Key facts about Letrozole
What dosages is Letrozole available in?
Letrozole is available as a 2.5 mg oral tablet.
What is Letrozole used for?
Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor and is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
How does Letrozole work?
Letrozole is a selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is a protein in your body that produces estrogen, which can promote the growth of some cancer cells. By blocking aromatase, Letrozole lowers the body’s normal production of estrogen. Without estrogen, some breast cancer cells can’t grow.
How do I take Letrozole?
Letrozole is typically taken by mouth with a dose of 2.5 mg by mouth daily. Your dose may differ if you have liver problems.
Is it safe for me to take Letrozole?
Letrozole is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant or have a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, or to any of the excipients.
Letrozole Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Letrozole include:
- Hot flashes
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- High cholesterol
- Swelling of ankles, feet, and legs
- Body aches or pain
Letrozole Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Letrozole. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions: Hives, rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing
- Blood clots
- Heart attack: Chest pain, can’t catch your breath, jaw or neck pain
- Stroke: Numbness normally on one side of body, confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking, headache
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Letrozole
The following medications may interact with Letrozole:
- Tamoxifen – Coadministration of Letrozole and tamoxifen 20 mg daily resulted in a reduction of Letrozole plasma levels of 38% on average
- Other Anticancer Agents – There is no clinical experience to date on the use of Letrozole in combination with other anticancer agents
Who makes Letrozole?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Letrozole safe in pregnancy?
Letrozole can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. You should take a pregnancy test before starting this medication and use effective contraception while on Letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
