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Femara 2.5mg Tablet
Prescription Required
Salt Composition : Letrozole
Manufacturer : NOVARTIS INDIA LTD
Origin of Medicine : Switzerland
10 Tablet(s) In A Strip
Introduction to Femara 2.5mg Tablet
Femara 2.5mg is an anti-cancer drug that belongs to the class aromatase inhibitor. It is indicated as a supportive therapy after the main therapy or first-line therapy for postmenopausal women with early and advanced breast cancer whose tumors are hormone receptor-positive. Since high amounts of estrogen are found to trigger breast cancer, this medicine reduces the levels of the female reproductive hormone by blocking the enzyme (aromatase) that is involved in the production of estrogen. This medicine aims to slow or stop the growth and/or spreading to other body parts.
Inform your physician if you have not attained menopause yet, as this medicine does not work for premenopausal women. Since this medicine tends to reduce the levels of female reproductive hormones, it is not advised for menstruating women as it is related to causing fertility issues. It is advised to keep track of your cholesterol levels as this medicine tends to elevate cholesterol levels. Femara 2.5mg could also decrease bone mineral density. Hence, discuss with your physician and consider monitoring your bone parameters regularly. It is advised to use effective birth control during the treatment and at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
Uses of Femara 2.5mg Tablet
- First and second-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Supportive to standard treatment for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.
- Treatment for unknown advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
- Extended supportive therapy for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer who have already taken other anti-cancer medication.
Therapeutic Effects of Femara 2.5mg Tablet
The growth of some cancers of breasts are stimulated by estrogens. Femara 2.5mg Tablet is a nonsteroidal compound that inhibits estrogen production by blocking the enzyme aromatase. This medicine reduces the tumor size and stops or slows the progression of the disease, avoiding the reoccurring of early-stage breast cancer and improving the survival rate.
Interaction of Femara 2.5mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, or herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Femara 2.5mg and cause undesirable side effects.
More Information about Femara 2.5mg Tablet
- keep the tablets away from the reach of children and pets.
- Store Femara 2.5mg Tablets at an optimal temperature not exceeding 25°C.
How to consume Femara 2.5mg Tablet
It is advised to consume the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. It can be consumed with or without food and should be swallowed with a glass of water. Femara 2.5mg can be taken with or without food. It is better to take the tablet at a fixed time. Do not break, chew or crush the tablet.
Safety Advices for Femara 2.5mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Femara 2.5mg tablet are highly unsafe during pregnancy because they may cause harm to the unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor about effective contraceptive methods. It is recommended to consult your physician if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
It is not safe to breastfeed your baby when you are taking Femara 2.5mg tablet. It is advised to avoid breastfeeding for at least three weeks after the last dose of the medicine.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Femara 2.5mg tablet is safe for patients with lung problems. Notify your physician if you have any lung disease before starting the treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any lung-related symptoms.
Liver
It is unknown whether Femara 2.5mg tablet is safe for patients with liver problems. Notify your physician if you have any liver disease before starting the treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any liver-related symptoms.
Alcohol
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while you are on the treatment with Femara 2.5mg tablet as it may cause serious complications.
Driving
Caution is required while driving and operating machinery when you take Femara 2.5mg tablet causes dizziness, sleepiness, and tiredness.
Side Effects of Femara 2.5mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Decreased red blood cells
- Decreased bone mineral density
- Fluid build up in lungs
Common
- Swelling in the face, eyes, feet, and legs
- Hot sweats and excessive sweating
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- Constipation
- Heart papilation
- Hypertension
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Muscle pain, bone pain, and joint stiffness
- Dizziness, tiredness, and sleepiness
- Breathing difficulty
- Arthralgia
Word of Advice
Notify your doctor if you have osteoporosis or bone fractures, as this medication is contraindicated for these conditions. Regular monitoring of bone mineral density is necessary while using Femara 2.5mg tablet. Discuss with your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or have not yet gone through menopause, as it may affect fertility. Inform your doctor of any sugar intolerance, as the tablet contains lactose ingredients. If you miss a dose, do not double dose; instead, resume your regular schedule.
FAQs
Q 1. How does Femara 2.5mg tablet work?
Femara 2.5mg tablet is an anti-estrogen medication. It reduces estrogen levels in your body by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for estrogen production. Estrogen stimulates the growth of certain types of breast cancer in your body. Reduced estrogen production may prevent cancer from spreading.
Q 2. Can Femara 2.5mg cause mood changes?
Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety, are not common side effects of Femara 2.5mg. However, if you experience any changes in mood while taking the medicine, it's important to talk to your doctor.
Q 3. What are the serious side effects of the Femara 2.5mg tablet?
The serious side effects do not occur in everyone; very few people experience them. The serious side effects of the Femara 2.5mg tablet include stroke, angina, heart attack, blood clotting, cataract, osteoporosis, and fluid build-up in the lungs.
Q 4. Is it better to take Femara 2.5mg in the morning or at night?
Your doctor should determine the timing for taking Femara 2.5mg based on your specific needs and medical condition. Always follow the doctor's instructions.
Q 5. How often should I have my bone density checked while taking Femara 2.5mg?
Femara 2.5mg can increase the risk of bone fractures in some people, so it's important to have regular bone density checks while taking the medication. Your doctor will recommend how often you should have these checks.
Q 6. How long is Femara 2.5mg taken?
The duration of treatment with Femara 2.5mg depends on the specific medical condition and individual response. Follow your doctor's instructions and only stop taking the medication if advised.
Fact Box of Femara 2.5mg Tablet
Molecule name: Letrozole | Therapeutic class: Aromatase Inhibitor |
Pharmacological class: Anti-Neoplastic drug | Indications: Treatment for early breast cancer in postmenopausal women |
References
- Cipla (EU) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2021], [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9957.pdf
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, [Revised on May 2020], [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023], https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/Femara.pdf?TB_iframe=true
- Highlights of prescribing information. (n.d.), US Food and Drug Administration [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020726s027lbl.pdf
- Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
- KD Tripathi, Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 330-353.
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