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Letrozole

Letrozole is a medicine that lowers oestrogen levels. It is used for hormone-sensitive breast cancer, where reducing oestrogen can slow the growth of cancer cells. It is taken as a film-coated tablet.

Medicine containing Letrozole

Femara

Breast Cancer

2.5mg

Femara is letrozole in a film-coated tablet for breast cancer. It comes in a single strength and several pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.51/ tabletView

Key points

  • Letrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • Onset is given as 2–4 weeks.
  • Duration is given as 24 hours.

What letrozole is used for

Letrozole is used for hormone receptor-positive Breast Cancer, a hormone-dependent condition. In these cancers, oestrogen can support tumour growth, so lowering it is a treatment aim. Suppressing oestrogen is intended to inhibit tumour growth. The medicine is part of oncology and endocrine therapy. Treatment is monitored within a clinical setting.

How it works

Aromatase turns androgens into oestrogen. Letrozole inhibits this enzyme, blocking oestrogen production and causing a significant decrease in serum oestrogen levels. Cancer cells that depend on oestrogen for growth are slowed by this change. The action is aimed at sensitive cancer cells and is the basis for use in hormone-sensitive disease. This reduction is the main mechanism behind its use in breast cancer.

Forms and brands

Femara is a 2.5mg film-coated tablet containing letrozole. The tablet is the dosage form used for this medicine. The strength is 2.5mg per tablet. The film-coated tablet is designed for consistent release. Orders are shipped from pharmacy partners in India to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Who should not take it

Letrozole is strictly for post-menopausal women; pre-menopausal status is a contraindication. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications. Hypersensitivity to letrozole means it should not be used. Because lowering oestrogen can affect bone density, bone health should be monitored. Use with caution in moderate renal impairment, and avoid it in severe hepatic impairment.

Side effects and interactions

Minor side effects include hot flushes, fatigue and hypercholesterolaemia. Joint pain, nausea, osteoporosis and alopecia are moderate side effects. Fractures, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction are serious side effects and require immediate medical attention. Some users may notice mood shifts during treatment. These effects range from minor to serious. Letrozole interacts with tamoxifen and oestrogen-based supplements.

Further reading

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