What is Letrozole?
Letrozole, also known as Femara, is an aromatase inhibitor used after surgery to treat hormonally responsive breast cancer.
Uses of Letrozole
- This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women after menopause (such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer).
- It is also used to help prevent cancer recurrence.
- It is used to reduce estrogen levels and prevent the growth of breast cancer.
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Get A Second OpinionSide Effects of Letrozole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Chest pain
Precautions Before Medication
- Inform your doctor about any allergies to letrozole or similar medications.
- Discuss your medical history, especially high cholesterol, bone issues, heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- Letrozole may cause dizziness, fatigue, or blurred vision.
- Avoid alcohol or marijuana, and refrain from driving or operating machinery.
- Not safe during pregnancy; primarily used in postmenopausal women.
- Discuss reliable birth control methods if you have recently gone through menopause.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after stopping.
How to Use Letrozole?
- Before you begin using it, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
- Take this medication orally once a day, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.
- The dose is determined by your medical health condition and response to treatment.
- To get the advantage of this medication, take it on a regular basis. Taking this medication at the same time every day will help you to get better.
- Women who are pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets because it can be absorbed through the skin and lungs.
- If your condition worsens, inform your doctor right away.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can transform the way your medications function or put you at risk for serious side effects.
- Estrogens (such as Ethinyl estradiol and conjugated estrogens), estrogen blockers (such as anastrozole and tamoxifen), and tibolone are examples of products that may interact with this medication.
Missed Dose
- If you forget to take one of the dosages, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and proceed with your daily schedule.
- Do not take a double dose.
Overdose
- Overdose of a drug can be accidental.
- If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions.
Storage instructions
- Exposure of medicine to heat, air, and light may cause some harmful effects.
- The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Letrozole vs Tamoxifen
| Letrozole | Tamoxifen |
|---|---|
| It is also known as Femara, an aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment of hormonally-responsive breast cancer following surgery. | It is also known as Nolvadex, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that is used to prevent and treat breast cancer in both men and women. |
| This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women after menopause (such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer). It is also used to help prevent cancer recurrence. | It is a drug that is used to treat breast cancer. It is also used in high-risk patients to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. |
| It inhibits the conversion of androgens in your body to estrogen. When estrogen is inhibited, the pituitary gland receives a signal to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovary to produce an egg. | It attaches to the cancer cell's hormone receptors, preventing estrogen from attaching to the receptors. |
Citations
Letrozole | Drugs A Comparison of Letrozole and Tamoxifen in Postmenopausal Women with Early Breast Cancer | NEJMReady to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
It belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen the body produces. Some types of breast cancer cells that require estrogen to grow can be slowed or stopped by this.
Letrozole stimulates ovulation by reducing estrogen levels, helping regulate menstrual cycles, and improving the chances of conception in women with fertility issues.
Drinking moderate amounts of coffee is generally safe while taking letrozole. However, consult your doctor for personalized advice based on your health condition.
Letrozole may indirectly enhance egg quality by regulating hormone levels, aiding ovulation in conditions like PCOS or unexplained infertility.
Weight gain is one of the rare side effects that can occur when taking this, but if you are having difficulty controlling it, it may be worth contacting your doctor.
Common side effects are Hot flashes,Warmth in your face or chest,Hair loss,Joint bone, Muscle pain, Tiredness,Unusual sweating or night sweats, Nausea,Diarrhea
While taking this medication, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
Yes, Try taking this medicine at bedtime. This usually improves as your body adjusts to this medicine.
It is typically taken for five to ten years, depending on your individual circumstances. After a few years of taking the hormone therapy drug tamoxifen, some people begin taking this.
