Exemestane

What is Exemestane?

Exemestane is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor that is used by the athletes to block the aromatase enzyme and prevent converting into estrogen. Exemestane is one of the most popular drugs for this purpose. Exemestane is very similar in its mechanism of action with Letrozole and Arimidex, but it has some characteristics that make it different among other aromatase inhibitors. Exemestane inhibits the estrogen and prevents developing estrogen-related side effects such as water retention, gynecomastia, blood pressure and others. Of course, some side effects such as gynecomastia may develop in males who are mostly prone to it, even when on using a mild anabolic steroid. Anyway, exemestane’s role in preventing such side effects is obvious.  The distinct features of exemestane we shall discuss later. Before starting to administer exemestane, one has to make sure it is well informed about the particularities of this drug in order to avoid specific side effects.

Brand names

Exemestane is commercialized under the Aromasin trade name. There may be commercialized also other versions of the drug developed by various research and pharmaceutical companies. Even so, try to avoid counter fakes.

Warnings

Avoid exemestane if you experience an increased sensitivity to the drug. The symptoms may include the following: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, acne, rash, hives and others. Other contra-indications refer to the existent particular medical condition. Exemestane should not be used in males with weak immune system as it may decrease the cholesterol to dramatic levels and affect the immune system.

Specific features of exemestane

As already mentioned, exemestane is a drug used for blocking the aromatase enzyme from converting into estrogen and causing estrogen-related side effects. it is extremely efficient in offsetting such side effects as elevation of blood pressure levels, tiredness, depression, water retention, gynecomastia and others. Besides its main characteristics, exemestane has some distinct features. First of all, it may greatly stimulate endogenous testosterone production. Besides the increase in total testosterone production it may also increase natural IGF 1 production as well. During a cycle with strong anabolic steroids, besides the risk of converting into estrogen through aromatase enzyme, there is also the risk of suppression of natural testosterone production that may have a negative impact on sexual function, promote aggressive behavior and others. To this regard, exemestane is a great choice. Moreover, it is a safe drug and it does not increase the incidence of side effects when stacked with anabolic steroids.

Another feature is that it can be used while on anabolic androgenic steroid cycle as during post cycle therapy. Therefore, each user may control the process of blocking the estrogen. It is very important to set the right dosage so that it does not produce adverse effects. In order to benefit most from its use it is recommended at the initial phase to start with a dose and manage it depending on the tolerance to it and the obtained results.

Indications of use and dosage

Exemestane is a drug that comes in form of tablets, which automatically makes the drug easy to administer. The dose depends mostly from the existent medical condition and the desired results. A good starting dose is 12.5mg per day or 25mg every other day. It is recommended to initiate the therapy with a lower dose and notice how the body reacts to the drug. If the set dose is not sufficient for providing good results, the dose may be increased but the frequency of administering the drug has to be decreased. However, if after increasing the dose you start noticing joint issues, then go back to the previous dose and stick to it for the whole duration of therapy. Exemestane is a drug with a short acting life, which means that one can easily get away with taking the drug once a day or every other day. Even so, follow the dosing schedule strictly and all the indications of administration. In order to benefit most from the therapy with it there has to be an even level of drug in the blood.

What should I do if I missed a dose?

If you forgot to take a dose of exemestane, do not worry; take it as soon as you remember. If it is already too late to take the missed dose, leave it and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the skipped one. As this drug is essential in preventing estrogen-related side effects, it is important to not skip the doses. Follow the dosing schedule as indicated, and in order to help you remember about the dose intake, administer the tablets at the same hours each time.

Possible side effects with exemestane

Like other steroidal aromatase inhibitors, exemestane may cause side effects. If taken at an appropriate dosage, the incidence of side effects with exemestane is very low. However, there are some side effects that are possible with exemestane. These are:

·        Joint pain resulted from dryness;

·        Fatigue;

·        Stomach upset;

·        Nausea or vomiting.

Also, some side effects depend on the tolerance of each user to the drug. Just like other aromatase inhibitors, if taken for an extended period of time, exemestane may suppress the natural estrogen levels that may affect the immune system, including cholesterol level. In order to avoid such adverse reactions it is recommended to monitor the cholesterol levels from time to time. Also, in order to anticipate other side effects, in the post cycle therapy assess the endogenous testosterone levels and other indicators.

Overall, exemestane is a safe drug and it is not toxic. Even so, try to follow strictly the dosing schedule, do not increase the doses without a clear need to do so.

Storage

It is indicated to keep exemestane tablets at the room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the tablets away from the direct sunlight exposure, moisture and out of the reach of children and pets. Safely discard the tablets if no longer needed or expired. For further instructions ask a pharmacist or a physician.