If you have breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe Aromasin for you.

It’s a prescription drug that’s used in females* who have gone through menopause. Aromasin is used to treat the following in certain situations:

  • Early breast cancer. This means the cancer is only in your breast.
  • Advanced breast cancer. This means the cancer has spread to other areas of your body.

To learn more about these types of breast cancer and how Aromasin is used to treat them, see the “What is Aromasin used for?” section below.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Aromasin basics

Aromasin is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient exemestane. Aromasin also comes as a generic drug called exemestane.

You take aromasin by mouth.

Read on to learn about the side effects of Aromasin.

Mild or serious side effects may occur with Aromasin. Some of the more common side effects of Aromasin are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You may be taking other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of Aromasin. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Aromasin can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Aromasin’s patient information.

There are some mild side effects of Aromasin that have been reported.

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Aromasin, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects of Aromasin.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

Some of the side effects of Aromasin can be found.

Joint pain

Taking Aromasin may cause joint pain and other kinds of body aches. In studies of the drug for early breast cancer treatment, joint pain was a common side effect.

What can help?

If you have a problem with your body, talk to your doctor. Suggestions about how to manage these side effects can be given.

Hair loss

Aromasin may cause hair loss. This was a common side effect in studies when the drug was used to treat early or advanced breast cancer.

Aromasin works by lowering the level of a hormone called estrogen. This can cause hair thinning or loss.

In some cases, your doctor may have you take Aromasin after tamoxifen treatment. Keep in mind that taking both drugs for a long time can cause hair loss.

What can help?

If you’re concerned about hair loss due to Aromasin treatment, talk with your doctor. You can ask them about a drug called minoxidil (Rogaine). In one study, minoxidil helped treat hair loss in females* with breast cancer. Your doctor may also have other suggestions.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Weight gain

Taking Aromasin may cause weight gain. In studies of the drug, weight gain occurred when Aromasin was used to treat advanced breast cancer.

What can help?

If you gain weight while taking the drug, you should not stop taking it. Talk to your doctor. They can help you maintain a moderate weight during this treatment.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Aromasin.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Aromasin, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Find answers to questions about Aromasin.

Can Aromasin be used for bodybuilding?

No, Aromasin is not approved for use in bodybuilding. In fact, it’s illegal to buy the drug for this purpose. The drug is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for bodybuilding.

If you have questions about Aromasin, you should talk to your doctor.

What’s the half-life of Aromasin? And how does the drug work in the body?

Exemestane has a half-life of around 24 hours. It takes 24 hours for half the drug to leave your body.

Aromasin’s mechanism of action (how it works) is blocking the effects of a hormone called estrogen. This action prevents or slows breast cancer from growing or spreading.

If you have questions about how it works or the half-life of Aromasin, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Aromasin compare with tamoxifen?

Exemestane (Aromasin) and tamoxifen are both prescription drugs used to treat certain kinds of breast cancer.

You can take a tablet by mouth. It is available in both brand-name and generic versions. The generic is called exemestane.

Tamoxifen comes in two forms: a tablet that you take by mouth and an oral liquid solution. The tablet is available only as a generic. The oral liquid solution is also available as the brand-name drug Soltamox.

If your doctor recommends it, you may be switched to Aromasin. This can be determined by how well tamoxifen treats your cancer. In some cases, your doctor may require you to take both medications.

Talk to your doctor about the differences between Aromasin and tamoxifen. They can help you with the right treatments.

Both Aromasin and anastrozole (Arimidex) are drugs that belong to the same group of medications, known as aromatase inhibitors. These drugs treat certain types of breast cancer by preventing your body from making a hormone called estrogen.

To see a detailed breakdown of these two drugs, check out this article. And talk with your doctor about what treatment is right for you.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Aromasin. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Taking Aromasin

You can take a tablet by mouth. It is recommended that you take the drug with a meal. Ask your doctor which meals you should take.

Dosage

The standard dose of Aromasin is one 25-milligram tablet a day. You take the drug with a meal.

The drugs speed up the removal of Aromasin. Your doctor may adjust your dose if you take any of these. Inform your doctor about all your medications before starting treatment.

Taking Aromasin with other drugs

Your doctor may prescribe Aromasin with other medications for breast cancer. These can include everolimus (Afinitor) or, rarely, tamoxifen. These medications may be used with Aromasin if your cancer has gotten worse with other treatments.

Questions about taking Aromasin

Some questions about taking Aromasin are listed below.

  • What if I miss a dose of Aromasin? If you forget to take a dose of Aromasin, ask your doctor what to do. If it’s close to the time you should have taken the drug, they may advise you to take the dose. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, they may have you skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. A medication reminder may help you keep track of your medications.
  • Will I need to take Aromasin long term? Maybe. Aromasin is usually used up to 5 years. For certain types of breast cancer, the drug may be used for as long as 10 years. Ask your doctor how long you may need to take Aromasin.
  • Can Aromasin be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you shouldn’t chew, crush, or split Aromasin tablets. You should swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Should I take Aromasin with food? Yes. You should take Aromasin with a meal. This should help your body better absorb the drug. If you have questions about when to take Aromasin, talk with your doctor.
  • How long does Aromasin take to work? Aromasin starts to work soon after you take a dose. But it may take several weeks to see any improvement in your condition. Your doctor will order regular blood tests and imaging tests to see how Aromasin is working to treat your breast cancer.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment plan. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will the scent of aromasin affect me?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Aromasin and letrozole (Femara) are drugs that belong to the same group of medications: aromatase inhibitors. These drugs treat certain types of breast cancer by preventing your body from making a hormone called estrogen.

