Exemestane is used to treat breast cancer in women who have reached menopause (menstrual cycle has stopped).
Take Exemestane exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Exemestane must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Exemestane if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Exemestane.
Do not breastfeed while being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Exemestane if you are not yet menopausal and are still having your menstrual periods.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
- vitamin D deficiency
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine tests (e.g. vitamin D level, bone mineral density) while being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Pregnancy test may be done prior to initiation, during and one month after medication.
Exemestane may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: hot flushes, tiredness, joint or muscle pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, hair loss and rash.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicine for tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifampicin
- herbal medicines e.g. St. John’s wort
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Exemestane.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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