* Generic Name: letrozole
* Brand Name: Femara
* What is letrozole (Femara)?
* What are the possible side effects of letrozole (Femara)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
letrozole (Femara)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
letrozole (Femara)?
* How should I take letrozole (Femara)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Femara)?
* What happens if I overdose (Femara)?
* What should I avoid while taking letrozole (Femara)?
* What other drugs will affect letrozole (Femara)?
* Where can I get more information (Femara)?
What is letrozole (Femara)?
Letrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women,
which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need
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 taking tamoxifen
(Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years.
Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of letrozole (Femara)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Common side effects may include:
* dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;
* hot flashes, warmth in your face or chest;
* bone pain, muscle or joint pain;
* flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
* headache;
* increased sweating; or
* swelling, weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about letrozole
(Femara)?
You should not use letrozole if you have not gone completely through
menopause, or if you are pregnant.
Femara Patient Information including How Should I Take
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking letrozole
(Femara)?
You should not use letrozole if you are allergic to it, or if:
* you have not gone completely through menopause; or
* you are pregnant.
Although it is not likely that a postmenopausal woman would be
pregnant, letrozole can harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are
pregnant or may become pregnant. Use effective birth control if you are
not past menopause. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after
your last dose of letrozole. Tell your doctor if you think you may be
pregnant.
To make sure letrozole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
* osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density);
* high cholesterol; or
* if you also take tamoxifen.
It is not known whether letrozole passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are
using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take letrozole (Femara)?
Letrozole is usually taken once per day, or once every other day.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take letrozole with or without food.
While using letrozole, you may need frequent blood tests. Your bone
mineral density may also need to be checked.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Femara Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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Breast Cancer Slideshow
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Breast Cancer Screening
What happens if I miss a dose (Femara)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Femara)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking letrozole (Femara)?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body
fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers.
Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and
linens separately from other laundry.
What other drugs will affect letrozole (Femara)?
Other drugs may interact with letrozole, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your
doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or
stop using.
Where can I get more information (Femara)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about letrozole.
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