Brand name: Femara
Generic name: Letrozole

What is Femara (Letrozole)?

Femara 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.

Femara 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.

Femara may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What is the most important information I should know about letrozole?

Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

There may be other drugs that can affect letrozole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using letrozole?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to letrozole, or if you have not gone completely through menopause. Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. FDA pregnancy category D: This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use letrozole if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether letrozole passes into breast milk. Do not take letrozole if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take letrozole?

Take letrozole exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Femara is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Femara can be taken with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store letrozole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of letrozole is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking letrozole?

Femara can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Femara side effects

Stop using letrozole and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest;
• headache, muscle or joint pain;
• night sweats;
• weight gain;
• fatigue, feeling weak;
• nausea; or
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect letrozole?

There may be other drugs that can affect letrozole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.