Letrozole - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Letrozole is a drug to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In addition, this drug can also be used in breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy or surgical removal of cancerous tissue

Latrozole belongs to the class of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors drugs that work by reducing the amount of estrogen produced by the body, so that it can slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells.

Letrozole can be used to prevent the risk of breast cancer in women who have a high risk. In addition, letrozole can also be used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Letrozole trademark: Aromara, Femaplex, Femara, Lebrest, Lentronat, Lemara, Lezra, Trozet

What Is Letrozole

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Antistrogen
Benefits	Treating breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Used by	Adult
Letrozole for pregnant and lactating women	Category X: Animal and human studies have shown fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus.Drugs in this category are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether letrozole passes into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets

Warning Before Taking Letrozole

Letrozole is only taken with a doctor's prescription. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Letrozole should not be used by someone who is allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, stroke, high cholesterol, or have not been through menopause.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking letrozole, as this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking letrozole if you plan to undergo certain medical procedures, such as surgery or dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Letrozole should not be used by women who are pregnant. Consult the type of effective contraception with your doctor to prevent pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking letrozole.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Letrozole

The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment with letrozole based on the patient's age, condition, and body response to the drug.

To treat and reduce the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the dose is 2.5 mg, 1 time a day. Treatment can be continued for up to 3–5 years.

To treat infertility in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the dose is 2.5 mg, 1 time a day for 5 days. Treatment is usually started on the 3rd or 5th day of the menstrual cycle.

How to Take Letrozole Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging label before taking letrozole. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Letrozole can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

If you forget to take letrozole, it is recommended to take it immediately if the gap between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

During treatment with letrozole, you may be asked to have regular medical examinations and bone mineral densitometry (BMD) tests, periodically. Make sure to carry out the control according to the schedule given by the doctor.

Store letrozole in a dry, closed place, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Letrozole with Other Drugs

The following are the effects of drug interactions that can occur if letrozole is used with other drugs:

• The effectiveness of letrozole decreases when used with tamoxifen or other estrogen-derived drugs, such as estradiol
• Decreased letrozole levels when used with rifampicin

Side Effects and Dangers of Letrozole

Some of the side effects that can occur after taking letrozole are:

• Sensation of heat (hot flashes)
• Nausea
• Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
• Excessive sweat
• Joint, bone or muscle pain
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased cholesterol levels

Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Easy to break bones
• Jaundice, persistent nausea and vomiting, dark urine, severe tiredness
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Blurred vision
• Mood and mental disorders, including depression
• Chest pain, weakness on one side, sudden and severe headache, blurred vision
• Bleeding in the vagina