If you’d like to see an in-depth comparison of these two drugs, refer to this article. Then check with your doctor about which treatment is best for your condition.

Many factors can affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Aromasin manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

If you have breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe Aromasin for you. This drug is used in females* who have gone through menopause.

To be specific, it is used for:

  • Adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. Adjuvant therapy is extra treatment to lower cancer risk. “Early” means the cancer is only in your breast. The cancer must be estrogen receptor-positive, which refers to cancer that needs a hormone called estrogen. Also, you must have taken the breast cancer drug tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years. With the switch to Aromasin, you’ll have a total of 5 years of treatment.
  • Advanced breast cancer. This means the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. For this use, you must have taken the drug tamoxifen but your breast cancer worsened.

Aromasin may also be used off-label for other types of breast cancer. With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is used for another purpose. To learn more, talk with your doctor.

The effects of estrogen are blocked by aromasin. This action can prevent breast cancer from spreading.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Discuss your medical history with your doctor about all the drugs and products you take.

If you have, tell your doctor.

Interactions

Taking some medications, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Aromasin, you should tell your doctor about all your medications. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about the possible interactions.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Some drugs and supplements may interact with aromasin. This can change how well Aromasin treats your condition.

These drugs and supplements are used.

  • drugs that can speed up the action of liver enzymes (a type of protein), such as:
  • drugs that contain estrogen, including birth control and hormone replacement therapy, such as:
    • estrogen (Premarin)
    • Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are drugs.
    • Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are used in medicine.
    • Levora and Avise have estradiol and levonorgestrel.
    • Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone are used in medicine.
    • Ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel are used in medicine.
  • the herbal supplement St. John’s wort

Some drugs may interact with Aromasin. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions with this drug.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, aromasin may not be right for you. Before you take Aromasin, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you can find more information in the section below.

  • Liver problems. If you have problems with your liver, including serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis, Aromasin may build up in your body and cause side effects. Your doctor will order a test for your liver before you start treatment. They can tell you if Aromasin is safe for you to take.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Aromasin or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Aromasin. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Kidney problems. Aromasin can build up in your body if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will check how your kidneys are working before you start taking Aromasin. If you have serious kidney disease, they may lower your dose.
  • Bone loss. Taking Aromasin may increase your risk for Osteoporosis. and fractures due to a loss of bone mineral density. Your doctor will check your bone mineral density and vitamin D levels before and during your Aromasin treatment. (Vitamin D can help strengthen bones.) If needed, they’ll recommend that you take a vitamin D supplement.
  • Menstruation. Aromasin is approved for use only in females* who have gone through menopause. If you still have periods, ask your doctor what treatment is right for you.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Aromasin and alcohol

There is no information about the effects of alcohol on Aromasin. Some side effects of Aromasin may be increased by drinking alcohol.

These side effects can be serious.

Ask your doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Aromasin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is information about breastfeeding, pregnancy, and Aromasin.

Pregnancy. You should not take Aromasin while pregnant. The drug may harm your unborn baby.

Aromasin is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in females* who have gone through menopause. But the drug may be used off-label in females who still have periods. (With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is used for another purpose.)

In the 7 days before you start Aromasin treatment, your doctor will order a pregnancy test for you. They’ll want to confirm that you’re not pregnant. Your doctor will also recommend that you use an effective type of birth control while you’re taking Aromasin. You’ll need to keep using the birth control for 1 month after you take your last dose of Aromasin.

If you become pregnant during your treatment, talk to your doctor.

Breastfeeding. While taking Aromasin and for 1 month after treatment, you should not breastfeed. It’s not known if the drug can pass into breast milk. Aromasin may not be safe for a child who is breastfed.

Talk to your doctor if you are planning to breastfeeding. They can help you find ways to feed your child.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

“Don’t take more than your doctor recommends. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.”

Symptoms of overdose

There’s not much information about overdose symptoms with Aromasin. In one case of accidental overdose, the person had leukocytosis (a white blood cell count that’s higher than normal).

What to do in case you take too much Aromasin

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Aromasin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Aromasin is a treatment option that your doctor may discuss with you if you have breast cancer. For more information about breast cancer, see the “What is Aromasin used for?” section above.

You may have questions about your condition during your visit. Asking your doctor is one of the things to consider.

  • Will my hair grow back after I finish my treatment?
  • Can I take Aromasin if I have Osteoporosis.?
  • What supplements can I take with Aromasin?
  • What is my chance of recovery?

You can read these articles to learn more about breast cancer.

Also, consider signing up for Healthline’s newsletter for current information about breast cancer.

Q:

Do I need to take vitamin D while using Aromasin?

Anonymous patient

A:

It is possible that you will have to take a supplement for your vitamins D and D3.

Low levels of the D vitamin are a sign of early breast cancer.

Your doctor will check your blood levels of vitamins D and E before you start taking Aromasin. If your level is low, they may recommend you take a supplement. Your doctor may suggest other drugs to prevent bone loss.

If you have questions about your level of vitamins D and D2 talk to your doctor.

Editor’s note: In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.