Letrozole Patient Tips: 7 things you should know
The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. Based on studies in female animals, letrozole may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1). The following adverse steroids buy online reactions have been identified during postapproval use of letrozole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Yes, you can do several things to help prevent your bones from weakening during breast cancer treatment.
Does Femara interact with my other drugs?
Disease-free survival by hormone receptor status, nodal status and adjuvant chemotherapy were similar to the overall results. This indicates that the blockade of estrogen biosynthesis does not lead to accumulation of androgenic precursors. Plasma levels of LH and FSH were not affected by letrozole in patients, nor was thyroid function as evaluated by TSH levels, T3 uptake, and T4 levels. Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs.
The mechanism by which letrozole might cause liver injury is not known. Letrozole is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system and is a strong inhibitor of CYP 2A6 and to a lesser extent CYP 2C19. However, it has not been linked to clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Liver injury from letrozole might arise as a result of a toxic or immunogenic metabolite.
- If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
- Long-term use of letrozole may negatively impact your bone density, which increases your risk of fractures.
- It’s possible to become pregnant while taking letrozole even if your periods have stopped with ovarian suppression.
- These success stories highlight its efficacy, especially for those who have not responded to other fertility treatments like Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid).
Updated Analyses Of Extended Adjuvant Treatment Of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration
Subjects with cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment who were dosed with 2.5 mg of Femara experienced approximately twice theexposure to Femara as healthy volunteers with normal liver function see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Therefore, a dose reductionis recommended for this patient population. The effect of hepatic impairment on Femara exposure in cancer patients with elevatedbilirubin levels has not been determined see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Coadministration of Femara and tamoxifen 20 mg daily resulted in a reduction of letrozole plasma levels of 38% on average (studyP015). Clinical experience in the second-line breast cancer trials (AR/BC2 and AR/BC3) indicates that the therapeutic effect ofFemara therapy is not impaired if Femara is administered immediately after tamoxifen. Based on a median follow-up of patients for 28 months,the incidence of clinical fractures from the core randomized study in patientswho received Femara was 5.9% (152) and placebo was 5.5% (142).
A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. These symptoms usually improve or become easier to manage over time. You may wish to discuss this with your treatment team or GP, or ask the pharmacist who dispenses your prescriptions if they can supply you with letrozole from the manufacturer you feel suits you the best. CCO is the Ontario government’s principal advisor on the cancer and renal systems, and access to care for key health services. Learn how Elsevier can support you in providing care to patients. Since fatigue and dizziness have been observed with the use of letrozole and somnolence was uncommonly reported, caution is advised when driving or using machinery see Warnings and Precautions (5.4).
Letrozole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking letrozole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. 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.
The megestrol acetate controlled study was doubleblind;the other study was open label. Selected baseline characteristics for each study are shown in Table 16. In total, 36% ofpatients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. More adverse reactions were generally reported inelderly patients irrespective of study treatment allocation.