Letrozole
Description
Letrozole is an anticancer agent which is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It should be used under the supervision of a qualified physician. This medicine may increase the risk of fractures. Monitoring of cholesterol levels is necessary.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Letrozole
- Bone fracture
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Back pain
- Hot flashes
- Constipation
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Increased thirst
Uses of Letrozole
What is it prescribed for?
- Breast cancer
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe onset of action of this medicine can be observed in 2 to 6 weeks.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Letrozole.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Liver injury
This medicine is not recommended in the patients with the liver injury. The concentration of this medicine may increase in these patients. The baseline of the liver function tests should be obtained before starting the treatment.
Bone effects
This medicine may decrease the bone mineral density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Close monitoring of calcium levels is necessary. The prophylaxis for osteoporosis can be initiated based on the clinical condition.
Increase cholesterol levels
This medicine may increase the cholesterol levels in the body. The baseline of cholesterol levels should be obtained before initiating the treatment. Lipid lowering agents can be initiated based on the clinical condition.
Dizziness
This medicine may cause dizziness, somnolence, and fatigue. It is advised not to perform activities that require mental alertness like driving vehicle or operating machinery. Inform the doctor if the symptoms worsen.
Missed Dose
It is advised not to miss any dose. If you missed any dose, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Clopidogrel
Oxcarbazepine
Ethinyl Estradiol
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Letrozole as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Do not miss any scheduled dose. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen which in turn slows down the growth of cancer cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Aromatase inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from:
Letrozole: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Letrozole tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.