Details

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Exemestane 25mg tablets is an anti cancer drug which belongs to the hormone group of cytotoxic drugs.

It is a prescription only drug.

It is an estrogen inhibitor andIacts on cancer that has estrogen receptors classified as ER positive cancer.

It inhibits the action of enzyme aromatase which converts androgen to estrogen.

It is a hormone therapy but not hormone replacement therapy(HRT).

Mechanism of action: it is a steroid molecule which acts by binding to enzyme aromatase irreversibly and results in functionless substrate enzyme complex instead of androgen-aromatase complex .This leads to decreased or no production of estrogen.Hence leading to slow or no growth of the ER positive tumor.

It is available as Aromasin in both the International market and Indian market.

Uses

• Exemestane 25mg tablets is approved as second-line treatment of breast cancer both early stage and metastatic advanced breast cancer.
• It is used in post menopause women only.
• It is used in women who had breast cancer surgery to reduce the risk relapse of cancer and after the relapse.
• It is also used in women after treatment with tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years and to complete hormone therapy after 5 years.
• Aromasin can also be used with surgery or radiation therapy.

 

Dosage

• Aromasin is taken orally once a day after a meal at the same time.
• Dosages are determined by the doctor according to the severity of cancer,response and side effects of the drug to the body.
• Dosages are also adjusted according to the dose related side effects.
• Exemestane 25mg tablets are stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight in its original container.

 

Side effects

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Reduced bone density leading to fractures
• Hot flashes and sweating
• Heart stroke
• Pain in joints
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Acne
• Weight gain

Precautions

• Tell the doctor about ongoing medications, pre existing medical condition and any allergy before starting the drug.
• Exemestane 25mg tablets are used carefully in kidney and liver patients.
• Always tell the doctor about pregnancy or future plan of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• This drug is contraindicated in pregnancy as it is teratogenic and causes severe damage to foetus even miscarriage.
• It is also contraindicated in case of allergy to exemestane and breastfeeding mothers.

 

Review

Aromasin is indicated in post menopausal women but it is under clinical studies so that it can be used in premenopausal women with ovary suppression.