Aromasin is a once-a-day pill to treat breast cancer.
Aromasin is the brand name for exemestane, a once-a-day pill used to treat and prevent breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Like all cancer treatments, Aromasin can produce some side effects, which can range from minor nuisances to serious medical problems.
Use
Aromasin targets a specific type of breast cancer in post-menopausal women called hormone-receptor-positive, according to nonprofit breast cancer information site Breastcancer. The website says there are two instances in which the drug may be prescribed: in early stage cancers after the patient has taken tamoxifen for two to three years to help prevent recurrence of the cancer, or in late-stage cases where the tumor has advanced and spread. Usually, women will take the drug for two to three years. A 1998 Intergroup Exemestane Study trial cited by Breastcancer showed that taking Aromasin for two to three years after taking tamoxifen for a similar period of time led to better results than taking tamoxifen for five years.
Side Effect: Bone and Joint Pain
One of the reasons women are prone to osteoporosis as they age is because a loss of estrogen weakens bones. Since Aromasin works by reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, it can exacerbate this effect. In addition to bone and joint pain, use of the drug can lead to thinning and weakening of bones. As a result, women taking it have a higher-than-average risk of fractures, according to Breastcancer.
Side Effect: Breathing Problems
The Mayo Clinic reports breathing problems as among the most common side effects in women using Aromasin. Shortness of breath, cough or hoarseness are all listed as common side effects. Wheezing may also result with use of the drug.
Side Effect: Gastrointestinal Problems
The Mayo Clinic also reports that gastrointestinal problems are common side effects of Aromasin use. Among the most commonly reported symptoms are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The drug can also have varied effects on appetite, causing it to increase in some women and decrease in others.
Side Effect: Cardiovascular Problems
Aromasin can produce several heart-related side effects, including tightness in the chest and high blood pressure. The drug can also lead to edema, or swelling, around the hands and feet, which is often a sign that the heart is not correctly pumping. According to the Mayo Clinic, irregular heartbeat and dilated neck veins are more rare heart-related side effects of Aromasin.
Other Side Effects
Aromasin produces a wide range of other side effects, many of which are related to decreased estrogen production. For instance, Aromasin users may experience hot flashes, increased sweating and hair loss, which are all general symptoms of menopause. The drug may also cause depression-type side effects, such as insomnia and generalized fatigue. Aromasin may also produce feelings of illness as side effects, such as sore throat, fever and chills, runny nose and a rash.
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