Exemestane tablets

What is this medicine?

EXEMESTANE (ex e MES tane) blocks the production of the hormone estrogen. Some types of breast cancer depend on estrogen to grow, and this medicine can stop tumor growth by blocking estrogen production. This medicine is for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women only.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals after a meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• any new or unusual symptoms

• changes in vision

• fever

• leg or arm swelling

• pain in bones, joints, or muscles

• pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• hot flashes

• sweating

• unusually weak or tired

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• rifampin

• St. John's Wort

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take the next dose as usual. Do not try to make up the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to exemestane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

If you experience hot flashes or sweating while taking this medicine, avoid alcohol, smoking and drinks with caffeine. This may help to decrease these side effects.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.