What is Aromasin?

Aromasin (exemestane) is an oral medicine used in breast cancer where the tumour is oestrogen receptor positive and/or progesterone receptor positive (often described as hormone receptor–positive).

It is most commonly prescribed for people who are postmenopausal, either:

• after completing a course of tamoxifen (so-called “switch” therapy), or
• as extended adjuvant therapy following earlier treatment, or
• for advanced breast cancer in appropriate circumstances.

How Aromasin works (mechanism of action)

Exemestane works by inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase helps make oestrogen from other hormones in the body (especially in peripheral tissues like fat).

By blocking aromatase, Aromasin leads to lower oestrogen levels. Many hormone receptor–positive breast cancers depend on oestrogen to grow; reducing oestrogen can therefore help reduce the risk of recurrence or slow disease progression.

Type of aromatase inhibition

• Irreversible (steroidal) aromatase inhibition: exemestane binds to aromatase and decreases its activity.
• This differs from some other aromatase inhibitors, but all aim to lower oestrogen.

Pharmacokinetics (how the body handles it)

Understanding timing can help you take Aromasin consistently.

Absorption

• Exemestane is absorbed after you take it by mouth.
• Absorption is generally improved when taken after food.

Distribution

• It distributes into tissues and binds to plasma proteins.
• It is designed to reduce oestrogen production throughout the body.

Metabolism (breakdown)

• Exemestane is metabolised mainly by the liver.
• It produces metabolites that are then eliminated from the body.

Elimination

• Metabolites are removed primarily via urine and faeces.
• Because of daily dosing, you should aim for regular intake to maintain effect.

Typical use of Aromasin

Aromasin is used in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer—most commonly in postmenopausal people.

Depending on the situation, Aromasin may be used:

• Adjuvant treatment (after surgery or initial therapy) to help reduce the chance of the cancer returning.
• Sequential therapy after tamoxifen (switch to an aromatase inhibitor).
• Extended adjuvant therapy after initial endocrine therapy.
• Treatment of advanced breast cancer where hormone dependence is expected.

Your clinician will confirm the most suitable regimen based on tumour characteristics, menopausal status, and previous treatments.

Indications (when it’s used)

In the UK, Aromasin is indicated for certain stages and settings of oestrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, typically in postmenopausal women, including:

• Adjuvant treatment in early breast cancer after initial tamoxifen therapy or for appropriate sequences.
• Advanced disease in oestrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.

If you are unsure whether Aromasin is intended for you, speak to your healthcare team. Indications can depend on factors such as menopausal status and previous endocrine treatments.

Dosing and timing

The most common adult dose is:

How to take Aromasin

• Take one tablet each day at the same time where possible.
• Take after food. This can help absorption.
• Swallow the tablet with water.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember if it’s not close to the next dose. Otherwise, skip and continue as normal.
• Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed tablet.

What if your schedule changes?

If you often change mealtimes (shift work, travel), choose a time that reliably includes a meal and take it consistently thereafter. Consistency helps you avoid fluctuations in drug levels.

Food interactions (including “after food” advice)

Aromasin is generally recommended to be taken after food. Taking it with or after a meal may improve the amount of medicine absorbed.

Practical tips:

• Try to pair your dose with a daily meal (e.g., after breakfast).
• If you have a reduced appetite on some days, take it after whatever you can eat, rather than on an empty stomach.
• Keep timing similar day-to-day to make it easier to remember.

No special “avoidance” diet is typically required, but maintaining hydration and adequate nutrition is helpful during long-term therapy.

Alcohol interactions

There is no universal “no alcohol” rule for Aromasin, but alcohol can affect how you feel and can worsen certain side effects such as:

• fatigue
• hot flushes or night sweats
• mood changes
• sleep disturbance

If you choose to drink alcohol, consider keeping intake moderate and discuss your personal situation with your clinician, especially if you have other medical conditions or take additional medicines.

Medicine interactions (other drugs and supplements)

Some medicines can affect how exemestane is metabolised, potentially changing drug levels and effect. Always tell a healthcare professional about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

Important interaction themes

• Liver enzyme effects: medicines that alter liver enzymes may influence exemestane levels.
• Hormone therapies: combining endocrine treatments should only be done if specifically advised.
• Supplements: herbal products (for example, St John’s wort) can cause important changes in drug metabolism.

Do not start or stop medicines (including herbal products) without checking first.

Common medicines to mention to your clinician/pharmacist

• antidepressants
• antifungals
• anticonvulsants
• rifampicin-like antibiotics
• some HIV medicines
• herbal remedies and high-dose supplements

Your pharmacist can help you check specific interactions for your medication list.

Safety profile and side effects

Like all medicines, Aromasin can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them, and many are manageable with supportive care. If you have concerns, contact your healthcare team promptly.

Common side effects

• Hot flushes
• Joint stiffness or pain, muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sleep disturbance
• Vaginal dryness or changes in sexual comfort

Potential long-term risks

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis): lowering oestrogen may reduce bone density over time.
• Fracture risk: may increase in some people, particularly if bone health is not monitored.
• Cholesterol changes: some patients see changes in lipid profiles.

When to seek urgent medical advice

Get urgent help if you experience symptoms that could indicate a serious reaction. For example:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing
• severe rash or blistering skin
• signs of blood clotting (for example, sudden chest pain, coughing blood, sudden breathlessness, or one-sided leg swelling)

If you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, it’s safer to contact a clinician or NHS 111.

