Aromasin is an aromatase inhibitor (AI) which is a type of drug that blocks the production of estrogen in the body. It reduces the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in men, hence limiting the amount of estrogen in the body and preventing its buildup. Aromasin interferes with the action of aromatase enzyme and promotes degradation of these enzymes.
Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. In men, this can cause high levels of estrogen which can lead to side effects such as gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts, erectile dysfunction (ED), and loss of libido. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2013 for use as an adjuvant treatment along with letrozole for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have no prior oestrogen receptor antagonist therapy or endocrine treatment response. This article looks at some more details about Aromasin and its uses in treating breast cancer patients.
How does Aromasin Work?
Aromasin is an inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. In men, aromatase can cause high levels of estrogen, which may lead to side effects such as gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts, erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido. Aromasin works by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the blood. This can help prevent the side effects that come from having too much estrogen in the body, such as gynecomastia (breast growth in men). It is used to treat breast cancer in men, as well as in women after chemotherapy has stopped working. Aromasin can be used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs.
Benefits of Using Aromasin
- It treats breast cancer in men.
- It is used to treat breast cancer in women after chemotherapy has stopped working. It can be used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs.
- It lowers estrogen levels in the body.
- It helps prevent the side effects that come from having too much estrogen in the body, such as gynecomastia (breast growth in men).
- It can be used in women who have had a hysterectomy or are not able to take tamoxifen.
- It is not broken down by the liver.
- It is inexpensive.
Who Should not Take Aromasin?
People with a hypersensitivity to exemestane, lactose, or any other component of this drug should not take it. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take it. Those with a history of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other blood clots should not take it. Those with a history of liver disease or kidney disease should not take it.
Some of the common side effects of Aromasin include joint swelling, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, headache, rash, and diarrhea. Rare side effects include blurred vision and dry eyes, which may need medical attention.
Conclusion: A Brief Overview of the Drug Aromasin
Aromasin is an effective drug that is used in the treatment of breast cancer in both men and women. It is an inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. In men, this can cause high levels of estrogen, which can lead to side effects such as gynecomastia (breast growth in men), erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido.
Aromasin works by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the blood, which helps prevent the side effects that come from having too much estrogen in the body. However, even though the drug is effective in treating breast cancer, it may not be suitable for everyone.
For example, people with a hypersensitivity to exemestane, lactose, or any other component of this drug should not take it. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take it. Those with a history of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other blood clots should not take it. Those with a history of liver disease or kidney disease should not take it.