About Aromasin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
Aromasin (exemestane) is a prescription medicine that belongs to the aromatase inhibitor class of pharmaceuticals. Aromatase inhibitors operate by lowering oestrogen levels in the body, which may reduce or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that require oestrogen to grow.
Aromasin is used to treat early and advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have previously taken tamoxifen for two or three years, or if tamoxifen did not work or ceased working. Aromasin may potentially be used to prevent breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women who have had breast cancer removed surgically.
How to take Aromasin?
Aromasin is usually taken once a day, after a meal, as one 25 mg tablet. Aromasin should be taken at the same time every day. Do not discontinue taking Aromasin unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Depending on your condition and reaction to treatment, you may need to take Aromasin for up to 5 years or longer.
If you are allergic to exemestane or any of the tablet's constituents, do not take Aromasin. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have not reached menopause, do not use Aromasin. Aromasin has the potential to harm an unborn infant or cause birth abnormalities. To avoid pregnancy, use effective birth control while taking Aromasin and for at least 1 month following your final dose. Inform your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking Aromasin.
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical disorders, especially liver or kidney problems, before taking Aromasin. Inform your doctor about all of your prescriptions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with Aromasin, altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of unwanted effects. Aromasin, for example, should not be combined with hormone replacement therapy or hormonal birth control techniques.
What are the possible Aromasin side effects?
Aromasin can have a variety of adverse effects, ranging from moderate to severe. Aromasin's most common negative effects include:
- Joint discomfort
- Flashes of heat
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Hair thinning
- Gaining weight
These side effects are usually minor and will pass in a few days or weeks. Tell your doctor or chemist if they persist or worsen.
Aromasin side effects can be severe and necessitate medical treatment. These are some examples:
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Depression
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Heart issues (including chest pain, a heart attack, or heart failure)
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing)
If you see any of these adverse effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential Aromasin adverse effects. For more information, consult your doctor or chemist or read the patient information booklet that came with your medication.
What more do You need to know about Aromasin?
Aromasin may have an impact on your bone health, increasing your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. To monitor your bone health, your doctor may arrange bone density tests before and throughout Aromasin treatment. To prevent bone loss, you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and engage in weight-bearing workouts.
Aromasin may potentially raise your cholesterol and raise your risk of heart disease. Your doctor may examine your cholesterol levels before and throughout Aromasin treatment and may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs if necessary.
Aromasin is not a cure for breast cancer, nor does it stop it from spreading to other parts of the body. While using Aromasin, you should continue to get regular check-ups and mammograms as directed by your doctor.
Aromasin is reserved for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It is ineffective in women who have hormone receptor-negative breast cancer or have not had menopause.
Aromasin is a brand-name medication that is also available as a generic medication named exemestane. Although the generic version is less expensive than the brand-name equivalent, it may not be accessible in every drugstore. Consult your doctor or chemist to see if the generic version is appropriate for you.
