Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause (time in life when a woman ceases to have a menstrual period). It is also used to prevent cancer reoccurrence or spreading to other parts of the body or after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy.
How it works
Letrozole belongs to class of medications called non-st**dal aromatase inhibitors. Letrozole reduces the amount of estrogen (female s** hormone) by blocking an enzyme (aromatase), thereby stopping the growth of breast cancer or its spreading to other parts of the body.
Common side effects
inflammation of mouth and lips, increased urinary frequency, dizziness, hair loss, muscle, increased blood pressure, breathlessness, stroke, indigestion, diarrhea, increased hepatic enzyme, dry mouth, breast-pain, memory impairment, thirst, sleepiness, inability to sleep, palpitation, joint, vaginal dryness, eye irritation, irritability, itching of skin, low white blood cell count, fever, vomiting, depression, bone pain or stiffness, weight loss., increased sweating, vaginal bleeding, swelling, abnormal sensation of skin, cataract, Very common: High cholesterol level, chest pain, change in in appetite, brittle bones, dry skin, fatigue, bone fracture, cough, urge to vomit, rash, weight gain, hot flushes, pale red raised itchy skin rash, urinary tract infection, blurred vision, abdominal pain, taste disturbance, inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot, inflammation of joint, anxiety, headache, vaginal discharge, constipation
Expert advice
• Letrozole should not be given to children and adolescents up to 17 years of age.• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery as you feel dizzy, tired, drowsy or unwell while taking letrozole.• Do not take letrozole if you are allergic to letrozole or any other ingredient of tablet or intolerance to some sugars (lactose).• Do not take letrozole if you still have menstrual periods; severe liver or kidney disease; history of or are susceptible to brittle bones (osteoporosis) or bone fracture.• Avoid using letrozole if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Frequently asked questions
Letrozole
Q. Is letrozole a st**d, a hormone, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, or cytotoxic?
Letrozole is not a st**d, hormone, selective estrogen receptor modulator or cytotoxic. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor.
Q. Is letrozole banned in India?
Letrozole is banned in India for ovarian stimulation (stimulating ovulation).
Q. Is letrozole used for infertility, make you ovulate, increase testosterone and used for post cycle therapy?
Letrozole is not approved for treating infertility or ovulation, but it has been used off-label by doctors to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, to assist ovulation, or to increase testosterone, and as post cycle therapy. Do not take letrozole without consulting your doctor.
Q. Is letrozole better than anastrozole?
Both drugs have shown similar effectiveness and choice of drug depends on many factors. Consult your doctor before taking any drugs.
Q. Can I take letrozole with ibuprofen/Advil, vitamins, paracetamol, glucosamine, magnesium, zinc?
Letrozole can be taken with ibuprofen/Advil, vitamins, paracetamol, glucosamine, magnesium, and zinc. Please consult your doctor before use.
Q. Does letrozole cause hair loss, headache, insomnia, water retention, high blood pressure, bloating, and acne?
Letrozole may cause hair loss, headache, insomnia, bloating, and high blood pressure. Letrozole does not cause water retention and acne.
