Exemestane

USES
This medication is used to treat early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also used to treat patients with advanced breast cancer (that has spread to other parts of the body).

IUPAC name:  6-methylidene androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione

Drug class: Aromatase inhibitors; Antineoplastic

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an Over The Counter drug? NO

Route of administration: Oral

Mechanism of action

Exemestane works by lowering estrogen levels in the body, which may slow the progression of breast cancer, which requires estrogen to grow.

Side effects

 Side effects may include nausea/vomiting, headache, difficulty in sleeping, hot flashes, sweating, weakness, upset stomach, dizziness, vision changes, muscle pain, joint pain.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor

1. If you are allergic to this medication or any other medication, or if you have any other type of allergy,
2. If you have or have ever had osteoporosis, hypertension, blood clots, stroke, kidney or liver problems, high cholesterol, or heart problems,
3. Reduce your consumption of alcohol because it causes drowsiness and a loss of alertness
4. Avoid taking estrogen-containing medications.
5. If you are taking any other medications (prescription, nonprescription, or herbal products), or if you have previously used hormonal replacement therapy,
6. In women, this medication should be used after menopause.

This medication should be avoided during pregnancy because it may harm the unborn child.