Indications/Uses
Listed in Dosage.
|
Dosage/Direction for Use
Adult: PO Adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women w/ hormone receptor positive early breast cancer 25 mg once daily for 5 yr of combined adjuvant hormonal therapy (following tamoxifen). Advanced breast cancer 25 mg once daily until evident tumour progression.
|
Administration
Should be taken with food.
|
Contraindications
Premenopausal women. Pregnancy and lactation.
|
Special Precautions
Patient w/ uncontrolled HTN, osteoporosis and its potential causes (e.g. vit D deficiency, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism). Hepatic and renal impairment. Patient Counselling This drug may cause drowsiness, asthenia, and dizziness, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Monitoring Parameters Monitor 25-hydroxy vit D level and BMD prior to therapy; and LFT. Assess for new or unusual bone pain or swelling of face, lips, or throat.
|
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Decrease in BMD.
Nervous: Headache, dizziness, depression, insomnia, anxiety, neuropathy, paraesthesia.
CV: HTN.
GI: Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, vomiting.
Resp: Dyspnoea.
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis.
Ophthalmologic: Visual disturbances.
Dermatologic: Hot flushes, alopecia, increased sweating, dermatitis, peripheral eodema, rash.
Others: Fatigue.
|
Drug Interactions
Decreased plasma levels of exemestane when used w/ strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin). Antagonised effect w/ oestrogens.
|
CIMS Class
|
ATC Classification
L02BG06 - exemestane ; Belongs to the class of enzyme inhibitors. Used in endocrine therapy.
|