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, Constipation, Weight gain, Hot flushes, Edema (swelling), Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Diaphoresis, Weight loss, Brain hemorrhage, Thromboembolism, Thrombotic stroke, Bone fracture, Urinary tract infection, Chest pain, Decreased appetite, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Joint pain, Hair loss, Back pain, Weakness, Dizziness, Nausea, Breast pain, Vaginal bleeding, Osteoporosis, Pain, Joint inflammation, Headache, Vomiting, Muscle pain, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Diarrhea, Depression, High blood pressure, Peripheral edema, Angina pectoris, Heart failure, Cerebrovascular accident, Cough, Shortness of breath, Heart attack, Infection, Influenza, Hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), Lethargy, General discomfort, Reduction in bone density, Renal dysfunction, Ischemic heart disease, Ovarian cysts, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometrial carcinoma (cancer of uterus), Low blood platelets, Vaginal irritation, Lymphedema, Second primary malignant neoplasm, Transient ischemic attacks, Fatigue
Available Medicine for Letrozole
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.