If you have questions about using letrozole in bodybuilding or for endometriosis, talk with your doctor. Available for Android and iOS devices. Letrozole and anastrozole (Arimidex) are both used to help treat certain types of breast cancer. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Letrozole. Yes FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed. Letrozole may cause dizziness. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking calcium with vitamin D or a medication called Prolia (denosumab) to strengthen your bones while using letrozole. There isn't much you can do about the raised blood sugars caused by the Letrozole, and you will have to take the Letrozole for either 5 or 10 years. If your bones are already beginning to show signs of thinning or if you already have osteoporosis, you may be given another drug to increase bone density and strength. Stop using OXYTROL immediately and get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms. Letrozole belongs to the class of medicines known as aromatase inhibitors. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Letrozole oral tablets can interact with several types of drugs. The drug can significantly reduce the levels of plasma oestrogens, which remain suppressed throughout the treatment. Letrozole can cause bone pain and joint pain. If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic. Letrozole is sometimes used off-label to treat infertility in females. (IUI is a procedure in which a sample of sperm is placed directly into the uterus.). Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Letrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Stopping letrozole isnt known to cause withdrawal symptoms or any other side effects. You may have questions about letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva. An allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets wasnt reported in studies of the drug. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about the differences and similarities between letrozole and tamoxifen. This rapid growth of cells can cause a tumor to form in your breast. You should not use letrozole if you are allergic to it. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. Its also not recommended to use letrozole while nursing because safety and efficacy studies are lacking. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. Have your blood work and bone density checked as you have been told by your doctor. All information is observation-only. If youre pregnant or considering pregnancy, talk with your doctor before you start taking letrozole. Letrozole comes as tablets that youll take by mouth. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Do not take two doses at one time. Your GP will be able to monitor and treat this if necessary. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Note: In some cases, such as if you have severe liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a letrozole dosage of 2.5 mg every other day. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. They are most common among people with weak immune systems. Aria Lim (December 19, 2021): Letrozole is a powerful medication that can help in the fight against . Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer -- Adjuvant: Other drugs may affect letrozole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. If youre concerned about gaining weight while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. While there are some natural supplements available over the counter to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this case. Doing so may help lessen your discomfort. Teeth-related side effects werent reported with letrozole use during studies. Common letrozole side effects include hot flashes, night sweats, and muscle or joint pain. For instance, your doctor may prescribe other breast cancer treatments, such as fulvestrant, in addition to letrozole. 4. HOW DOES LETROZOLE WORK? Because letrozole lowers estrogen levels, it can cause bone loss as a side effect. Concomitant use of oxybutynin (the active ingredient contained in Oxytrol) with carbamazepine and dantrolene has been associated with adverse events suggestive of carbamazepine toxicity, such as vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness, slurred speech, and nystagmus. Aching or pain in the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and longer lasting. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. ), If youre taking letrozole to induce ovulation, using intrauterine insemination (IUI) may help you become pregnant better than having timed sex will. Letrozole (Femara ) is an oral medication that your doctor has prescribed for the treatment of your hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. However, for some people they may cause distress and disrupt everyday life. Some of these can happen when common side effects go unchecked: Bone fractures: As discussed above, bone loss that happens with the long-term use of letrozole can lead to bone fractures. They want you to get the best care possible. Even if you transfer Candida onto another person, they likely won't develop a yeast infection unless they are already prone to the condition. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. But before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It comes as oral tablets that youll swallow. Make note of all your symptoms. * Approximation only. Some people also experience chest pain. Common side effects of Oxytrol include: local pruritus. Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: hot flashes feeling weak or having increased tiredness dizziness belly pain or cramping hair loss swelling, usually in. Use in Cancer Letrozole is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat: Breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have any of the following types of breast cancer-- Early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer that has been treated. Atypical manifestations, such as cholestasis, chronic hepatitis, precipitation of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and autoimmune hepatitis, are reported with EBV infection, whereas cholestasis, portal vein thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari syndrome are reported with CMV infection. Most of the time this Candida transfer is harmless, so yeast infections are not highly contagious. Using a wrist splint can help. It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (eg, tamoxifen). Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or smoking, because they can worsen these symptoms. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Letrozole may be used with other therapies in your breast cancer treatment plan. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Continue reading, Letrozole is not chemotherapy, it is a type of hormone therapy that is used to treat people with breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. When this happens before menopause, it causes a higher release of other hormones necessary for fertility. In women who were premenopausal at the time of initial BC treatment and whose menses stopped during chemotherapy or upon the initiation of tamoxifen, switching to an AI may cause reactivation of ovarian function, thereby increasing the risk of BC recurrence. