Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: exemestane, oral; Aromasin
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat advanced breast cancer. It is used by women after menopause (when a woman permanently stops having monthly periods) when treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex) has not worked.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not intended for use by women who have not been through menopause. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it can harm the baby. Do not take it if you are breast-feeding. If you think that you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it at the same time each day after a meal to help you remember to take it. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in your stools.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; chills; muscle aches and pains; chest pain; trouble breathing; swelling in feet or legs; broken bones; depression; sudden numbness or weakness; sudden trouble speaking, walking, or seeing.
Other: Headache, tiredness, nausea, hot flashes, nervousness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, coughing, increased sweating, itching, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Taking this medicine after eating a high-fat meal may change the way this medicine works. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
