Aromasin

Introduction
Aromasin is an aromatase inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. It works by adjusting the level of estrogen and helps in slowing down the growth of cancer cells. Aromasin is also used in combination with medication in early cancer to prevent the risk of coming back. It should be taken with food, but take it at the same time every day to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor’s advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. The most common side effects of the medicine include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), headache, nausea, and joint pain If these bother you, or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you are not gone through menopause and still having menstrual periods, or you have a problem with the liver or kidney. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may perform some blood tests to check for vitamin D level or bone density.

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Uses of Aromasin
Breast cancer
Side effects of Aromasin
Common
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Headache
Nausea
Increased sweating
Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
Fatigue
How to use Aromasin
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Aromasin is to be taken with food.
How Aromasin works
Aromasin is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This can lower or stop the growth of some breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.
What if you forget to take Aromasin?
If you miss a dose of Aromasin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick Tips
Aromasin is used for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Take it at the same time everyday, preferably after food.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Your doctor may regularly check your Vitamin D level and bone mineral density and suggest supplements, if needed.
Do not take Aromasin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Brief Description
Indication
Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Administration
Should be taken with food. Take after a meal.
Adult Dose
Oral Advanced or locally advanced breast cancer Adult: In women who are no longer responsive to anti-oestrogen therapy: 25 mg once daily.

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Contraindication
Hypersensitivity. Premenopausal women. Pregnancy and lactation.
Mode of Action
Exemestane is an irreversible selective aromatase inhibitor which acts as a false substrate for the aromatase enzyme, forming an intermediate that binds irreversibly to the active site causing its inactivation. It also lowers circulating oestrogens in estrogen-dependent breast carcinoma.
Precaution
Hepatic and renal impairment. Monitor bone mineral density at regular intervals especially in patients at risk of osteoporosis. Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; because of potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after final dose

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Side Effect
>10% Fatigue (22%),Nausea (18%),Hot flashes (13%),Depression (13%),Pain (13%),Insomnia (11%) 1-10% Anxiety (10%),Dyspnea (10%),Dizziness (8%),Headache (8%),Edema (7%),Vomiting (7%),Flu-like syndrome (6%),Abdominal pain (6%),Anorexia (6%),Cough (6%),Hypertension (5%),Constipation (5%),Diarrhea (4%) <1% Cardiac failure,Uterine polyps,Endometrial hyperplasia,Gastric ulcer Frequency not defined Hepatitis,Visual disturbances _ Pregnancy Category Note Pregnancy Category: X Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; because of potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after final dose _ Interaction May result in reduced plasma levels of exemestane when used with CYP3A4 enzyme inducers. Oestrogen-containing drugs; St. John's wort, black cohosh, dong quai.