Letrozole (By mouth)
LET-roe-zole
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (e.g., tamoxifen).
Female hormones that occur naturally in the body can increase the growth of some breast cancers. Letrozole works by decreasing the amounts of these hormones in the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, letrozole is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive in women who have already gone through menopause (treatment before surgery).
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using tamoxifen (Nolvadex®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you have not stopped menstruating (premenopausal).
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have severe liver disease or cirrhosis, bone problems (such as osteoporosis), or high cholesterol in the blood.
This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
This medicine may increase your cholesterol or fat in the blood. If this happens, your doctor may give you medicine to lower the cholesterol and fat.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Changes in vision.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Increase in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Severe bone, joint, or back pain.
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your ankles or feet.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Vaginal discharge, bleeding, or dryness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Breast pain.
Changes in appetite.
Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Dizziness.
Hot flashes or increased sweating.
Mild headache.
Mild joint, back, or muscle pain.
Trouble sleeping.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Weight gain or loss.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
There may be other brand names for this medicine.