(2009). Call your doctor if you think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets. . But it can impact some of side effects of the drug. So, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped. More than 25% of people reported joint pain in letrozoles clinical trials. You may take letrozole with or without food. For breast cancer, the recommended letrozole dosage is one 2.5-mg tablet once daily. But its also sometimes prescribed to help treat other PCOS-related conditions, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Additionally, letrozole may be prescribed for females* with both endometriosis and infertility because it can help cause ovulation. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) that can be used to induce ovulation in patients with irregular ovulation patterns or those who suffer from anovulation. When is the best time of day to take letrozole? Letrozole isnt a chemotherapy drug. It may also cause the level of cholesterol in the blood to rise, although this doesnt usually need treatment. Before taking letrozole oral tablets, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Stop using OXYTROL immediately and get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms. I have been on Anastrozole for 3 years and bladder pain has become my top issue. If dizziness persists see your GP. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Tell your doctor if you think you may be pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of letrozole. If you have liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose. Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. In fact, this was a common side effect in studies of letrozole. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. For other home remedies for quick headache relief, check out this article. Bone loss can be prevented with calcium and vitamin D. The most common way to increase levels of calcium and vitamin D is by consuming them. Without it, bone loss often happens (more about this next). Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Sign up for our GoodRx Diet and Nutrition Newsletter to receive the latest healthy eating advice, recipes, and savings that are most relevant to you. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. Alcohol isnt known to interact with letrozole. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Take calcium and vitamin D as you were told by your doctor. Your reactions could be impaired. Recently, it has been utilized in infertile pre-menopausal women because of its ability to enhance FSH production for ovulation induction. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006): Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole on the serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Some reports may have incomplete information. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Usually, letrozole is prescribed for endometriosis after other treatments havent worked. These can occur in more than 1 in 10 women who take letrozole. Some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients (for example preservatives). Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. About 30% of people reported hot flashes when using letrozole for breast cancer. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. Using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), may help with joint pain. If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. This includes the side effect hypogonadism (a condition in which the body doesnt produce many, or any, sex hormones.). Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. Letrozole lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. Heart attack or stroke: Over time, high cholesterol can raise your risk of more serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. Letrozole is a hormone therapy for breast cancer. However, for some people they may cause distress and disrupt everyday life. Aching or pain in the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and longer lasting. Many people feel low or depressed. There isn't much you can do about the raised blood sugars caused by the Letrozole, and you will have to take the Letrozole for either 5 or 10 years. Stroke: Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness on one side of the body, facial changes, or difficulty speaking. Letrozole belongs to the class of medicines known as aromatase inhibitors. If you miss a dose, do not double your dose the next day. Specifically, its called an aromatase inhibitor. Coping with the side effects of letrozole Talk with your doctor if you have questions about taking this drug for breast cancer. Letrozole has some serious side effects. Also, you can apply an ice pack or heat pad to your head to help ease the headache. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 39,784 people who have side effects when taking Letrozole from the FDA, and is updated regularly. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Oxytrol. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how letrozole affects you. Trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Breast cancer can cause breast pain, but its not common. Check whether Urinary tract infection is associated with a drug or a condition, Urinary tract infection and drugs with ingredients of letrozole, Agranulocytosis (a deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection), Urinary tract infection in Moderna COVID Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Pfizer BioNTech Covid Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Johnson and Johnson Covid Vaccine, Plan B and Lithium Carbonate drug interaction, Lung Cancer Metastatic and Metastases To Meninges, Folic Acid and Fluvastatin Sodium drug interaction, Nicotinamide and Aripiprazole drug interaction, Gaviscon and Blood Alkaline Phosphatase Increased, Vitamins and Mibelas 24 Fe drug interaction. Clomid is no longer available, but its generic version, clomiphene, is still available. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Hormone therapy for breast cancer. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Urinary tract infection. You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. eHealthMe is studying from 40,330 Letrozole users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more. So, check with your doctor about the dosage of letrozole for infertility thats recommended for you. Sometimes, you may be prescribed letrozole after youve taken tamoxifen for 5 years. Its a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. (PCOS can affect ovulation, and its one of the more common causes of infertility in females. Food doesnt interact with letrozole. In studies, joint pain was a common side effect of letrozole. This includes cancer cells. Its a very common side effect of breast cancer treatment and may affect you physically and emotionally. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking letrozole. Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac arrhythmia tachycardia, vasodilation, hypertension, flushing, Very common (10% or more): Dry skin, pruritus, Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypohidrosis[Ref], Postmarketing reports: Decreased lactation[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 72%), constipation (up to 15%), nausea, Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort, Frequency not reported: Pseudo-obstruction in patients at risk (elderly or patients with constipation and treated with other drugs that decrease intestinal motility), decreased GI motility[Ref], The most common (incidence 5% or greater) adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness. Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, may be recommended for up to 10 years depending on your individual circumstances. Using a wrist splint can help. Letrozole and other drugs in the same group of medications commonly cause joint pain and stiffness. Letrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. This article looks at 8 home remedies, including probiotics, natural yogurt, and tea tree oil. But be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping this drug. If dizziness persists see your GP. Learn more. When used for infertility, about 22% of people reported feeling tired. Femara ( letrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. You may have some side effects very quickly. Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Unlike letrozole, clomiphene is approved for this use. Your bone density may be checked every two to three years while youre taking letrozole, depending on the results from the initial scan or whether your specialist has any concerns. They may be able to offer ways of improving your symptoms. They work by decreasing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. Letrozole oral tablets are a generic drug, which means theyre an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. But, before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacists. This rapid growth of cells can cause a tumor to form in your breast. They may be able to put letrozole tablets in an easy-open container. