What is exemestane?
Exemestane lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.
Exemestane is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 2 to 3 years.
Exemestane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about exemestane?
Do not use exemestane if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage.
You may need to take a pregnancy test before using exemestane, to make sure you are not pregnant.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to exemestane, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before using exemestane, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you have not yet completed menopause and are still having menstrual periods.
Use exemestane regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to keep taking take this medication for up to 5 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Exemestane may not work as well if you take it together with hormone replacement medication, or while using birth control pills or patches.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking exemestane?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to exemestane, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
To make sure you can safely take exemestane, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
Exemestane can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk of bone loss.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use exemestane if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause a miscarriage. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may need to take a pregnancy test before using exemestane, to make sure you are not pregnant.
It is not known whether exemestane passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.