Exemestane – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 22 min read
Exemestane - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions
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Article Summary

Exemestane is a steroidal inhibitor of aromatase that effectively blocks estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women and is used as therapy for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, usually after resection and after the failure of tamoxifen. Exemestane has been associated with a low rate of serum enzyme elevations during therapy and rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury. Exemestane is an oral steroidal aromatase inhibitor used in...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage in simple medical language.
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Definition

Exemestane is a steroidal inhibitor of aromatase that effectively blocks estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women and is used as therapy for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, usually after resection and after the failure of tamoxifen. Exemestane has been associated with a low rate of serum enzyme elevations during therapy and rare instances of clinically apparent injury.

Exemestane is an oral steroidal aromatase inhibitor used in the adjuvant treatment of hormonally-responsive (also called hormone-receptor-positive, estrogen-responsive) breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It irreversibly binds to the active site of the enzyme resulting in permanent inhibition.

Exemestane is an irreversible steroidal aromatase inhibitor, with antiestrogen and antineoplastic activities. Upon oral administration, exemestane binds irreversibly to and inhibits the enzyme aromatase, thereby blocking the peripheral aromatization of androgens, including androstenedione and testosterone, to estrogens. This lowers estrogen levels in blood circulation.

Exemestane is a 17-oxo that is androstane-1,4-diene-3,17-dione in which the hydrogens at position 6 are replaced by a double bond to a methylene group. A selective inhibitor of the aromatase (estrogen synthase) system, it is used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. It has a role as an EC 1.14.14.14 (aromatase) inhibitor, an antineoplastic agent, an environmental contaminant, and a xenobiotic. It is a 17-oxo steroid and a 3-oxo-Delta(1),Delta(4)-steroid. It derives from a hydride of an androstane.

Mechanism of Action

Breast cancer cell growth may be estrogen-dependent. Aromatase (exemestane) is the principal enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens both in pre-and postmenopausal women. While the main source of estrogen (primarily estradiol) is the in premenopausal women, the principal source of circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women is from the conversion of adrenal and ovarian androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) to estrogens (estrone and estradiol) by the aromatase enzyme in peripheral tissues. Estrogen deprivation through aromatase inhibition is an effective and selective treatment for some postmenopausal patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. Exemestane is an irreversible, steroidal aromatase inactivator, structurally related to the natural substrate androstenedione. It irreversibly binds to the active site causing permanent inhibition and necessitating de novo synthesis to restore enzymatic function. Exemestane significantly lowers circulating estrogen concentrations in postmenopausal women but has no detectable effect on the adrenal biosynthesis of corticosteroids or aldosterone. This reduction in serum and concentrations of estrogen delays tumor growth and . Exemestane has no effect on other enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway up to a concentration at least 600 times higher than that inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.

or

Estrogen deprivation through aromatase inhibition is an effective and selective treatment for some postmenopausal patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. Exemestane is an irreversible, steroidal aromatase inactivator, structurally related to the natural substrate androstenedione. It acts as a false substrate for the aromatase enzyme, and is processed to an intermediate that binds irreversibly to the active site of the enzyme causing its inactivation, an effect also known as “suicide inhibition.” Exemestane significantly lowers circulating estrogen concentrations in postmenopausal women but has no detectable effect on the adrenal biosynthesis of corticosteroids or aldosterone. Exemestane has no effect on other enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway up to a concentration at least 600 times higher than that inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.

Indications

  • For the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy.
  • Exemestane is a steroidal inhibitor of aromatase that effectively blocks estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women and is used as therapy for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, usually after resection and after the failure of tamoxifen. Exemestane has been associated with a low rate of serum enzyme elevations during therapy and rare instances of clinically apparent liver injury.
  • Exemestane is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women after treatment with tamoxifen.
  • Antineoplastic (hormonal).
  • Exemestane is indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy
  • Use of exemestane in premenopausal women is not accepted
  • Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor-positive early breast cancer who have received two to three years of tamoxifen and are switched to exemestane for completion of a total of five consecutive years of adjuvant hormonal therapy.
  • Treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy.
  • Early Breast Cancer
  • , advanced Breast cancer

Use in Cancer

Exemestane is approved to treat:

Exemestane is used in postmenopausal women who have already been treated with tamoxifen citrate.

Exemestane is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Contraindications

The following conditions are with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

  • This drug is not indicated for the treatment of breast cancer in premenopausal women.
  • low vitamin D levels
  • decreased calcification or density of bone
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding

Strengths: 25 mg

Breast Cancer

  • 25 mg orally once a day

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • hot flushes
  • sweating
  • muscle or joint
  • tiredness
  • feeling worried or anxious
  • depression
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • increased appetite
  • hair loss
  • red, itchy skin
  • changes in vision
  • of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

More Common

  • abdominal or
  • burning, , or prickly sensations
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • a general feeling of tiredness or
  • headache
  • hot flashes
  • increased appetite
  • increased sweating
  • joint pain
  • loss of hair
  • or cramps
  • nausea
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight gain
  • flu-like symptoms (e.g., , , sore throat, fever, or chills)
  • increased blood pressure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, bluish color to lips, chest pain or pressure)
  • increased cholesterol

Rare

  • signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (pain or burning in the hands or wrists)
  • signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
  • signs of a urinary tract infection (e.g., difficult or painful urination, blood in the urine, frequent urge to urinate, lower back or side pain)
  • swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • symptoms of liver damage (e.g., yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, or itching)
  • symptoms of a stomach ulcer (e.g., heartburn, burning stomach pain, nausea, vomiting)
  • unexplained broken bones
  • vaginal bleeding
  • signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
  • signs of a blood clot in blood vessels, such as sudden vision change or dizziness, chest pain, pain and swelling in one leg muscle
  • sudden development of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, or fast or irregular breathing)
  • signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
  • signs of bleeding in the stomach or intestines (e.g., dark and tarry stools, blood coming from rectum, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, fast heartbeat, weakness or fainting)

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

 US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Pregnancy

Although the effect of exemestane is unclear, there is some evidence suggesting that taking this medication during pregnancy may cause harm to an unborn baby. Exemestane should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if exemestane passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking exemestane,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to exemestane or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); medications that contain estrogens such as hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin); and rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifater, in Rifamate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St John’s wort.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily), liver or kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before you begin to take exemestane. You should use birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with exemestane and for 1 month after your final dose. If you become pregnant while taking exemestane, call your doctor immediately. Exemestane may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with exemestane and for 1 month after your final dose.

References

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Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Exemestane – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

Internal learning pathway

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