Exemestane is a drug to treat breast cancer. SOne of them is ER positive breast cancer (estrogen receptor positive) in postmenopausal women. Exemestane can also be given to breast cancer patients who are already undergoing treatment with tamoxifen.
Estrogen receptor positive (ER positive) breast cancer is a type of breast cancer whose growth is triggered by the hormone estrogen. Exemestane works by lowering the levels of estrogen produced by the body. That way, the growth of estrogen receptor positive cancer cells can be inhibited and stopped.
Exemestane trademark: Aromasin, Axeltane, Nateran
What is Exemestane
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | class of anticancer drugs aromatase inhibitor |
| Benefit | Treating breast cancer |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Exemestane for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. This medicine should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether Exemestane is absorbed into breast milk or not. Breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Exemestane
Exemestane should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. There are several things to consider before taking this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Exemestane should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are still having your period, are pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy. Exemestane should not be given in these conditions. Use effective contraception and as directed by your doctor during treatment with this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while on treatment with exemestane, for up to 1 month after completion of therapy.
- Tell your doctor if you are on hormone therapy using estrogen or are using hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill, implant, or birth control injection.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, high cholesterol, stroke, hypertension, or heart disease, such as a heart attack or heart failure.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking exemestane, as this medicine can cause dizziness and fatigue.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking exemestane if you plan to have surgery, special medical procedures, or dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- See your doctor right away if you experience a drug allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking exemestane.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Exemestane
Exemestane will be given by a doctor. The dose and duration of treatment will be determined based on the patient's condition, the patient's condition, the patient's response to treatment, and other drugs that the patient is currently taking.
In patients with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer who have gone through menopause and have been on tamoxifen for 2–3 years, the dose of exemestane is 25 mg, once daily, for 5 years.
Meanwhile, in patients with advanced breast cancer who have gone through menopause, the dose of exemestane is 25 mg, once a day, until the condition improves.
How to Take Exemestane Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking exemestane. Do not reduce or increase the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.
Exemestane tablets should be taken after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take exemestane regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect.
Before and during treatment with exemestane, you will need to undergo an examination to see the level of vitamin D in the body. Your doctor may also recommend that you take vitamin D while you are taking exemestane. Take vitamin D according to a doctor's prescription.
If you forget to take exemestane, take it immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Check regularly according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that your condition can be monitored properly.
Store exemestane tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this medication from direct sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Exemestane Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of exemestane with other drugs can cause drug interactions, such as:
- Decreased blood levels of exemestane when used with phenytoin, carbamazepine, or rifampicin
- Decreased effectiveness of the drug exemestane when used with hormonal drugs containing estrogen or herbal medicines St John's wort
Exemestane Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may appear after taking exemestane are:
- Hot flashes or the feeling and sensation of heat and heat
- Nauseous
- Hair loss
- Headache, dizziness, or tiredness
- Appetite increases
- Muscle ache
- Hard to sleep
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Chest pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood
- Severe dizziness, confusion, to fainting
- Bone pain or fracture
- Swelling in the hands or feet, warmth or pain in the feet
- Sudden weakness or numbness, blurred vision, or speech impediments
- Dark urine, severe tiredness, yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Anxiety or depression
- Bleeding from the vagina