Monitoring you may be offered

• Bone health checks (e.g., DEXA scans depending on local practice and risk factors)
• Vitamin D and calcium considerations
• Cholesterol monitoring
• assessment of symptoms like joint pain and hot flushes

Practical use tips (to help you stay on track)

• Choose a consistent “after food” time: Many people take it after breakfast or their evening meal.
• Use a pill organiser: Weekly boxes can reduce missed doses.
• Set a daily reminder on your phone.
• Manage joint symptoms early: Gentle exercise, stretching, and discussing pain relief options with your clinician can help.
• Bone protection: ask about weight-bearing exercise and whether calcium/vitamin D or bone-support medicines are appropriate for you.
• Talk about menopausal-type symptoms: hot flushes, sleep issues and vaginal dryness are common; there are supportive treatments that may help.
• Keep a symptom diary: noting timing and severity can help your healthcare team adjust supportive care.

Missed dose and “what to do” guidance

If you miss a tablet:

• Take it as soon as you remember if it’s not near your next scheduled dose.
• If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed tablet.
• Do not take two tablets on the same day to compensate.

If you miss multiple doses or are unsure what to do, contact your healthcare team or pharmacist for advice.

Stopping Aromasin

Do not stop Aromasin suddenly without discussing it with your clinician. Hormonal therapy can be important for long-term disease control. If side effects are troubling, your clinician may help with supportive strategies or review your regimen.

Alternative options

Treatment choices depend on your cancer characteristics, prior therapy, menopausal status, and overall health. Alternatives may include other endocrine options such as:

• Tamoxifen (a selective oestrogen receptor modulator)
• Other aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole or letrozole
• Fulvestrant (a selective oestrogen receptor degrader), in appropriate settings
• In selected cases, other systemic anti-cancer treatments may be combined depending on risk and stage.

Your oncology team can explain why Aromasin was chosen and what alternatives might be appropriate if changes are needed.

UK market and legal context (overview)

In the United Kingdom, medicines are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and dispensed under pharmacy regulations in line with UK medicines law. Availability, prescribing practice, and supply can vary by setting.

Online pharmacy supply in the UK typically follows established governance:

• verification steps before medicines are supplied
• appropriate advice and information for safe use
• regulatory oversight for controlled processes and patient safety

Recent guidance (high-level)

Clinical guidance for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer commonly emphasises endocrine therapy strategies that may involve:

• treatment sequencing with tamoxifen and/or aromatase inhibitors
• individualising duration based on recurrence risk and tolerability
• monitoring bone health during aromatase inhibitor treatment
• managing side effects to support adherence

Recommendations are updated periodically by UK clinical groups and professional bodies. For the latest guidance relevant to your situation, speak to your healthcare team.

Delivery and availability (online pharmacy)

Availability can vary depending on stock levels and supplier schedules. When ordering through an online pharmacy, you may be able to choose delivery options at checkout where available.

What to expect

• Secure packaging to protect tablets during transit.
• Tracking updates depending on the delivery service.
• Dispatch times vary by stock and order cut-off times.

If you have urgent needs (for example, running low on tablets), contact the pharmacy support team to check the most reliable delivery option.

FAQ about Aromasin (Exemestane)

1) What is Aromasin used for?

Aromasin (exemestane) is used to treat certain types of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, typically in postmenopausal women. It can be used in early disease as adjuvant therapy and in some cases for advanced disease.

2) How should I take Aromasin?

Most adults take 25 mg once daily, usually after food. Try to take it at a similar time each day and swallow the tablet with water.

3) Can I take Aromasin on an empty stomach?

It’s generally recommended to take Aromasin after food to help absorption. If you miss a meal, you can still take it after you eat—don’t delay for long periods if it’s your dosing time.

4) What happens if I miss a dose?

Take it when you remember if it isn’t close to the next dose. If the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose.

5) What are the most common side effects?

Common side effects include hot flushes, joint or muscle pain/stiffness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Vaginal dryness and headaches can also occur.

6) Does Aromasin affect bones?

Yes. Aromatase inhibitors can lower oestrogen levels and may lead to reduced bone density. Bone health monitoring and preventive measures (such as exercise, calcium/vitamin D, or other treatments) may be recommended by your clinician.

7) Can I drink alcohol while taking Aromasin?

Moderate alcohol may be possible for some people, but alcohol can worsen fatigue or menopausal symptoms. If you’re unsure, check with your pharmacist or clinician, particularly if you take other medicines or have liver conditions.

8) Are there interactions with other medicines?

Yes, some medicines and herbal supplements can affect how exemestane is metabolised or how endocrine therapy should be combined. Inform your pharmacist of your complete medication and supplement list.

9) What should I do if I get severe side effects?

Contact your healthcare team if symptoms are severe or worsening. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction or other emergency symptoms such as breathing difficulties or severe rash.

10) Is Aromasin available in the UK?

Aromasin is an established medicine and availability can depend on supplier stock. Online pharmacies may offer delivery based on local arrangements. If you need help locating stock, contact customer support.

11) Are there alternatives to Aromasin?

Yes. Alternatives may include other aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole or letrozole) or other endocrine therapies depending on your cancer and menopausal status. Your oncology team can advise what’s suitable if changes are needed.

Important reminder

This information is intended to help you understand Aromasin (exemestane). It does not replace advice from your healthcare professionals. If you have questions about your dose, side effects, or interactions with your current medicines, speak to your clinician or pharmacist.