Letrozole: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug Letrozole?

What is Letrozole for?

Letrozole is a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer (such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Letrozole is also used to prevent the return of cancer. Some breast cancers can grow faster because of a natural hormone called estrogen. Letrozol decreases the amount of estrogen the body produces and helps slow or reverse the growth of breast cancer.

OTHER USES: This section contains the use of drugs that are not included on the label of an approved professional drug but may be prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use this medication for the conditions attached to this section if recommended by your health care provider.

This drug can also be used to treat infertility in women.

How do I use letrozole?

Use this medicine by mouth with a meal or not as directed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your health condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly to get the desired results. To help you remember use it at the same time each day.

This medicine can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant are not recommended to touch this medicine or inhale the tablet crumbs. (See precautions / warnings section)

Tell your doctor right away if your condition worsens (such as if you have a new breast lump).

How is letrozole store?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Letrozole dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of letrozole for adults?

Dosage for Breast Cancer in Adults

To be used as the primary treatment in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown hormone receptors for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Letrozol is also indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression after estrogen therapy: 2.5 mg oral tablet given once daily regardless of mealtime.

Dosage for Breast Cancer in Adults (Advanced Therapy)

For use as a follow-up treatment for early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received continuous tamoxifen therapy for 5 years: 2.5 mg tablet given once daily regardless of mealtime.

What is the dose of letrozole for children?

The dosage for children has not been established. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is letrozole available?

Tablet, Oral: 2.5 mg

Letrozole side effects

What side effects can I experience with letrozole?

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: rash; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mild side effects include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue
• hot feeling, feeling warm on the face or chest
• reddening of the skin (warmth, redness, or a tingling feeling)
• headache
• nausea, constipation
• bone, muscle, or joint pain
• numbness, tingling, weakness, or a feeling of stiffness in the hands and fingers
• pain in the hand that radiates to the arm, wrist, or shoulder
• sweating at night
• weight gain

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Letrozole Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using letrozole?

Before using Letrozole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have an allergy to letrozole, or any other drugs or ingredients in letrozole tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking or planning to take. Make sure you mention the following medicines: medicines containing estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches , ring and injection); raloxifene (evista); and tamoxifen (nolvadex).
• tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol, osteoporosis (a condition where bones are brittle and break easily), or liver disease.
• It is important to know that letrozole should only be used by women who have gone through menopause and are unable to become pregnant. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before starting treatment. Letrozole can harm the fetus
• It is important to know that Letrozole can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Is letrozole safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Letrozole Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with letrozole?

Drug interactions can change how the drugs work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not include all drug interactions that can occur. Keep a list of the products you use (including prescription / nonprescription medicines and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's knowledge.

• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Clarithromycin
• Cobicistat
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Idelalisib
• Mitotane
• Nilotinib
• Piperaquine
• Siltuximab
• Tegafur
• Tamoxifen

Can food or alcohol interact with letrozole?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with letrozole?

if you have other health problems, specifically:

• bone problems (example: osteoporosis)
• hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol or fat in the blood) —use with caution. Can make conditions worse
• cirrhosis
• liver disease, acute — use with caution. The effect may increase due to the slow removal of the drug from the body
• premenopausal women (still having menstrual cycles) —do not use in these patients.

Letrozole overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.