Aromasin

Exemestane

Aromasin is a hormone therapy used for treating breast cancer in post-menopausal women who have progressed following tamixifen therapy.

Hormones are chemical substances that are produced by glands in the body, which enter the bloodstream and cause effects in other tissues. The use of hormone therapy to treat cancer is based on the observation that receptors for specific hormones that are needed for cell growth are found on the surface of some tumor cells. Hormone therapies work by stopping the production of a certain hormone, blocking hormone receptors, or substituting chemically similar agents for the active hormone, which cannot be used by the tumor cell. The different types of hormone therapies are categorized by their function and/or the type of hormone that is affected.

Aromasin is an aromatase inhibitor, that blocks the enzyme aromatase found in the body's muscle, skin, breast and fat, which is used to convert androgens into estrogen. In the absence of estrogen, tumors dependent on this hormone for growth will shrink.

Aromasin is given orally once a day in the tablet form. Aromasin should be taken after the meals.

You can contact the doctor if you suspect some of the following symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Having self harming thoughts

Some of the symptoms that do not require immediate medical attention are:

• Nausea, which interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication
• Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
• Depression, which interferes with your ability to carry on your regular activities

Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

It is wise to inform your doctor:

• If you are taking any prescription, non prescription or over the counter medication
• If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy
• If you are breast feeding

Some of the side effects of Aromasin are:

• Fatigue
• Nausea (mild)
• Hot flashes
• Depression
• Bone pain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath

Consume Aromasin after a meal, at the same time every day.

Aromasin causes little nausea. But if you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may help.

Drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.

If you are experiencing hot flashes, wear light cloths, staying in a cool environment, and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms. Consult your doctor if these worsen, or become intolerable.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve discomfort from fever, headache and/or generalized aches and pains. However, be sure to talk with your doctor before taking it.

Get plenty of rest.

Eat good nutrition.

If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.

You will be required to perform general checkups to track your body's reaction to the drug; however, no special tests are required.