Precautions and Warnings With Exemestane

Some precautions and warnings with exemestane include being aware of potential drug interactions, the safety of taking exemestane while pregnant, and the increased risk of osteoporosis in some people who take this medicine. A few of the conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before you take exemestane include kidney disease, liver disease, and osteoporosis. Among the people who should not take exemestane are those who are allergic to exemestane or its inactive ingredients.

 

Exemestane: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking exemestane (Aromasin®) if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Not gone through menopause
  • Osteoporosis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Exemestane

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking exemestane include the following:
 
  • It is not known if exemestane is safe and effective for breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women, although it is sometimes prescribed off-label for this use.
     
  • The liver and kidneys help clear exemestane from the body. Therefore, if you have liver or kidney disease, talk with your healthcare provider before taking exemestane. Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your exemestane dosage or not taking exemestane altogether.
     
  • Exemestane (as well as most medications that decrease the effects of estrogens) can lead to osteoporosis. If you already have osteoporosis (or are at risk for the condition), your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes or medication to protect you from fractures (see Osteoporosis Prevention).
     
  • Exemestane can interact with other medications (see Drug Interactions With Exemestane).
     
  • Exemestane is considered a pregnancy Category D medication. This means that it is likely to cause harm to a fetus during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking the drug during pregnancy (see Aromasin and Pregnancy).
     
  • It is not known if exemestane passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Aromasin and Breastfeeding).
     
(Precautions and Warnings With Exemestane Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;