What is Letrozole?
Letrozole, marketed under the brand name Femara, is classified as an aromatase inhibitor. It is primarily used after surgery to treat hormonally responsive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
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Get A Second OpinionUses of Letrozole
Breast Cancer Treatment: Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer, particularly hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, which is sensitive to estrogen.
Cancer Recurrence Prevention: It is also employed to help prevent cancer recurrence by reducing estrogen levels in the body, thereby inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells.
Side Effects of Letrozole
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Chest pain
Precautions Before Medication
- Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies to letrozole or similar medications.
- Medical History: Discuss your medical history, especially conditions like high cholesterol, bone issues, heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- Side Effects: Letrozole may cause dizziness, fatigue, or blurred vision. Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and refrain from driving or operating machinery.
- Pregnancy: Letrozole is not safe during pregnancy and is primarily used in postmenopausal women. Reliable birth control methods should be discussed if you have recently gone through menopause.
- Breastfeeding: It is not recommended during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after stopping letrozole due to potential risks to the infant.
How to Use Letrozole?
- Administration: Take letrozole orally once a day, with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
- Dosage: The dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Consistency in taking the medication at the same time daily is recommended for optimal effectiveness.
- Handling: Pregnant women should avoid handling letrozole tablets due to potential absorption through the skin and lungs.
Interactions
Letrozole may interact with other medications such as estrogens (e.g., ethinyl estradiol), estrogen blockers (e.g., anastrozole, tamoxifen), and tibolone. Discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor to prevent interactions.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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Book an AppointmentOverdose
Accidental overdose can be harmful. Contact emergency services if you suspect you have taken more than the prescribed amount of letrozole.
Storage Instructions
Store letrozole in a safe place away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Letrozole vs Tamoxifen
| Letrozole: | Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): |
|---|---|
| Aromatase inhibitor used post-surgery for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. | Reduces estrogen production by inhibiting aromatase enzyme activity. |
| Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent and treat breast cancer in both men and women. | Blocks estrogen from binding to cancer cell receptors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. |
