Drug Name

Femara (Letrozole)

Drug Uses

Femara is used to treat postmenopausal women with breast cancer that is resistant to the more commonly-used anti-estrogen medications such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex). It also is approved for treating postmenopausal women after surgery who have hormone-sensitive early breast cancer.

How Taken

Take by mouth once daily with or without food or as directed. Do not stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Continue to take your other medications unless instructed otherwise.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Femara is an oral, anti-estrogen drug that is used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The growth of some breast cancers in postmenopausal women is promoted by estrogens that circulate in the blood, and the adrenal glands are the main source of these circulating estrogens. Femara inhibits the enzyme in the adrenal glands (aromatase) that produces the estrogens, estradiol and estrone. Femara was approved by the FDA in 1997.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake as it may increase the side effects of this drug. Caution, performing tasks, requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving), since it is possible this drug may cause drowsiness. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

This drug is generally well tolerated. Fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely, but report promptly: chest pain, stomach pain, trouble breathing, hot flushes, rash, itching. Very unlikely, but report promptly: swelling/redness/weakness/ pain in legs or arms, vision problems, unusual vaginal bleeding. If you notice other effects, not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.