Letrozole

Letrozole

Letrozole has gained significant popularity in recent years. This powerful drug belongs to a group called aromatase inhibitors. The World Health Organisation recognises its importance and lists it among its Essential Medicines.

Doctors first used letrozole tablets to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letrozole's use has grown beyond cancer treatment since then. According to a study, letrozole tablets are also effective in triggering ovulation in women with PCOS. Recent research suggests that medications work well for unexplained infertility.

This article covers everything patients should know about letrozole medicine. You will learn about how it works, the right way to take it, and what side effects to watch for.

What is Letrozole?

Letrozole tablets are powerful medications that belong to a class of aromatase inhibitors. These tablets contain 2.5 mg of the active ingredient and block an enzyme called aromatase that produces oestrogen in the body.

The medication reduces oestrogen production by up to 99%, which stops hormones that can propel the development of certain cancers. The tablets need storage at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F.

Letrozole Uses

Doctors prescribe this medication to post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The medication serves several purposes:

• Treatment of early breast cancer after other treatments
• First and second-line therapy for advanced breast cancer
• Extended treatment after completing tamoxifen therapy
• Fertility treatment to induce ovulation, particularly for polycystic ovary syndrome

How and When to Use Letrozole Tablets

• The recommended dose is one 2.5mg tablet daily, which you can take with or without food. 
• Breast cancer treatment typically lasts about 5 years but might extend to 10 years. 
• Fertility treatments require taking the tablet for five days between days 2-6 of your menstrual cycle.

Side Effects of Letrozole Tablets

Common side effects include:

• Hot flashes and increased sweating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness and headaches
• High cholesterol

Serious side effects are:

• Bone density loss
• Heart problems
• Allergic reactions

Precautions

• This medication does not suit premenopausal women or pregnant individuals. 
• The medication might affect your alertness, so you should avoid driving until you understand its effects. 
• Your doctor needs to monitor your bone density and cholesterol levels regularly during treatment.

How Letrozole Tablet Works

Letrozole belongs to the aromatase inhibitor family and blocks oestrogen production. The tablet attaches to the heme group of the aromatase enzyme and stops it from converting androgens into oestrogens. This action reduces oestrogen levels by more than 99%. Oestrogen can stimulate certain breast cancers to grow, which makes this reduction vital. Letrozole stands apart from older medications through its high selectivity and doesn't affect other essential hormones like cortisol or aldosterone.

Can I Take Letrozole with Other Medicines?

You should not combine letrozole with:

• Certain live vaccines
• Cimetidine
• Herbal remedies for menopause symptoms 
• Oestrogen-containing products 
• Tamoxifen
• Warfarin

Dosing Information

Take one 2.5mg tablet daily with or without food. Breast cancer treatment typically continues for 5 years, maybe even extending to 10 years. Patients with severe liver problems may need lower doses. Your body reaches steady medication levels after 2-6 weeks.

Conclusion

Letrozole is a remarkable medication that changes lives for many patients. This powerful aromatase inhibitor blocks oestrogen production and proves valuable for cancer treatment and fertility improvement. The drug was first developed to treat breast cancer, but now helps thousands of women who don't deal very well with ovulation disorders, especially when you have PCOS.

The medication causes major hormonal changes in your body. You will need careful medical supervision while taking it. Doctors use regular check-ups to monitor your bone density, cholesterol levels and other vital health markers during treatment.

These tablets give hope to many people fighting hormone-sensitive breast cancer or dealing with fertility issues. Your success depends on following dosage guidelines carefully and keeping open communication with doctors throughout your treatment.

FAQs

1. Is letrozole high risk?

Letrozole comes with a manageable safety profile. However, it could raise blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. Letrozole might affect your bone density as time passes. Your doctor can manage these risks through regular bone health and cholesterol monitoring.

2. How long does letrozole take to work?

Your body starts responding to letrozole right after the first dose. Cancer treatment patients notice symptom improvements within several weeks as their bodies adjust. Fertility treatment patients typically experience ovulation 5-10 days after completing the five-day course.

3. What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose once you remember it. The best approach is to skip the missed dose and stick to your regular schedule if your next dose is due within 2-3 hours. Your body needs a consistent dosage, so never double up to compensate for a missed dose.

4. What happens if I overdose?

Letrozole overdose can cause nausea, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. You should call emergency services right away if you suspect an overdose.

5. Who cannot take letrozole?

These groups should not take letrozole:

• Pregnant women or those trying to conceive
• Premenopausal women (unless with ovarian suppression)
• People with severe liver impairment
• Anyone with known allergies to the medication

6. When should I take letrozole?

Your body responds best to letrozole taken at the same time daily—morning, midday or evening. This consistency maintains proper medication levels in your bloodstream and helps the treatment work better.

7. How many days to take letrozole?

Breast cancer patients typically continue treatment for 5-10 years. Fertility treatment follows a standard five-day regimen early in the menstrual cycle, usually days 2-6.

8. When to stop letrozole?

Patients with breast cancer typically take letrozole for 5 years, though doctors might recommend extending it to 10 years based on specific cases. Never stop your letrozole treatment without talking to your doctor first. 

9. Is it safe to take letrozole daily?

Yes, it is safe to take letrozole every day. Take your prescribed dose exactly—don't make changes to your dosage or treatment duration without your doctor's guidance. 

10. What is the best time to take letrozole?

Letrozole works effectively whether you take it in the morning, afternoon or evening. Picking a consistent time that matches your daily schedule is vital. This consistency helps maintain steady medicine levels in your body.

11. What to avoid when taking letrozole?

Avoid:

• Oestrogen products including hormone replacement therapy
• Herbal remedies to treat menopause symptoms
• High-fat dairy products that could raise cholesterol
• Too much alcohol