Aromasin 25MG (Exemestane)

Aromasin 25MG is Pfizer India's exemestane tablet, 25 mg, in a strip of 15 tablets. Exemestane is a steroidal aromatase inactivator that permanently disables the enzyme that makes oestrogen.

Exemestane is approved for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women after the menopause, usually after two or three years of tamoxifen, and for advanced breast cancer that has progressed on tamoxifen.nnOff label it is used in men to lower oestradiol, including on testosterone therapy, and is sometimes chosen over anastrozole because its mild androgenic structure has less effect on cholesterol and bone.

Exemestane is built like the natural substrate of the aromatase enzyme. The enzyme binds it and is destroyed in the process, so oestrogen production stays low until new enzyme is made. Circulating oestradiol falls by about 85 to 95%. Unlike anastrozole and letrozole it is a steroid, with weak androgenic activity of its own.

One 25 mg tablet once a day, after a meal, because food increases its absorption. In breast cancer it is continued to complete five years of hormone treatment, or as the oncologist directs. Men are prescribed smaller or less frequent doses based on oestradiol tests. Take it as prescribed.

• Hot flushes, sweating and tiredness.n- Joint and muscle pain.n- Headache, insomnia and low mood.n- Nausea and increased appetite.n- Bone density loss with long treatment, though less than with the non-steroidal inhibitors.n- Hair thinning, acne and, rarely, a slight deepening of the voice from its androgenic activity.

Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in women before the menopause. Oestrogen-containing medicines cancel its effect. Bone density and vitamin D are checked during long treatment. Tell your doctor about liver or kidney disease. Strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin and carbamazepine lower its levels.