1 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Voxelotor increases systemic exposure of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates. Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. Consider dose reduction of the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate(s) if unable to avoid.
Monitor Closely (57)
- amobarbital
amobarbital will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- artemether/lumefantrine
artemether/lumefantrine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- belzutifan
belzutifan will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. If unable to avoid coadministration of belzutifan with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates, consider increasing the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate dose in accordance with its prescribing information.
- bosentan
bosentan will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- butabarbital
butabarbital will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- carbamazepine
carbamazepine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- cenobamate
cenobamate will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Increase dose of CYP3A4 substrate, as needed, when coadministered with cenobamate.
- cholera vaccine
exemestane decreases effects of cholera vaccine by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Immunosuppressive therapies, including irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs and corticosteroids (used in greater than physiologic doses), may reduce the immune response to cholera vaccine.
- crofelemer
crofelemer increases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Crofelemer has the potential to inhibit CYP3A4 at concentrations expected in the gut; unlikely to inhibit systemically because minimally absorbed.
- dabrafenib
dabrafenib will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- deferasirox
deferasirox will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dengue vaccine
exemestane decreases effects of dengue vaccine by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunosuppressive therapies (eg, irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, corticosteroids [greater than physiologic doses]) may reduce immune response to dengue vaccine.
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- efavirenz
efavirenz will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- elagolix
elagolix decreases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Elagolix is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor CYP3A substrates if coadministered. Consider increasing CYP3A substrate dose if needed.
- elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF
elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF increases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Cobicistat is a CYP3A4 inhibitor; contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events.
- encorafenib
encorafenib, exemestane. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Encorafenib both inhibits and induces CYP3A4 at clinically relevant plasma concentrations. Coadministration of encorafenib with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates may result in increased toxicity or decreased efficacy of these agents.
- erythromycin base
erythromycin base will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
erythromycin ethylsuccinate will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- erythromycin lactobionate
erythromycin lactobionate will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- erythromycin stearate
erythromycin stearate will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- eslicarbazepine acetate
eslicarbazepine acetate will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
eslicarbazepine acetate decreases levels of exemestane by increasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. - estradiol
estradiol decreases effects of exemestane by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Estrogens or estrogen-containing products, including combined oral contraceptives, should not be given concomitantly with exemestane; these drugs could interfere with the pharmacologic action and efficacy of exemestane.
- estrogens conjugated synthetic
estrogens conjugated synthetic decreases effects of exemestane by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Estrogens or estrogen-containing products, including combined oral contraceptives, should not be given concomitantly with exemestane; these drugs could interfere with the pharmacologic action and efficacy of exemestane.
- estrogens esterified
estrogens esterified decreases levels of exemestane by increasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Estrogens should not be given concomitantly with exemestane; these drugs could interfere with the pharmacologic action and efficacy of exemestane.
estrogens esterified decreases effects of exemestane by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Estrogens or estrogen-containing products, including combined oral contraceptives, should not be given concomitantly with exemestane; these drugs could interfere with the pharmacologic action and efficacy of exemestane. - estropipate
estropipate decreases effects of exemestane by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Estrogens or estrogen-containing products, including combined oral contraceptives, should not be given concomitantly with exemestane; these drugs could interfere with the pharmacologic action and efficacy of exemestane.
- etravirine
etravirine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fedratinib
fedratinib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Adjust dose of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates as necessary.
- fosphenytoin
fosphenytoin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- griseofulvin
griseofulvin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- iloperidone
iloperidone increases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Iloperidone is a time-dependent CYP3A inhibitor and may lead to increased plasma levels of drugs predominantly eliminated by CYP3A4.
- istradefylline
istradefylline will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Istradefylline 40 mg/day increased peak levels and AUC of CYP3A4 substrates in clinical trials. This effect was not observed with istradefylline 20 mg/day. Consider dose reduction of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates.
- lenacapavir
lenacapavir will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Lencapavir (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) may increase CYP3A4 substrates initiated within 9 months after last SC dose of lenacapavir, which may increase potential risk of adverse reactions of CYP3A4 substrates.
- letermovir
letermovir increases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- levoketoconazole
levoketoconazole will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lorlatinib
lorlatinib will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lumefantrine
lumefantrine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- mifepristone
mifepristone will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- mitotane
mitotane decreases levels of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Mitotane is a strong inducer of cytochrome P-4503A4; monitor when coadministered with CYP3A4 substrates for possible dosage adjustments.
- nafcillin
nafcillin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nevirapine
nevirapine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- oxcarbazepine
oxcarbazepine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- pentobarbital
pentobarbital will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- phenobarbital
phenobarbital will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- phenytoin
phenytoin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- primidone
primidone will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- ribociclib
ribociclib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rifabutin
rifabutin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- rifampin
rifampin will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- rifapentine
rifapentine will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- rucaparib
rucaparib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Adjust dosage of CYP3A4 substrates, if clinically indicated.
