Several studies have looked at the effects of exemestane in women with
breast cancer.
One study looked at exemestane for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer.
Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is treatment that follows
breast cancer surgery (with or without radiation). It is given to help prevent the cancer from returning. These studies compared exemestane with
tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with early cancer. After taking tamoxifen for two to three years, women either stayed on tamoxifen or were switched to exemestane, for a total of five years of treatment. After five years, about 3 to 4 percent more women taking exemestane were cancer-free, compared to those taking tamoxifen.
There were also three studies that showed exemestane may be effective at treating postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has not responded to tamoxifen. Compared to megestrol acetate (Megace®), another cancer medication, exemestane slowed the progression of the breast cancer in these women.
When and How to Take Exemestane
General considerations for when and how to take exemestane include the following:
- Exemestane comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day.
- Exemestane should be taken after a meal.
- Exemestane should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Exemestane will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Exemestane
The dose of exemestane that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your breast cancer (see Breast Cancer Stages)
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your exemestane dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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