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, 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, Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Radhika Dua
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
07 Apr 2024 | 07:26 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Letrozole

LetrozSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹164 to ₹9843 variant(s)
LetovalSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹1641 variant(s)
Goodova-LAkumentis Healthcare Ltd
₹130 to ₹3742 variant(s)
E-Ova LKoye Pharmaceuticals Pvt ltd
₹1641 variant(s)
LetrohopeMankind Pharma Ltd
₹1321 variant(s)
Clomipure-LAkumentis Healthcare Ltd
₹1301 variant(s)
LetronatNatco Pharma Ltd
₹208 to ₹6242 variant(s)
LetishaZydus Cadila
₹1461 variant(s)
MamazolKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd
₹1781 variant(s)
OncoletBiochem Pharmaceutical Industries
₹621 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.

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