Letrozole

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Molecule Description

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

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

Contraindications

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

Side effects

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

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

You must not take Letrozole tablets if you are pregnantWomen 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 pregnant during treatment with Letrozole

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is not safe if you are taking this medicine. It may harm the baby.

Driving

When you start to take this medicine, you may feel dizzy, tired. At that time, you should avoid driving.

Alcohol

You should not consume alcohol while undergoing medication.

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)

Mode of Action

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 with other medicines

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

Interactions with food items

No interaction found.

Dosage

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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

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

The medicine’s onset effects start nearly 2-6 weeks after administration. Its general effects can last for two days.

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