Letrozol

Letrozol is used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to treat early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It can also be used as the first line treatment of advanced breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body. Letrozol is also helpful in the treatment of infertility. It belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, which decreases the amount of estrogen in the body. It can be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time to get the most benefit. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. The most common side effects of medicine include hot flashes, fatigue, increased sweating, and Increased level of cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia). If these bother you, or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Some side effects may mean you should inform your doctor immediately include vaginal bleeding, swelling of face, rash, and thinning of bones. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, or you had a history of osteoporosis (thinning or wasting of bones). Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may perform some blood tests to check for vitamin D level or bone density before and thereafter treatment.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Letrozol may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Letrozol is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This decrease in estrogen can slow down or stop the growth of some breast cancers that need estrogen to grow. In addition, it is also useful in infertility whereby it increases the release of certain hormones to stimulate the release of eggs from the ovaries.

If you miss a dose of Letrozol, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.