Aromasin (Exemestane)

Aromasin tablets are a specially developed medication which forms the part of breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women. This drug is a composition of Exemestane. These tablets are manufactured by Natco Pharma Limited and are made as a part of a specific treatment cycle in women suffering from early stages of Breast Cancer.

These medicines are given to postmenopausal women who have been on a medication called Tamoxifen for about 2-3 years and have not seen any improvements or responses. These tablets take over as the course of the drug for the next couple of years in women suffering from early stages of breast cancer.

This medicine is mainly prescribed to women who are

• Post-menopausal
• Suffering from the beginning stages of breast cancer
• Have already gone through 2-3 years of treatment on generic nolvadex or Tamoxifen. If there is no response from the tumors, then the medication is changed to these tablets.

The drug is classified under the category of Hormonal antineoplastic agent and is controlled due to the potency of the drug. The sensitive area of use of this drug makes it necessary to have a prescription from a doctor to purchase this medicine. Always consult your doctor regarding the dosage of the drug and when is the right time for you to stop taking medicine.

All coated tablets of Aromasin contain an active agent known as Exemestane. Exemestane is a type of aromatase inhibitor. The inhibiting properties are very important in the cases of hormone-dependent cases of breast cancer.

This medicine act as a booster to the already continuing course of medicine prescribed to the breast cancer patient. Usually, the patient has already gone through two to three years of medication on Tamoxifen for Aromasin to be prescribed along with it. It helps in getting a response out of the body by adding to the already continuing drug.

The active agent in these drugs is an aromatase inhibitor. By inhibiting the release of such enzymes, the medicine helps in reducing and controlling the production of estrogen in women. This will help in reducing the tumors that are hormone dependent in the case of post-menopausal women.

The proper information about how long does it last is printed on the tablet box or the tablet strip.

Aromasin tablets are made to be taken orally. But before the ingestion of pills, care should be taken to maintain the efficacy of the medication. The tablets should be stored at room temperature and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a longer duration of time.

The tablet should not be broken down into two, crushed or dissolved in water. The dosage of the tablets should be limited to one pill a day, and the tablets should be taken after meals. This is because a full stomach helps in faster absorption of the active ingredient inside the body. The quicker it is released into the bloodstream, faster you can see the results. The effects can be seen as soon as two hours after a tablet has been taken. Do not take the pill on an empty stomach and remember to have a fixed time of the day when you take the tablet.

The only person that can decide the right dosage for you is the doctor that has seen your case and the treatment of Tamoxifen. If you are visiting another doctor, make sure you tell them in detail about your condition and make available every medical record you might have.

Tell them about the past course of your drug, how you have fared on Tamoxifen, any other medication you might be on, etc. Telling them, all this helps in removing any contraindications of the medicine with other drugs.

Overdose

In case you overdose accidentally, then you should immediately contact the nearest medical center for help. Do carry the pack in which the Aromasin tablets came in to show the doctors.

Missed Dose

The dosage of the tablet should be limited to one tablet in a period of 24 hours. Do not compensate for a missed dosage of this medicine.

Due to the inhibiting nature of this medication and its work with extremely potent cancer medicine, there might be some side-effects in people with a lower tolerance.

As per the expert reviews, the side effects are described as follows

major side effect

Unusual or major side-effects include

• Inflammation of the liver
• Inflamed bile ducts present in the liver causing the skin to turn a bit yellowish in color
• Hypersensitivity
• Loss of appetite
• Pain on the right side of the abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hot flushes
• Mental depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficult or painful urination

Minor side effect

Minor side-effects of this disease include

• A mild to severe episodes of a headache
• Difficulty in sleeping at night
• An increased level of sweating in the body
• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Muscle pain and joint pain which might include pain in the back, stiff joints as well as arthritis
• Enzyme levels are increased in the bloodstream due to the decreased ability of the liver to break down enzymes.
• Feeling tired or dizzy at times
• Increased sweating

General Instructions/warnings

Women should get a blood test to confirm that they are in the post-menopausal state.

Vitamin D levels in the body of patients taking Aromasin tablets should be monitored carefully. If there is a deficiency, supplements can be taken on the advice of your doctor.

The medication may cause sleepiness in patients.

When Not to Use?

Allergy

This drug is not recommended for use if you have a known history of Exemestane or any other component present in the dosage form.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Appropriate contraception should be used to avoid getting pregnant during treatment with this medication. Contact your doctor and discuss the risks if pregnancy is suspected.

Breastfeeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.

Bones Problem

If you suffer from any condition that affects the density or strength of your bones, do let the doctor know before starting the medication.

There are some tablets in the market suitable as a substitute for Aromasin tablets. These are

• Aromasin
• Exetraz tablets from Alkem Laboratories
• Aromasin tablets from Pfizer

How much time does it take for the medication to take effect?

There is no valid clinical data to support an accurate time, but peak levels have been observed after 2 hours

Are addictive habits observed in users?

No addictive behaviors have been observed in users.