What is this medication for?
Letrozole belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It fights breast cancer by stopping an enzyme known as aromatase. This prevents the enzyme from supplying the estrogen that allows certain types of breast cancers to grow and survive.
Letrozole can be used to treat advanced breast cancer that depends on estrogen to grow in women who are past menopause. This includes those women who are no longer getting the beneficial effects of anti-estrogen medications such as tamoxifen. Letrozole can also reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back in postmenopausal women who have estrogen-positive early stage breast cancer, including those who have been successfully treated and who have completed 5 years of tamoxifen therapy.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Femara® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of letrozole is 2.5 mg once daily taken at the same time each day, with or without food. To lower the risk of nausea or vomiting, take the medication after a meal.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Letrozole should not be used by anyone who is allergic to letrozole or to any of the ingredients of the medication.