What is Letrozole?
Letrozole, also known as Femara, is an aromatase inhibitor used after surgery to treat hormonally responsive breast cancer.
Letrozole Uses
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. A natural hormone called estrogen stimulates the growth of some breast cancers. It reduces the amount of estrogen produced by the body, which aids in the slowing or reversal of the progression of these breast cancers.
How to use?
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, notify your doctor right away.
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Chest pain
Precautions
Before taking it, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, anastrozole, or any other medications. Inactive ingredients present in this product might cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Inform your pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have high blood fats (cholesterol), bone problems (such as osteopenia or osteoporosis), stroke or blood clots, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver problems.
This medication may cause dizziness, fatigue, or, in rare cases, blurred vision. You may become dizzy or tired if you consume alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not try driving, operating machines and equipment, or do anything else that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can do it safely. Limit your intake of alcohol.
This medication should not be taken while pregnant. It can potentially harm an unborn child. It is primarily used in women after menopause. If you have recently gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about the importance of using a reliable form of birth control while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after stopping treatment. Do not use estrogen-containing birth control pills.
It is not clear whether this medication passes into breast milk or not. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for at least 3 weeks after stopping treatment due to the potential risk to the infant. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
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. To cope up with a missed dose, 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
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
| 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. |
