SUMMARY CMI
EXEMESTANE SANDOZ®
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Exemestane Sandoz?
Exemestane Sandoz contains the active ingredient exemestane. Exemestane Sandoz is used to treat breast cancer in women who no longer have their menstrual periods, either naturally due to their age (after menopause) or because they have had their ovaries surgically removed.
Exemestane Sandoz is also used to reduce the risk of recurrence or spreading of the breast cancer. It is also used when the cancer has not responded or has returned after treatment with another medicine or medicines.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Exemestane Sandoz? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Exemestane Sandoz?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to exemestane or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Exemestane Sandoz? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Exemestane Sandoz and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use Exemestane Sandoz?
- The recommended dose is one 25 mg tablet taken once daily after meals, however, follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully as they may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to take Exemestane Sandoz.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Exemestane Sandoz? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using Exemestane Sandoz?
Things you should do |
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Things you should not do |
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Driving or using machines |
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Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Exemestane Sandoz? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
More common side effects may include headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, tiredness or difficulty sleeping. More serious side effects include swelling in legs or feet, abnormal bleeding, skin changes or infections.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
FULL CMI
EXEMESTANE SANDOZ®
Active ingredient(s): exemestane
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Exemestane Sandoz. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Exemestane Sandoz.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Exemestane Sandoz?
2. What should I know before I use Exemestane Sandoz?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Exemestane Sandoz?
5. What should I know while using Exemestane Sandoz?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I using Exemestane Sandoz?
Exemestane Sandoz contains the active ingredient exemestane. Exemestane Sandoz is an aromatase inactivator. It works by significantly reducing the supply of estrogen (a natural female sex hormone) to cancer cells.
This stops the growth of those cancer cells which normally need estrogen to grow.
Exemestane Sandoz is used to treat breast cancer in women who no longer have their menstrual periods, either naturally due to their age (after menopause) or because they have had their ovaries surgically removed.
AROMASIN is also used to reduce the risk of recurrence or spreading of the breast cancer. It is also used when the cancer has not responded or has returned after treatment with another medicine or medicines.
2. What should I know before I use Exemestane Sandoz?
Warnings
Do not use Exemestane Sandoz if:
- you are allergic to exemestane, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
- Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
- you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding – see ‘Pregnancy and Breastfeeding’ below.
Exemestane Sandoz is not recommended for use in children.
Check with your doctor if you:
- have any other medical conditions
- take any medicines for any other condition
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take Exemestane Sandoz if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Exemestane may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Do not breastfeed while taking Exemestane Sandoz.
There is a possibility that your baby may be affected.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medicines or health food products containing estrogens.
Some health food products for menopausal symptoms contain natural estrogens.
Tell your doctor before you start taking Exemestane Sandoz if you:
- are still having your monthly period
- have or have had kidney problems
- have or have had liver problems
- have osteoporosis (disease which causes bones to be more brittle and likely to break)
- have a vitamin D deficiency
Some medicines should not be used with Exemestane Sandoz. These include:
- medicines which contain estrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- oral contraceptives.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Exemestane Sandoz.
4. How do I use Exemestane Sandoz?
How much to take
- The recommended dose is one 25 mg tablet taken once daily.
- Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
- They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
When to take Exemestane Sandoz
- Take the tablet once daily after a meal at approximately the same time each day.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to take Exemestane Sandoz.
If you forget to use Exemestane Sandoz
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you use too much Exemestane Sandoz
If you think that you have used too much Exemestane Sandoz, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26) or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using Exemestane Sandoz?
Things you should do
- Use Exemestane Sandoz exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Be sure to keep all your doctor's appointments so your progress can be checked. If you feel that your medicine is not helping your condition, talk to your doctor.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- notice any unusual, severe or worrying symptoms.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Exemestane Sandoz.
Things you should not do
- Do not give Exemestane Sandoz to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- Do not take Exemestane Sandoz to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking Exemestane Sandoz or change the dosage without checking with your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Do not take Exemestane Sandoz after the expiry date printed on the pack.
- Do not take Exemestane Sandoz if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If your Exemestane Sandoz has expired or is damaged return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Exemestane Sandoz affects you.
Exemestane may cause tiredness in some people.
If Exemestane Sandoz makes you feel dizzy, be careful when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
If you experience these effects whilst taking Exemestane Sandoz, you should not attempt to drive or operate machinery.
Looking after your medicine
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Keep your tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight, where the temperature stays below 25°C; for example, do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink, or
- in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
When to discard your medicine (as relevant)
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Exemestane Sandoz or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets that are left over.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
More common side effects
More common side effects | What to do |
Gastrointestinal and weight related:
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
Gastrointestinal and weight related:
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Exemestane Sandoz contains
Active ingredient (main ingredient) | Exemestane |
Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) |
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Potential allergens | This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes. |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Exemestane Sandoz looks like
Exemestane Sandoz 25mg - white to off-white, round biconvex film-coated tablets, marked with 'E25' on one side and plain on the other. Available in blisters of 30 film-coated tablets (Aust R 174337).
Who distributes Exemestane Sandoz
Sandoz Pty Ltd
100 Pacific Highway
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Australia
Tel 1800 726 369
This leaflet was prepared in September 2024.
® Registered Trade Mark. The trade marks mentioned in this material are the property of their respective owners.
Published by MIMS December 2024