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This medication is used with other medications to treat certain types of breast cancer (e.g., hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Letrozole is also used to help prevent the cancer from returning. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone called estrogen. Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers.Letrozole is not to be used in women of childbearing age (see Precautions section).
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Letrozole
Uses
This medication is used with other medications to treat certain types of breast cancer (e.g., hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Letrozole is also used to help prevent the cancer from returning. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone called estrogen. Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers.Letrozole is not to be used in women of childbearing age (see Precautions section).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver tests, breast cancer tumor markers, blood cholesterol levels, bone density test) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Storage
- Store letrozole tablets at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food or as directed by your doctor.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other medications for your cancer) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
- Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
- To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other cancer medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may worsen side effects or cause the cancer to spread or return.
Side Effects
- Hot flashes, aching/painful joints and muscles, unusual sweating at night, weight gain, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, unusual bleeding from the vagina, and vomiting may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Other less common side effects may include: constipation, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, swelling.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, nausea with unusual sweating, fast breathing, sudden/severe headache, sudden fainting, sudden weakness/paralysis on one side of the body, stomach/abdominal pain, leg swelling/redness/pain, bone loss/fracture.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling of any part of the face/neck, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood fats (cholesterol), bone problems (e.g., osteopenia, osteoporosis), heart problems (e.g., angina, coronary artery disease), high blood pressure, liver problems.This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.This drug must not be used during pregnancy, it may harm an unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose.
- In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: tamoxifen, raloxifene, estrogens (e.g., ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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