Exemestane used to treat breast cancer

Exemestane is an oral steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to treat hormone responsive breast cancers in women who are postmenopausal - have gone through menopause. It is also known by its brand name Aromasin.  It irreversibly binds to the active site of the enzyme resulting in permanent inhibition.

Exemestane works by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgen hormones into estrogen. This can slow or stop the growth of some breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.

Side Effects:

 Important things to remember about the side effects of exemestane:

Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.

Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.

Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.

There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects.

There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.

Exemestane is also sometimes used to treat a certain type of breast cancer in women who not yet experienced menopause.  Exemestane blocks the process of aromatisation. So it lowers the amount of oestrogen in the body. In early breast cancer, taking exemestane can help to stop breast cancer coming back. In advanced breast cancer, the cancer cells may grow more slowly or stop growing completely.