Aromasin

Brand name: Aromasin

Chemical name: Exemestane

Class: Aromatase inhibitor hormonal therapy. Arimidex and Femara are other aromatase inhibitors.

How it works: Aromatase inhibitors lower the amount of estrogen in post-menopausal women.

Uses: Aromasin, used to treat post-menopausal women, typically is used to:

• reduce the risk of early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer coming back after surgery and other treatments
• treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer

Aromasin may be taken for 2 to 5 years. Doctors may recommend that some women take it for a longer or shorter period of time.

How it's given: Aromasin is taken orally as a pill.

Additional information: Aromasin shouldn't be taken at the same time as tamoxifen.

Side effects:

• hot flashes
• mood swings
• depression
• nausea
• fatigue
• increased sweating
• increased appetite
• weakened bones

Read more about Aromasin.