Aromasin contains the medicine Exemestane. It comes as a 25 mg tablet. It belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause.

Mechanism of Action

In women after menopause, the body makes estrogen mostly by converting hormones called androgens into estrogen with the help of an enzyme called aromatase. Estrogen can help some breast cancers to grow. Aromasin blocks the aromatase enzyme permanently. This lowers the amount of estrogen in the body and helps slow down or stop the growth of breast cancer cells.

Uses

• Treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have already taken tamoxifen for two to three years, to complete a total of five years of treatment.

• Treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women when the disease has worsened after treatment with tamoxifen.

  Adverse Effects

  Common side effects include hot flashes, sweating, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, joint or muscle pain, nausea, and mild hair thinning.
  Long term use may cause bone weakness or osteoporosis and may increase the risk of fractures. Cholesterol levels may also go up.
  Rarely, it may cause liver problems, heart problems in people who are already at risk, or severe allergic reactions.