Formulary
Exemestane: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Exemestane clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Exemestane: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Exemestane clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Adjuvant treatment of oestrogen-receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women following 2-3 years of tamoxifen therapy,Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women in whom anti-oestrogen therapy has failed**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 25 mg daily.
Contraindications
Not indicated for premenopausal women
Side effects
Common or very common Alopecia; appetite decreased; arthralgia; asthenia; bone fracture; carpal tunnel syndrome; constipation; depression; diarrhoea; dizziness; gastrointestinal discomfort; headache; hot flush; hyperhidrosis; insomnia; leucopenia; nausea; osteoporosis; pain; paraesthesia; peripheral oedema; skin reactions; thrombocytopenia; vomiting Rare or very rare Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); drowsiness; hepatic disorders
Interactions
**Severe interactions:**
- In a clinical pharmacokinetic study, the specific inhibition of CYP3A4 by ketoconazole showed no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of exemestane.
**Other interactions (2):**
- In an interaction study with rifampicin, a potent CYP450 inducer, at a dose of 600 mg daily and a single dose of exemestane 25 mg, the AUC of exemestane was reduced by 54% and Cmax by 41%.
- Since the clinical relevance of this interaction has not been evaluated, the co-administration of medicinal products, such as rifampicin, anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin and carbamazepine) and...
Pregnancy
Avoid.
Breast feeding
Avoid.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution.
Renal impairment
Manufacturer advises caution.
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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