This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Letrozole as an anticancer medication to treat t early and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women on 25th July 1997.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
Letrozole 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.
Uses of undefined
Letrozole tablet has been developed to treat early and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have not responded to Tamoxifen therapy. It is also used to support standard treatment for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
Letrozole is available as a film-coated tablet indicated for oral intake with or without meals. The usual recommended dose is 2.5mg daily, but your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency incase if you have a liver impairment or any other medical condition.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
It is not known if Letrozole tablet is safe and effective in children and in patients with severe liver problems. During the Letrozole tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood count, total cholesterol level, and bone mineral density to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have chicken pox, bleeding disorder, lung problem, heart problem, liver disease, or kidney problem. Notify your doctor if you have hypersensitivity because this medication is contraindicated to such a medical condition.
Precautions
Letrozole tablets may cause fertility problems in men and women. This tablet is not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause fetal harm. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Pregnancy testing is recommended for women of reproductive potential within at least 7 days before starting this treatment. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during and for 3 weeks after the last dose of Letrozole. Breastfeeding is not recommended during and for 3 weeks after the last dose of this treatment.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with the Letrozole tablet are hot flashes, arthralgia, flushing, asthenia, headache, dizziness, high blood cholesterol levels, increased sweating, bone pain, musculoskeletal pain. Call your healthcare provider if you experience persistent pain, numbness, or allergic reactions after taking this tablet.
Word Of Advice
Letrozole can cause tiredness, dizziness, and excessive sleepiness. You should avoid driving or handling machines if you feel tired or weak. Keep the tablets away from the reach of children and pets. Store Letrozole Tablets at an optimal temperature not exceeding 25°C. Certain medications like tamoxifen and others may interact with letrozole and cause undesirable side effects, so notify your doctor if you take any other medicine or herbal supplements.
Frequently Asked Question
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.). [online] www.accessdata.fda.gov. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020726s027lbl.pdf [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023].
- 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.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
