General Information
Femara (Letrozole) is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women like hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It usually happens after menopause. This medication is also used to help avoid cancer from returning.
Certain breast cancers are made to develop faster. It is by a natural hormone called estrogen. This drug decreases the amount of estrogen that the body produces. It helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers.
How does Femara (Letrozole) work?
Femara (Letrozole) works by lowering the levels of the female sex hormone estrogen in the body. It stimulates some breast cancers to grow. It also blocks the aromatase so that it can’t change androgens into estrogen.
Why use Femara (Letrozole)?
Femara (Letrozole) belongs to the class of medications known as aromatase inhibitors. This medication comes as a tablet for oral administration. Each tablet has Letrozole as an active ingredient. This is available as 2.5 mg tablet. This was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997.
How to use Femara (Letrozole)?
This is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.
This medication is usually taken once a day. You may take it with or without food. Remember to take it at the same time every day. Take it regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not also suddenly stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. Inform your doctor right away if your condition worsens.
What are the side-effects of Femara (Letrozole)?
Common side effects:
- Warmth in your chest or face
- Hot flashes
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Unusual sweating or night sweats
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling)
- Numbness, weakness, tingling, or stiffness on your hand or fingers
- Pain in your hand that spreads to your arm, forearm, wrist, or shoulder
Warnings and Precautions
- Before taking this drug, tell to your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any medical history or current medications/treatments.
- This drug may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or use any machinery. Do not also do anything that needs your alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely.
- This medication is mainly used in women after menopause. Consult your doctor for more details.
- Keep this far from the reach of children.