- secobarbital
secobarbital will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- siponimod
siponimod and exemestane both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution if coadministered because of additive immunosuppressive effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.
- St John's Wort
St John's Wort will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. For patients receiving exemestane with a potent CYP3A4 inducer the recommended dose of exemestane is 50 mg daily after a meal.
- stiripentol
stiripentol, exemestane. affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Stiripentol is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and inducer. Monitor CYP3A4 substrates coadministered with stiripentol for increased or decreased effects. CYP3A4 substrates may require dosage adjustment.
- tazemetostat
tazemetostat will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tecovirimat
tecovirimat will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Tecovirimat is a weak CYP3A4 inducer. Monitor sensitive CYP3A4 substrates for effectiveness if coadministered.
Minor (9)
- acetazolamide
acetazolamide will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- anastrozole
anastrozole will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens
bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens decreases levels of exemestane by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ceritinib
ceritinib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- conjugated estrogens
conjugated estrogens decreases levels of exemestane by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- conjugated estrogens, vaginal
conjugated estrogens, vaginal decreases levels of exemestane by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- cyclophosphamide
cyclophosphamide will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone will decrease the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- larotrectinib
larotrectinib will increase the level or effect of exemestane by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Fatigue (22%)
Nausea (18%)
Hot flashes (13%)
Depression (13%)
Pain (13%)
Insomnia (11%)
1-10%
Anxiety (10%)
Dyspnea (10%)
Dizziness (8%)
Headache (8%)
Edema (7%)
Vomiting (7%)
Flu-like syndrome (6%)
Abdominal pain (6%)
Anorexia (6%)
Cough (6%)
Hypertension (5%)
Constipation (5%)
Diarrhea (4%)
<1%
Cardiac failure
Uterine polyps
Endometrial hyperplasia
Gastric ulcer
Frequency not defined
Hepatitis
Visual disturbances
Postmarketing Reports
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity
Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatitis including cholestatic hepatitis
Nervous system disorder: Paresthesia
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, urticaria, pruritus
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder: Senosynovitis stenosans
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Therapy should not be coadministered with estrogen-containing agents as these could interfere with pharmacological action
Routine assessment of 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels prior to the start of aromatase inhibitor treatment should be performed, due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in women with early breast cancer; women with vitamin D deficiency should receive supplementation with vitamin D
Reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) seen with therapy over time; during adjuvant treatment with exemestane, women with osteoporosis or at risk of osteoporosis should have their bone mineral density formally assessed by bone densitometry at the commencement of treatment; monitor patients for bone mineral density loss and treat as appropriate
Not indicated for breast cancer in premenopausal women
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after final dose
Based on findings in animals, male and female fertility may be impaired by treatment
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: X
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; because of potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after final dose
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Aromatase inhibitor - blocks conversion of androgens to estrogens by binding to the heme group of aromatase enzyme, which in turn inhibits its activity
Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life: 24 hr
Protein Bound: 90%
Peak time: 1.2 (women with breast cancer)
Metabolism: via CYP3A4 (extensive)
Excretion: Urine (39-45%); feces (35-48%)
Administration
Oral Administration
Take after a meal
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| exemestane oral - | 25 mg tablet |  | |
| Aromasin oral - | 25 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
exemestane oral
EXEMESTANE - ORAL
(ex-em-ESS-tain)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aromasin
USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Exemestane is also used to help prevent the cancer from returning. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone called estrogen. Exemestane decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers.Exemestane is usually not used in women of childbearing age.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using exemestane and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with food (after a meal), or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. (See also Precautions section.)Inform your doctor right away if your condition worsens (such as you get new breast lumps).
SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes, hair loss, joint pain/stiffness/swelling, bone/muscle pain, tiredness, unusual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, bone fractures, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), vaginal bleeding, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.This medication (and cancer) may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attack or stroke). Get medical help right away if you experience: sudden shortness of breath, chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble speaking, swelling of arms/legs, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes, sudden/severe headache.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat/neck), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking exemestane, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood fats (cholesterol), bone problems (such as osteopenia, osteoporosis), stroke or blood clots, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems.This drug may make you dizzy or tired. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Exemestane is used mainly in women after menopause. If you are near menopause or have not gone through menopause and your doctor has prescribed this for you, discuss with your doctor whether you need to use reliable forms of birth control. If you do, continue using birth control for 1 month after stopping treatment with this medication. Do not use birth control products containing estrogen. Consult your doctor for more details. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. (See also How to Use section.)It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 1 month after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: estrogens (such as ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens), estrogen blockers (such as anastrozole, tamoxifen), tibolone.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as bone density tests, cholesterol levels, liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.This medication can increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis). Talk with your doctor about your risk, and about available treatments for osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of bone loss include doing weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised January 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
