Download Exemestane Aromasin

Patient information
Exemestane (Aromasin)
Breast Services Directorate
PIF 1008 V3
What is Exemestane?
Exemestane is a drug used to treat breast cancer in women who
have gone through the menopause (change of life).
Why am I being given Exemestane?
Exemestane has been shown to be an effective treatment for
people who have been told they have breast cancer. This tablet
may be given to people who have received other breast cancer
drugs.
How does it work?
Many breast cancers use the female hormone (oestrogen) to
grow. You will only be given Exemestane if you have this
hormone positive type of cancer. (This type of breast cancer is
the most common sort.) After the menopause the ovaries stop
working, but two substances come together in the body to make
a small amount of oestrogen.
Exemestane stops these substances coming together in the body
to make oestrogen and this means there is less oestrogen going
to the breast.
What is the dose?
Exemestane is taken as one 25mg tablet each day, preferably
after a meal. Your hospital doctor will prescribe one months
treatment and you will need to get a repeat prescription from your
family doctor (GP).
Remember, you will need to get a prescription for more tablets
from your GP before your hospital supply runs out.
What happens if I forget one day?
Do not panic. After you have been taking Exemestane for a few
days, the amount in your blood stream will get you by. You
should take your next tablet at the same time as usual the next
day. Please remember to pack enough tablets if you go away on
holiday.
What are the side effects?
It must be remembered that most women take Exemestane with
few if any, side effects. However, the following side effects are
possible.
More common side effects include:

Hot flushes and sweats

Hair loss

Vomiting or feeling sick

Fatigue / feeling tired

Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

Anorexia (loss of appetite)

Abdominal pain

Skin rash

Depression

Constipation

Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Headache
Less common side effects include:

Swelling in the legs

Dizziness
If you have any of these side effects please discuss them with
your doctor.
Can I take Exemestane with other medicines?
Exemestane can react with some medicines so please tell your
doctor about the medicines you are taking.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Exemestane?
Yes. It is safe to drink alcohol.
What will happen if I decide not to have this treatment - are
there any alternatives?
There may be an alternative to exemestane, this and the affects
of not having treatment can be discussed with your consultant or
Breast Care Nurse if you wish.
Further Information
If you any further questions, or would like to talk through any of
the above in more detail, please contact your Breast Care Nurse.
You could see your GP or Hospital Consultant.
The Breast Care Nurses:
Tel: 0151 706 2927 (24 hour answerphone)
Textphone Number: 18001 0151 706 2927
Breast Nurse Practitioner
Tel: 151 706 2931
Textphone Number: 18001 0151 706 2931
Or you may like to contact:
Breast Cancer Care
Tel: 0808 8006000
Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Macmillan
Tel: 0808 808 00 00
There are many local support groups, please ask
your Macmillan Breast Care Nurse.
Author: Breast Service Directorate
Review date: April 2017
All Trust approved information is available on request in
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