DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Exemestane

March 21, 2017

Exemestane Oral tablet

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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • androstenedione

  • phenytoin

  • rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine

  • St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert