Letrozole

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (let' roe zole)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Letrozole is used treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) and who have had other treatments, such as radiation or surgery to remove the tumor. It is also used to treat early breast cancer in women who have experienced menopause and who have already been treated with a medication called tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for 5 years. Letrozole is also used in women who have experienced menopause as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body or in women whose breast cancer has worsened while they were taking tamoxifen. Letrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen produced by the body. This can slow or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.


How should this medicine be used?

Letrozole comes as a tablet to take by mouth once a day with or without food. Take letrozole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take letrozole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You may need to take letrozole for several years or longer. Continue to take letrozole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking letrozole without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking letrozole,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to letrozole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in letrozole tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections); raloxifene (Evista); and tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
  • tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol, osteoporosis (condition in which the bones are fragile and break easily), or liver disease.
  • you should know that letrozole should only be taken by women who have experienced menopause and cannot become pregnant. However, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should tell your doctor before you begin taking this medication. Letrozole may harm the fetus.
  • you should know that letrozole may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Letrozole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • hot flushes
  • night sweats
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • heartburn
  • stomach pain
  • changes in weight
  • muscle, joint, or bone pain
  • excessive tiredness
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • vaginal bleeding or irritation
  • breast pain
  • hair loss
  • blurry vision
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
  • chest pain
  • rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • flu-like symptoms
  • pain, warmth, or heaviness in the back of the lower leg
  • severe headache
  • sudden speech problems
  • sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

Letrozole may cause or worsen osteoporosis. It can decrease the density of your bones and increase the chance of broken bones and fractures. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Letrozole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
  • Endocrine Therapy
  • Hormone Antagonists and Related Agents
  • CYP2A6 Inhibitors
  • CYP2A6 Inhibitors (strong)
  • CYP2A6 Inhibitors (moderate)
  • CYP2A6 Inducers
  • CYP2A6 Inducers (strong)
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors
  • Aromatase inhibitors
Prescribed For the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. Also fo...
Weight :285.3027
Structure Letrozole
Generic Drug Letrozole prescribed For the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. Also fo...
Formula

C17H11N5

Letrozole has 37 Brands listed


Anolet (2.5 mg)Anolet (5 mg)
Celofem (2.5 mg)Celtroz (2.5 mg)
Chemlet (2.5 mg)Ellet (2.5 mg)
Femara (2.5 mg)Fempro (2.5 mg)
Feofar (2.5 mg)Feofer (2.5 mg)
Fertolet (2.5 mg)Letocor (2.5 mg)
Letoripe (2.5 mg)Letov (2.5 mg)
Letoval (2.5 mg)Letozis (2.5 mg)
Letpro (2.5 mg)Letrofil (2.5 mg)
Letronat (2.5 mg)Letroz (2.5 mg)
Lets (2.5 mg)Letsi (2.5 mg)
Letz (2.5 mg)Letzol (2.5 mg)
LTZ (2.5 mg)Mamazol (2.5 mg)
Momazol (2.5 mg)Oncolet (2.5 mg)
Oreta (2.5 mg)OV Solve (2.5 mg)
Ovulet (2.5 mg)Shantroz (2.5 mg)
Stimufol (2.5 mg)Stimufol (5 mg)
Stimulet (2.5 mg)Trozet (2.5 mg)
Zaronil (2.5 mg)

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