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molecule

Letrozole

Molecule Description

Letrozole belongs to a group of medicines called Aromatase Inhibitors. It is us

ed in a hormonal (or 'endocrine') breast cancer treatment. Oestrogen leads to the growth of breast cancer. Letrozole blocks an enzyme ('aromatase') involved in the production of oestrogens (female sex hormones). Thus helps in curing breast cancer.

uses

Uses of Letrozole

  • Treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women
  • Treat ovarian epithelial cancer
contraindications

Contraindications of Letrozole

When should one not use Letrozole

  • If you are allergic to Letrozole or any of the other ingredients of the medicine
  • If you suffer from any severe kidney disease
  • If you have severe liver disease
  • If you have a history of osteoporosis (thinning or wasting of bones) or bone fractures
sideEffects

Side effects of Letrozole

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Constipation
  • Hot flashes
  • Anxiety
  • Thirst
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Profuse sweating
  • Hypertension (increase in blood pressure)
  • Blurred vision
  • Hair loss
  • The more severe ones can be disastrous, some of them are:
  • Chest pains
  • Bone fractures
  • Osteoporosis
  • Increased liver enzyme levels
  • Thrombosis (clotting in the blood vessels e.g., legs)
  • Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)-rare side effect
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Letrozole

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Letrozole during pregnancy?
A:
  • You must not take Letrozole tablets if you are pregnant
  • Women should take Letrozole only if she has gone through the menopause. However, your doctor should discuss with you the use of effective contraception, as you may still have the potential to become p...
    Read more
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Letrozole while breastfeeding?
A:
Breastfeeding is not safe if you are taking this medicine. It may harm the baby.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Letrozole?
A:
When you start to take this medicine, you may feel dizzy, tired. At that time, you should avoid driving.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Letrozole?
A:
You should not consume alcohol while undergoing medication.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You are allergic to Letrozole
  • You still have periods, i.e., if you have not yet gone through the menopause
  • You experience swelling mainly of the face and throat (signs of allergic reaction), yellow skin and eyes, nausea, dark-coloured urine (signs of hepatitis)
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Letrozole

How Does It Work?

Letrozole blocks an enzyme called Aromatase, which is involved in the production of oestrogens (female sex hormones). Thus prevents the growth of breast cancer and helps in curing cancer.
interactions

Interactions of Letrozole

Interactions with other medicines

  • Estrogens (such as Ethinyl Estradiol, Conjugated Estrogens)
  • Estrogen blockers (such as Anastrozole, Tamoxifen)

Interactions with food items

No interaction found.
dosage

Dosage of Letrozole

Overdose

It is best to rush for a medical help if you happen to overdose on Letrozole.

Missed a Dose

If you forgot to take your medicine, take the next dose on a regular dosing schedule instead of taking a double dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: Is Letrozole safe for consumption?

A: Yes, the medicine is sold worldwide for treating the after-effects of breast cancer, which happens to be receptor-positive, and there is a known receptor status in women who have already been through menopause. It can also be used in ovulation induction and for termination of pregnancy.

Q: Is it advisable to give Letrozole to patients undergoing gynecomastia?

A: Yes, but only if it is administered in the early stages, the medicine’s effectiveness decreases as the stage of gynecomastia progresses.

Q: What are the other uses for Letrozole?

A: The medicine is multifaceted, with it finding uses in terminating a pregnancy, inducing ovulation as well as in treating gynecomastia.

Q: How long does it take for its onset effects to be noticeable?

A: The medicine’s onset effects start nearly 2-6 weeks after administration. Its general effects can last for two days.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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