Exemestane Pfizer 25mg Tablets

Exemestane general information

What is Exemestane used for?

Exemestane tablets 25mg are used as adjuvant or additional treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, following primary or first line treatment with another breast cancer medication like tamoxifen.  Exemestane 25 is used to treat early breast cancer to reduce risk of recurrence or spreading of the tumour.  They are also used for advanced breast cancer that has not responded to other treatments and has progressed or returned following treatment with other breast cancer medication.  Exemestane tablets 25mg are also used for treating breast cancer in women with induced menopause, due to surgical removal of the ovaries, if other therapy has not helped prevent progression of the tumour.

How does Exemestane work?

Exemestane tablets 25mg contain exemestane, which is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of the female hormone oestrogen.  In premenopausal women the primary source of oestrogen production are the ovaries and it is involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle.  In postmenopausal women, when oestrogen production by the ovaries ceases, low levels of oestrogen are made in peripheral tissues, such as fat cells throughout the body, also some breast cancer cells, by conversion of androstenedione (produced by the adrenal glands) to estrone, due to the action of aromatase and then by further conversion to oestradiol (the most active form of circulating oestrogen).  Many breast cancers have oestrogen receptors and their growth is stimulated by oestrogen; low levels of oestrogen may be sufficient to maintain growth of these tumour cells in women with breast cancer.  Exemestane in Exemestane tablets 25mg blocks the action of aromatase, preventing the formation of oestrogen and helping to prevent growth of oestrogen-dependent breast tumours.

What does Exemestane contain?

Exemestane tablets 25mg contains the active ingredient exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks oestrogen biosynthesis and is used to treat breast cancer.  They also contain silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hypromelloselight magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, methyl hydroxybenzoate, macrogol 6000, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, simethicone emulsion, sodium starch glycollate, sucrose, titanium dioxide, cetyl esters wax, purified talc, carnauba wax, black printing ink

Treating breast cancer with Exemestane

Exemestane tablets 25mg are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.  They contain exemestane, which blocks the action of aromatase an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the female hormone oestrogen, in peripheral tissues, such as fat cells and also by some breast cancer cells.  Many breast cancers have oestrogen receptors and their growth is stimulated by oestrogen; low levels of oestrogen may be sufficient to maintain growth of breast cancer cells in women with breast cancer.  Exemestane in Exemestane 25 blocks the action of aromatase, preventing the formation of oestrogen and helping to prevent growth of oestrogen-dependent breast tumours.  Exemestane tablets 25mg are be used as adjuvant or additional treatment for breast cancer following primary or first line treatment with another breast cancer medication like tamoxifen, to treat early breast cancer to reduce risk of recurrence or spreading of the tumour.  They are also used for advanced breast cancer that has not responded to other treatments and has progressed or returned following treatment with other breast cancer medication.

What are the side effects of Exemestane?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Exemestane tablets 25mg include: hot flushes, joint pain or stiffness, skin rash gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), headache, fatigue, feeling weak (asthenia), insomnia, skin rash, increased sweating, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleepiness, hair loss, anorexia.

When should Exemestane not be used?

You should not use Exemestane tablets 25mg if you:

• are allergic to exemestane or any ingredients in Exemestane
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are pre-menopausal with intact ovaries
• have kidney or liver disease
• have osteoporosis without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Exemestane, including; oestrogen containing medication (such as for hormone replacement therapy), tamoxifen, another breast cancer drug, without discussion with your doctor.

How should Exemestane be taken?

You should take your Exemestane tablets 25mg with a glass of water once a day with food, preferably after a meal.  You should continue taking your Exemestane tablets 25mg for as long as recommended by your doctor until there is evidence of tumour progression, but in early cases of breast cancer, for no longer than 5 years.

How long should you take Exemestane?

You should continue taking your Exemestane tablets 25mg for as long as recommended by your doctor until there is evidence of tumour progression, but in early cases of breast cancer, for no longer than 5 years.

Missed dose of Exemestane

If you miss a dose of Exemestane take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Exemestane be stored?

You should store your Exemestane below 25°C in a cool dry place.