Aromasin
® (
exemestane) is a prescription medication used to treat
breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Specifically, Aromasin has been licensed to treat postmenopausal women who are switching from
tamoxifen (
Nolvadex®, Soltamox
®) and have:
- Early breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive and have had surgery or radiation
- Advanced breast cancer that has not responded to tamoxifen.
Aromasin is made by Pfizer, Inc.
Aromasin is part of a group of medications called aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is an enzyme found in various places in the body. These enzymes help produce estrogens (particularly, a certain estrogen called estradiol). In postmenopausal women, aromatase enzymes make most of the estrogen in the body. By blocking these enzymes, Aromasin helps to decrease the amount of estrogen in the body.
Many breast cancers are sensitive to the estrogen hormone, meaning that the tumor grows with the help of estrogen. When a tumor is sensitive to estrogen, it has receptors on the outer surface of its cells. Estrogen fits into these receptors like a key opening a lock. When this connection is made, the cancer grows. Breast cancers that have estrogen (and/or progesterone) receptors are known as hormone receptor-positive tumors.
Several studies have looked at the effects of Aromasin in women with
breast cancer.
One study looked at Aromasin for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer.
Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is treatment that follows
breast cancer surgery (with or without radiation). It is given to help prevent the cancer from returning. These studies compared Aromasin with
tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with early cancer. After taking tamoxifen for two to three years, women either stayed on tamoxifen or were switched to Aromasin, for a total of five years of treatment. After five years, about 3 to 4 percent more women taking Aromasin were cancer-free, compared to those taking tamoxifen.
There were also three studies that showed Aromasin may be effective at treating postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has not responded to tamoxifen. Compared to megestrol acetate (Megace®), another cancer medication, Aromasin slowed the progression of the breast cancer in these women.
When and How to Take Aromasin
General considerations for when and how to take Aromasin include the following:
- Aromasin comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day.
- Aromasin should be taken after a meal.
- Aromasin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Aromasin will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Aromasin
The dose of Aromasin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your breast cancer (see Breast Cancer Stages)
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Aromasin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Aromasin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Aromasin include, but are not limited to:
(Click Aromasin Side Effects to learn about several side effects of Aromasin, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. For specific side effects of Aromasin, click on the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Aromasin
Aromasin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Aromasin if you have:
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Not gone through menopause
- Osteoporosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Aromasin?
In studies, very large doses of Aromasin did not cause any serious problems. However, if you happen to overdose on Aromasin, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Aromasin Be Stored?
Aromasin should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store Aromasin tablets in an airtight container.
Keep Aromasin and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Aromasin?
If you do not take your Aromasin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Aromasin.
Aromasin is available in one strength -- Aromasin 25 mg tablets.
Is There a Generic Version of Aromasin?
Currently, there is no generic Aromasin licensed for sale
(see Generic Aromasin).
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