Exemestane

Uses

Precaution

Side Effects

Handling

Uses

What is Exemestane for?

Exemestane is used to treat breast cancer that is hormone- sensitive. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications.
It works by reducing the amount of estrogen (a hormone) in your body to slow down or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

How should I take or use Exemestane?

Take Exemestane once a day, after food.
Swallow the tablet whole.
- Do not break, chew or crush the tablet.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Exemestane?

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose, and take it at the next scheduled time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
If you vomit out a dose of Exemestane, do not take another dose to make up for it. Take your next dose at the usual time.

Precaution

What precautions should I take when taking or using Exemestane?

Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any other medical conditions.
You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping Exemestane.
You should not become pregnant during treatment. You should use an effective birth control method during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping Exemestane.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Exemestane?

Avoid taking certain fruits such as grapefruit, pomelo, starfruit and pomegranate when you are taking this medication. This is because these fruits may affect how the body processes the drug and increase the risk of side-effects.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially medications that may affect how your body processes Exemestane such as rifampicin, anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine), or herbal supplements containing St. John's Wort.

Side Effects

What are some common side effects of Exemestane?

The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.

Side Effect	Management
Hot flushes (sudden sweating and feeling of warmth)	Wearing light clothing and staying in a cool environment may reduce these symptoms. Inform your doctor if these symptoms affect you significantly.
Vaginal itching, dryness, discomfort, (bleeding) or vaginal discharge	Use a water-based vaginal lubricant to help relieve vaginal dryness. You may experience vaginal bleeding in the first few weeks after starting Exemestane. If the bleeding continues, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if these symptoms affect you significantly.
Muscle aches and/or joint pain	Light exercises e.g. stretching can help with joint stiffness and aches. Mild pain can be relieved by taking Paracetamol. Inform your doctor if the pain is not better. Taking regular warm baths may help.
Feeling tired or lack of energy	Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Eat well and get enough sleep. Prioritize tasks to ensure you make the best use of your energy. Simple exercises such as walking can help to boost your energy. Avoid alcohol as this may cause you to feel more tired and drowsy.
Nausea or vomiting. This is usually mild.	Take small and frequent meals. Avoid foods or smells that may make you feel nauseous, such as oily, fried or strong-smelling food. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around the waist. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent nausea or vomiting. Take these as instructed.
Bone loss or thinning, which may lead to an increased risk of fractures	Consume food that is rich in Calcium and Vitamin D as these are needed to build strong bones. Your doctor may also prescribe Calcium and Vitamin D supplements for you. Your doctor will monitor your bone density and prescribe medications to strengthen your bones when required. Try to do weight-bearing exercises like walking or climbing stairs for 30 minutes, at least 3 times a week. This will help to strengthen your bones.
Symptoms of drug allergy including one or more of the following: Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue Difficulty in breathing Itchy skin rashes over your whole body	If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

It is normal to experience some side effects from Exemestane. As discussed with your doctor, taking Exemestane will be beneficial for your condition. Do not stop taking Exemestane without checking with your doctor.

Handling

How should I store Exemestane?

Store in a cool and dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Exemestane safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.