Letrozole

Letrozole reduces estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which can slow the growth of some types of breast tumors that rely on estrogen to grow in the body.

Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women who have been on tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years.

Letrozole may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take letrozole with or without food.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant.

You should not use letrozole if you are allergic to it.

letrozole is only for women who can no longer get pregnant. Letrozole can harm an unborn baby. Do not use it if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause. Continue using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of letrozole. Tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
• osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density);
• high cholesterol; or
• if you also take tamoxifen.

You should not breastfeed while using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of letrozole may include:

• hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest;
• headache, dizziness, weakness;
• bone pain, muscle or joint pain;
• swelling, weight gain;
• increased sweating; or
• increased cholesterol in your blood.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:

2.5 mg orally once a dayDuration of therapy:-Adjuvant and extended adjuvant settings: Optimal duration is unknown; discontinue therapy at relapse.-Advanced disease: Until tumor progression is evident.Uses: -Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer-Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy-First-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer -- Adjuvant:

2.5 mg orally once a dayDuration of therapy:-Adjuvant and extended adjuvant settings: Optimal duration is unknown; discontinue therapy at relapse.-Advanced disease: Until tumor progression is evident.Uses: -Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer-Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy-First-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is coming up soon. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how letrozole will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Other drugs may affect letrozole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.