Uses of Letrozole

Letrozole controls excessive release of a female sex hormone called estrogen in the body, thereby reducing the chances of abnormalities in female sex organs. 

Therapeutic Category

Letrozole: Hormonal Chemotherapeutic agents

How Letrozole works

Letrozole acts by blocking the actions of an enzyme called aromatase in the body which is involved in the production of estrogen (a female sex hormone). This suppresses the release of excessive estrogen (female hormone) in the body that triggers abnormal cell growth in breasts and other health complications in women. 

Common side effects of Letrozole

• hot flushes
• feeling weak or tired
• increased sweating
• joint pain, muscle pain
• skin rash
• headache, dizziness
• nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles, weight gain
• depression
• hair loss, dry skin
• vaginal bleeding
• palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
• high blood cholesterol levels

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• difficulty in breathing, fainting, rapid heart rate, chest pain, bluish skin discoloration, leg, or foot pain
• tendon rupture causing bone pain, inflammation of the tendons
• severe fever, chills, or mouth ulcers due to infections, swelling and redness along a vein which is tender painful when touched, sudden onset of oppressive chest pain
• weakness, or numbness in any part of the body, loss of coordination, nausea, or difficulty in speaking or breathing
• hepatitis (symptoms include loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine, yellow skin and eyes, nausea)

Health Tips for Letrozole

• Letrozole can be taken with or without meals. Strictly follow the dosing schedule as recommended by your doctor. Do not stop therapy with letrozole without consulting your doctor
• While taking letrozole, drink plenty of water to keep your self-hydrated and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as it could increase the risk of side effects
• Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking letrozole, as it may interact with this medicine and lead to unpleasant side effects
• Before taking letrozole, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause serious harm to the growing baby
• You must also inform your doctor if you have any problems in your kidneys or liver or history of any bone problems such as osteoporosis or joint pain