What is Letrozole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Letrozole overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Femara, Letrozole AvPak

Generic Names:

  • Letrozole

Uses:

  • Treats breast cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Letrozole used for?

Letrozole is a medication used in the treatment of certain breast cancers. This drug can also be used to prevent breast cancer from recurring. Letrozole works by lowering your estrogen levels which slows/reverses some cancers from growing. Letrozole is a generic drug also sold under the brand name Femara. This drug has been available for years. In the treatment of certain breast cancers, letrozole use is common.

What form(s) does Letrozole come in

  • Tablet

What are common Letrozole doses?

  • Tablet 2.5MG

Common Letrozole prescriptions

  • Letrozole
    2.5mg tablet

How to take Letrozole

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Oral routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Oral routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Letrozole

  • Oral routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

  • Oral routeIf you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Letrozole contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to letrozole, or if you are pregnant.

Letrozole warnings

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Vaginal discharge, bleeding, or dryness.

  • Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), bone problems (including osteoporosis), or high cholesterol in the blood.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low bone mineral densityHigh cholesterol or fat levels in the bloodLiver problems

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Swelling in your ankles or feet.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

Letrozole interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have severe liver disease or cirrhosis, bone problems (such as osteoporosis), or high cholesterol in the blood.

  • This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.

  • Some medicines can affect how letrozole works. Tell your doctor if you are also using tamoxifen.

  • This medicine may increase your cholesterol or fat in the blood. If this happens, your doctor may give you medicine to lower the cholesterol and fat.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Letrozole side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bone pain

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf)

  • Swelling in your ankles or feet

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Swelling in your ankles or feet.

  • Vaginal discharge, bleeding, or dryness.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Increased sweating

  • Vaginal bleeding

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Weight gain or loss

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

  • Mild joint, back, or muscle pain

  • Breast pain

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Weight gain or loss.