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. What is hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer? If youre having severe tooth or jaw pain, call your doctor and ask them about treatment options. osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density); You should not breastfeed while you are using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Your reactions could be impaired. However, doctors found that it also induces ovulation, so, since 2000, it has been used off-label to help women with fertility issues. Letrozole (Femara) is FDA approved for certain types of breast cancer. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Common side effects of letrozole may include: hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest; This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Last updated on Oct 9, 2022. Continue reading. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. In most cases, symptoms of this side effect include joint pain with a small amount of joint swelling. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking supplements or other ways to prevent or manage weakened bones. A healthy diet and exercise can help lower your cholesterol. Ditropan (oxybutynin)." Also, you can apply an ice pack or heat pad to your head to help ease the headache. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping letrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. 3. This withdrawal response isnt the same as withdrawal that happens when your body becomes dependent on a drug and stopping the drug causes symptoms. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). You should also avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of the drug. Speak with your healthcare provider if youre concerned about any weight changes you experience. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of letrozole oral tablets. Whats the dosage of letrozole for infertility? Letrozole is a hormone therapy drug. Applies to oxybutynin: transdermal gel/jelly, transdermal patch extended release. Letrozole (Femara) is a medication used for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. Although bothersome, hot flashes arent dangerous. Many people feel low or depressed. This enzyme changes androgen hormones (like testosterone) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen. Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. Urinary tract infection is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006): Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. It can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. These include side effects such as flushing, hot flashes, or headaches. Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. Yes, you can do several things to help prevent your bones from weakening during breast cancer treatment. Learn more. People with certain health conditions may need to take medications with side effects that can weaken your immune system and put you at risk for fungal infections. Letrozole is an oral medication known as an aromatase inhibitor. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets. . Exercise that gently stretches your joints or strengthens your muscles to better support your joints, such as yoga or pilates, may help improve your symptoms. Oncologist wasn't bothered about it and did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. (2016). Do not use if you are pregnant. Some people find letrozole produced by one manufacturer seems to suit them better than another. Letrozole also isnt approved to treat endometriosis, but its sometimes prescribed off-label for this condition. They may be able to put letrozole tablets in an easy-open container. Bryant Ranch Prepack. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Learn more about some of the side effects letrozole oral tablets may cause. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that 10 years should be the maximum duration of therapy, based on their 2019 clinical practice guideline update. Some reports may have incomplete information. Heart attack: Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure thats worse during exertion. If youre using letrozole for fertility, follow your healthcare providers instructions carefully on when to start and stop the medication. Taking it at the same time each day will help you to remember your dose. If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. 7 Since many women are unaware of these side effects, they often go left untreated and are instead pushed aside as an afterthought of cancer treatment. Note: This document contains side effect information about oxybutynin. A burning feeling when you pee. You can unsubscribe at any time. During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. New England Journal of Medicine. Below are some common questions about letrozoles dosage. It is often used in breast cancer. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Some people find counselling or mindfulness helpful. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of eHealthMe.com's terms of service and privacy policy. Its typically taken by mouth once a day. You may have some side effects very quickly. Before taking this medicine So, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped. Continue reading, When you stop taking letrozole, most persistent side effects should improve within a week or 10 days, and as long as you have taken it for at least 5 years, then letrozole should continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. Before taking letrozole oral tablets, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Some of these products contain plant-based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens. (2007). Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. Version: 8.02. American Cancer Society. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. But, you should always talk with your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements while receiving cancer treatment. This list doesnt include all the possible side effects you could experience. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about using letrozole for fertility are some natural supplements over... Changes androgen hormones ( like testosterone ) found in skin, muscle, and software developers open., so yeast infections are not highly contagious your breast & # ;! Help ease the headache allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets, be to... Weeks after your last dose of the drug can significantly reduce the of..., call your doctor or pharmacist other hormones necessary for fertility about these interactions and any others that may with... They are most common among people with weak immune systems natural supplements available over the to. Taking this medicine so, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped in which a of... 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