1. What is Exemestane and what is it used for?

Exemestane belongs to a group of medicines known as aromatase inhibitors. These medicines affect an aromatase called substance, which is needed to produce the female sex hormones (estrogens), especially in postmenopausal women. Reducing estrogen levels in the body is one way to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Exemestane is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with early hormone-dependent breast cancer after 2 to 3 years of tamoxifen initial therapy.

Exemestane is also indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-dependent breast cancer who have not received enough other hormone therapy.

2. What you need to know before you take Exemestane?
Exemestane should not be taken

    if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to exemestane or any of the other ingredients of Exemestane. Refer to Section 6 for the full list of excipients.
    if you have not yet passed the "menopause" d. h., if you still have your monthly menstrual period.
    if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take special care with Exemestane

    Before taking Exemestane, your doctor may want to do a blood test to make sure you are out of the menopause.

    If you have liver or kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Exemestane.
    Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions or conditions that affect your bone density. Your doctor may determine your bone density before and during treatment with Exemestanatiopharm® 25 mg. This is important because the drugs of this group lower the female hormone levels, which can reduce the mineral content of the bones and amit can lead to a reduction in their strength.

When taking Exemestane with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Exemestane should not be taken with hormone replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

    Rifampicin (an antibiotic)
    Medicines for epilepsy (carbamazepine or phenytoin)
    herbal medicines for depression (St. John's wort [Hypericum perforatum])

Taking Exemestane with food and drink

Exemestane should be taken at approximately the same time every day after a meal.
pregnancy and breast feeding period

Do not take Exemestane if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or suspect talk to your doctor. Consult your doctor for contraception if there is a possibility that you might become pregnant.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking / using any medicine.
Driving and using machines

If you feel drowsy, dizzy or weak while taking Exemestane, you should not try to drive a car or operate machinery.
Effects of misuse for doping purposes

The use of Exemestane may give positive results in doping controls. The use of Exemestane as a doping agent may endanger your health.

3. How to take Exemestane?

Exemestane should be taken at approximately the same time every day after a meal.

Always take Exemestane exactly as your doctor has told you. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The usual dose is 1 tablet (25 mg) per day.

If you need to go to the hospital while taking Exemestane, tell the medical staff which medicine you are taking.
children

Exemestane is not indicated for use in children.
If you take more Exemestan ratiopharm 25 mg than you should

If you accidentally take too many tablets, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital outpatient clinic. Show the package of Exemestane.
If you forget to take xemestan-ratiopharm® 25 mg

Do not take a double dose if you have forgotten the previous tablet. If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you notice it. If it is already time for the next dose, take it at the usual time.
If you stop taking Exemestane

Do not stop taking your tablets, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to.

If you have any further questions on the use of the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. What side effects are possible from exemestane?

Like all medicines, Exemestane can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Exemestane is well tolerated and the following side effects observed in patients treated with exemestane are usually mild or moderate. Most side effects are due to an estrogen deficiency (eg hot flashes).

The following side effects have been reported:
Very common side effects (affects more than 1 in 10 patients)

    sleep disorders
    a headache
    hot flashes
    nausea
    increased sweating
    Muscle and joint pain (including osteoarthritis, back pain, arthritis and joint stiffness)
    fatigue

Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 100)

    anorexia
    depression
    Dizziness, carpal tunnel syndrome (a combination of ants running, numbness and pain in the whole hand, except the little finger)
    Stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea
    Rash, hair loss
    Bone loss, which may reduce stability (osteoporosis). This leads in some cases to fractures (bone fractures, cracking)
    Pain, swollen hands and feet

Uncommon side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 1,000)

    sleepiness
    muscle weakness

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) can occur. The signs are general malaise, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eye white), itching, right abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

If you have blood tests, it may be that you notice a change in your liver function. Changes in the number of certain blood cells (lymphocytes) and luteal platelets may occur, especially in patients with already reduced blood lymphocytes (lymphopenia).

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

5. How to store Exemestane?

     Store drug out of reach of children.
     You must not use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister packs. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month.
     This medicinal product does not require special storage conditions.
     The medicinal product must not be disposed of in waste water. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the medicine when you no longer need it. This measure helps to protect the environment.