Home>drugs by ailments>Breast cancer>letrozole

Letrozole

Information about Letrozole

Letrozole Uses

Letrozole is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

How Letrozole works

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This decrease in estrogen can slow down or stop the growth of some breast cancers that need estrogen to grow.

Common side effects of Letrozole

Night sweats, Bone pain, Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Weight gain, Hot flushes, Edema (swelling), Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Diaphoresis, Bone fracture, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Joint pain, Back pain, Weakness, Dizziness, Nausea, Osteoporosis, Joint inflammation

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

03 Dec 2024 | 04:38 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Letrozole

LetrozSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹156 to ₹1922 variant(s)

LetovalSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹1561 variant(s)

Goodova-LAkumentis Healthcare Ltd

₹121 to ₹3502 variant(s)

E-Ova LKoye Pharmaceuticals Pvt ltd

₹1531 variant(s)

LetrohopeMankind Pharma Ltd

₹1261 variant(s)

Clomipure-LAkumentis Healthcare Ltd

₹1211 variant(s)

LetronatNatco Pharma Ltd

₹195 to ₹5852 variant(s)

MamazolKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹1701 variant(s)

OncoletBiochem Pharmaceutical Industries

₹581 variant(s)

CCQ-LBharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd

₹137 to ₹1532 variant(s)

Expert advice for Letrozole

You have been prescribed Letrozole for the treatment of breast cancer.
It can be taken with or without food.
Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Letrozole affects you.
It may cause increased sweating and hot flushes. Try to keep cool by wearing light and airy clothes.
Your doctor may monitor your cholesterol level and bone mineral density (BMD) regularly as Letrozole can alter their levels.
Do not take Letrozole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Frequently asked questions for Letrozole

Letrozole

Q. Why have I been prescribed Letrozole?

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It is generally prescribed to treat breast cancer in women who no longer have periods, either due to menopause or after surgery or chemotherapy.

Q. How does Letrozole work?

Letrozole is also known as an anti-estrogen drug. It is called so because it acts by reducing the production of estrogen in your body by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the production of certain types of breast cancer in your body. These cancers are called "estrogen-dependent cancers". Reducing the production of estrogen may prevent the cancer from growing.

Q. For how long should I take Letrozole?

If the breast tumor is in advanced stage or has spread to other parts of the body, it is recommended that you continue taking Letrozole till the tumor shows progression. In cases where Letrozole is given after tamoxifen (another anti-estrogen used for breast cancer) or surgery, it should be given for 5 years or until tumor comes back, whichever is first. It can also be given as a sequential treatment; 2 years of Letrozole followed by 3 years of tamoxifen.

Q. If I am taking irbesartan to control my blood pressure, can I take Letrozole?

Yes, you can take irbesartan and Letrozole together. However, be careful and keep a regular check on your blood pressure since Letrozole may increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor in case you have problems controlling your blood pressure.

Q. Does Letrozole affect vision?

Although it is very uncommon but Letrozole may cause cataract. So, if you experience blurred vision or eye irritation, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. My friend who is taking Letrozole often sweats a lot. Is it because of Letrozole?

This could be a sign of hot flushes which is a very common side effect of Letrozole. It happens due to decreased estrogen levels. The frequency of hot flushes reduces once your body adjusts to Letrozole. However, in some people the flushes and sweats may continue during the treatment and stop a few months after the treatment finishes. You can consult your doctor who will provide you a remedy if it is very bothersome.

Q. What are the serious side effects of Letrozole?

The serious side effects do not occur in everyone and very few people experience them. The serious side effects of Letrozole include stroke, angina, heart attack, blood clotting, cataract, osteoporosis and severe skin reactions.

Q. Does Letrozole cause bone loss?

Letrozole may cause thinning or wasting of your bones (osteoporosis), which is due to the decrease in estrogen levels in your body. Your doctor may decide to measure your bone density (a way of monitoring for osteoporosis) before, during and after treatment.

Q. Can I take Letrozole for induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertility?

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Letrozole is restricted for use in induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertility.