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Exemestane Oral Tablet (EXEMESTANE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • cancer prevention
  • cancer

Brand Name(s): Aromasin

Generic Name: Exemestane

Instructions

Take the medicine after eating a meal.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine should not be used in patients taking estrogen. The combination of the two medicines can increase the risk of serious side effects, including heart disease and blood clots. Speak with your doctor before taking any medicine containing estrogen.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for bone fractures.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • feeling of heat or flushing
  • hair loss
  • nausea
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • loss of balance
  • bone pain
  • chest or jaw pain
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • depression or feeling sad
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • severe or persistent headache
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • joint or muscle pain
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty speaking
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • dark urine
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • weakness on one side of the body
  • yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.