AROMASIN (EXEMESTANE)

Aromasin Description

Luckily, many women are proactive in performing self breast examinations and having mammograms so any signs of breast cancer can be caught early and treatment can begin. Approximately 80% of diagnosed breast cancers are referred to as ER-positive, meaning that the cancer cells are growing as a response to the estrogen women are producing. Your doctor can prescribe Aromasin to postmenopausal women that can be taken after 2-3 years of treatment with Tamoxifen, or for postmenopausal women with advanced stage or metastatic Hormone Receptor-Positive breast cancer.

How Aromasin Works

Aromatase is an enzyme that changes certain hormones your adrenal glands produce into estrogen. As some breast cancers thrive in the presence of estrogen, your doctor can advise you to take Aromasin, which is called an aromatase inhibitor. By blocking the action of aromatase, estrogen levels are actually stopped so there is a reduction in the growth of the cancer cells. Treatment for menopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer is favorable with early detection and treatment.

Conditions Treated by Aromasin

It is not unheard of for premenopausal women diagnosed with ER-positive breast cancer to opt to have their ovaries removed as a step towards decreasing their estrogen levels and begin taking Aromasin or generic Exemestane. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

If you are diagnosed with early stage ER-positive cancer, ask your doctor for a specific test that will examine 21 genes in cancerous tumors that could help you to know if you are at an increased risk for a relapse. This will then allow your doctor to decide if more treatment is required, including chemotherapy or surgery, to lower that risk.

Before You Take Aromasin

Tell your doctor if you are taking any hormonal birth control pills, undergoing hormone therapy, including gels, patches, or injections. If you are still able to become pregnant, use a non-hormonal contraceptive to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Aromasin as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other medical conditions or allergies to your doctor and list all current OTC and Rx drugs you take or use to determine if Aromasin is safe for you.

Aromasin Precautions

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications while taking Aromasin without consulting your doctor. Aromasin may cause you to feel sleepy so do not drive until you know how it affects your body. You will be required to take Aromasin long-term in order to fully benefit from the drug. Keep Aromasin out of children’s reach and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects of Aromasin

• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Feeling tired