Description

Exemestane: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

Exemestane is a powerful aromatase inhibitor used primarily in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Marketed under brand names like Aromasin, this medication helps reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, slowing or reversing the growth of certain types of breast tumors.

What Is Exemestane?

Exemestane is a prescription medication that blocks the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogen. Since some breast cancers grow in response to estrogen, lowering estrogen levels helps to slow tumor progression.

Common Uses of Exemestane

• Early-stage breast cancer: Used after 2–3 years of tamoxifen to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Often prescribed when the disease has progressed after initial tamoxifen therapy.

• Hormone receptor-positive cases: Exemestane is specifically effective in ER-positive and PR-positive breast cancer patients.

Benefits of Exemestane

• Proven to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence

• Offers a non-chemotherapy option for long-term hormone therapy

• Improves survival rates in postmenopausal breast cancer patients

• Helps prevent new tumors from developing in the opposite breast

Recommended Dosage

The usual dosage of Exemestane is 25 mg once daily, preferably after a meal. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not skip doses to ensure the best outcomes.

Possible Side Effects

While Exemestane is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience:

• Hot flashes

• Fatigue

• Joint or muscle pain

• Nausea

• Increased sweating

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis)

Talk to your healthcare provider about any persistent or severe side effects. Routine bone density monitoring may be recommended during treatment.

Exemestane vs. Other Aromatase Inhibitors

Compared to other aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole or letrozole, Exemestane is a steroidal inhibitor and works slightly differently. Some patients who experience side effects on one medication may tolerate Exemestane better.