Exemestane - Oral

Exemestane is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have failed to respond to previous therapy.

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Exemestane exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Exemestane must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you still have your menstrual periods as Exemestane may not be suitable for you.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month after you stop taking Exemestane.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Exemestane is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. bone density test, blood vitamin D level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for new or unusual bone pain may also be needed.

Exemestane may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, tiredness, hair loss, rash, itching, excessive sweating, and hot flushes.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• stooped or hunched posture
• bone pain

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• birth control pills
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Exemestane.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Exemestane is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.