This medicine is an aromatase inhibitor used for treating advanced breast cancer in women past menopause whose disease has progressed after treatment with other medicines. It is also used in the treatment of early breast cancer in certain women past menopause after treatment with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. An extra patient leaflet is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth after a meal at the same time every day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking any medicines that contain estrogen (eg, certain birth control pills, certain hormone replacement therapies). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's wort. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of liver or kidney problems, osteoporosis (weak bones), heart problems, blood vessel problems, stroke, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have not been through menopause, or if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Use of this medicine in CHILDREN is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; back, joint, muscle, or limb pain; constipation; coughing; diarrhea; dizziness; flu-like symptoms; hair loss; headache; hot flashes; increased or decreased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a general feeling of being unwell. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; confusion; depression; fainting; numbness of an arm or leg; numbness, burning, or tingling in the skin, hands, or feet; one-sided weakness; severe or sudden bone pain; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; sudden, severe dizziness, headache, or vomiting; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; vision or speech changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you experience other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.