Aromasin (Exemestane) Indications:

Indicated in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Also indicated in patients whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy.

Contraindications:

Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to exemestane. Contraindicated in premenopausal women and in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Warnings:

Exemestane should not be used in women of premenopausal endocrine status. Patients should be warned that the ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired, as drowsiness, somnolence, asthenia, and dizziness have been reported.

Side Effects:

Hot flashes and nausea are the most common side effects.

Fatigue, sweating, and dizziness are also commonly reported. Headache, insomnia, pain, rash, abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, depression, hair loss, peripheral or leg edema, constipation, and dyspepsia have been reported in 2% to 5% of patients. Pain at the tumor site, asthenia, fever, cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, anxiety, dyspnea, and cough have been reported in 5% or more of patients, but the causal relationship has not been determined.

Drug Interactions:

There is no clinical experience with the concomitant use of other anticancer drugs. Should not be co-administered with estrogen-containing drugs.

Dosage Recommendations:

The recommended daily dose of Aromasin in adults and elderly patients is one 25 mg tablet, preferably after meals, once a day. Aromasin therapy should be continued until tumor progression is observed.

If a daily dose is missed, it should be taken immediately when remembered; however, if the time for the next dose is approaching, the missed dose should not be made up. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.