Letrozole
About
Letrozole belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause (cessation of menses periods). Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells stimulated by the female sex hormone known as estrogen.
Letrozole contains 'Letrozole' that works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which is involved in the production of the estrogen hormone. The cancer cells require estrogen for their growth. Hence, by blocking the aromatase enzyme, Letrozole prevents the growth of cancer cells. Thereby Letrozole helps in preventing or stopping the growth of spreading the tumours (cancer cells) to other body parts.
You are advised to take Letrozole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Letrozole may cause certain common side-effects such as hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol levels), tiredness, weakness, increased sweating, feeling unwell, pain in joints, and hot flushes (feeling of warmth). Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if you experience any of these side-effects persistently.
Avoid taking Letrozole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Letrozole may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Letrozole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Letrozole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Letrozole
Medicinal Benefits
Letrozole belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called aromatase inhibitors. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause (cessation of periods). Letrozole works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which is involved in the production of estrogens. The cancer cells require estrogen for their growth, so by blocking the enzyme Letrozole prevents the growth of cancer cells. Thereby, Letrozole helps in slowing down or stopping the growth and/or spreading the tumours to other body parts.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Letrozole
- Hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol levels)
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Increased sweating
- Feeling unwell
- Pain in joints
- Hot flushes (feeling of warmth)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Letrozole if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have not yet gone through menopause (still get your periods). Talk to your doctor before taking Letrozole if you have osteoporosis (thinning of bones), bone fractures, severe liver or kidney disease. Letrozole may cause inflammation in tendons or tendon injury; contact your doctor if you observe any sign of tendon pain or swelling while taking Letrozole. Avoid taking Letrozole if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Letrozole may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Letrozole should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Letrozole as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Letrozole to rule out any side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Letrozole may interact with antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram) and anticancer (tamoxifen).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have high cholesterol, osteoporosis (thinning of bone), or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Letrozole to avoid unpleasant side effects. Alcohol intake, along with Letrozole, may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeLetrozole is pregnancy category D medicine so, should not be taken during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLetrozole should not be taken during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and may harm the nursing baby.
Driving
cautionLetrozole may cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
safe if prescribedIt is safe to take Letrozole if prescribed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIt is safe to take Letrozole if prescribed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. No dosage adjustment is required for kidney patients with creatinine clearance greater than 10 mL/min.
Children
unsafeLetrozole should not be used by children, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs and spices in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to regularly measure bone density before, during and after the treatment as Letrozole may cause bone thinning due to reduction of estrogens in the body.
- Letrozole should be taken under strict medical supervision. The doctor will regularly monitor your condition while taking Letrozole.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells which are stimulated by the female sex hormone called estrogen. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes which are a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Letrozole works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which is involved in the production of estrogens. The cancer cells require estrogen for their growth, so by blocking the enzyme Letrozole prevents the growth of cancer cells. Thereby, Letrozole helps in slowing down or stopping the growth and/or spreading the tumours to other body parts.
Letrozole causes dizziness and drowsiness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
High blood pressure could be a side-effect of Letrozole. Regularly monitor blood pressure levels while taking Letrozole. Consult your doctor if you regularly notice high blood pressure levels.
Do not stop taking Letrozole on your own. You are advised to take Letrozole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Letrozole.
Letrozole may cause osteoporosis (bone thinning) due to the reduction of estrogen in the body. Regular bone density tests may help you monitor osteoporosis. Contact your doctor if you observe any sign of tendon pain or swelling while taking Letrozole.
Letrozole may cause weight gain due to an increase in appetite. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