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. Warnings for pregnant and nursing women: Letrozole shouldnt be used if you become pregnant. Note: In some cases, such as if you have severe liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a letrozole dosage of 2.5 mg every other day. Common side effects can be like menopause symptomsand include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and low mood. letrozole is for use only in women who can no longer get pregnant. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to oxybutynin: oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel. All information is observation-only. Find out more aboutlooking after your bones and osteoporosis . Added to Saved items. A scan to check the strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole. Since inflammation may be associated with joint pain, adding turmeric (mixed with freshly ground black pepper and olive oil for bioavailability) to foods or taking supplements may help relieve symptoms. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. 2. Before taking this medicine Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. There are CDs, podcasts and phone apps that can guide you through these techniques. Available for Android and iOS devices. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread beyond your breast or lymph nodes in your armpits.). Cancer-related fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesnt go away with rest or sleep. Its used to treat certain forms of: To learn more about these conditions and how letrozole treats them, see the What is letrozole used for? section below. Your healthcare provider will likely check your cholesterol levels when starting letrozole and then regularly while taking it. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. They may recommend ways to help reduce the pain. 1. If you think you have fatigue, tell your GP or treatment team. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. You can unsubscribe at any time. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. If your appetite increases it may affect your weight. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Its not mentioned how much weight people gained or lost during these studies. The brand-name medication that letrozole oral tablets are based on is called Femara. If you have been given bisphosphonates (see below) as part of your treatment you will not need a scan. Letrozole stops your body from making the hormone estrogen. This drug may cause weak bones. Sold under the brand name Femara, letrozole was originally created to treat breast cancer. Letrozole versus clomiphene for infertility in the polycystic ovary syndrome. Fatigue was felt by almost 10% of people taking letrozole for breast cancer. Letrozole is also prescribed off-label for certain types of infertility. These act as chemical messengers and help control the activity of cells and organs. It is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years. Find out more aboutmenopausal symptomsorsex and intimacy. 1. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. More serious side effects are possible, including bone fractures and complications from high cholesterol. To learn more, visit their websites. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels that: Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesnt. (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat another condition.) Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. They work by killing cells in your body that quickly multiply (make more cells). But if you think youre having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. Serious side effects from letrozole oral tablets can occur, but they arent common. osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density); You should not breastfeed while you are using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Letrozole is used to treat the following types of breast cancer: Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen in your body. They can also answer other questions related to using this drug for infertility. DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Bone pain, joint pain or muscle ache. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with letrozole oral tablets. Also, if youre having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. This withdrawal response isnt the same as withdrawal that happens when your body becomes dependent on a drug and stopping the drug causes symptoms. Phytoestrogens act like estrogen in the body. It is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. 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 (Femara) is FDA approved for certain types of breast cancer. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. So while they might improve hot flashes, they could interfere with how letrozole works. Below are some common questions about letrozoles dosage. 4. These effects are called interactions. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. You may find eating small frequent meals or snacks helps keep up your food intake. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This may raise the chance of broken bones. In certain situations, if letrozole has stopped working for you, your doctor may have you stop taking it in order to cause a withdrawal response.. If you're worried about any long term side effects after stopping letrozole, speak to your treatment team or GP. All rights reserved. This means you can also have side effects from it right away. You may feel like your heart is racing (heart palpitations) when taking letrozole, which is more common in older people. If fatigue happens while youre using letrozole, try taking your dose at night. Take one 2.5 mg letrozole tablet every day. If this letrozole side effect becomes too bothersome, speak with your healthcare provider. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Letrozole is a medication used for breast cancer and infertility. It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (eg, tamoxifen). For information about drug-condition interactions, see Other warnings in the What should be considered before taking letrozole? section below. Let your doctor know about your missed period and your test results. 39,784 people reported to have side effects when taking Letrozole. GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. These could include weakened bones, for example. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. Serious side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: Letrozole starts working right away in your body after you begin taking it. Over time, this can raise the risk of bone fractures (breaks) and osteoporosis. You may have questions about letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of letrozole oral tablets. Examples of OTC medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drugs container. Some of these can happen when common side effects go unchecked: Bone fractures: As discussed above, bone loss that happens with the long-term use of letrozole can lead to bone fractures. However, the ovarian follicle's response to FSH is only a part of the endocrine events occurring in a developing follicle. High levels in liver disease: Letrozole is broken down by liver enzymes. Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful. These drugs include: This list doesnt contain all types of drugs that may interact with letrozole oral tablets. Burstein, H. J. Make note of all your symptoms. What happens when you stop taking letrozole? Continue reading, When you stop taking letrozole, most persistent side effects should improve within a week or 10 days, and as long as you have taken it for at least 5 years, then letrozole should continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation. If you notice this or any other swelling, let your GP know. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. If you have any worries or questions about taking or stopping letrozole, you can call us free on 0808 800 6000 to talk through your concerns. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. With this interaction, tamoxifen can reduce how well letrozole works. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. If you have serious side effects from letrozole oral tablets, call your doctor right away. Speak to your GP or treatment team if you have any of these symptoms. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. Heart attack: Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure thats worse during exertion. Letrozole oral tablets can interact with several types of drugs. Some people find counselling or mindfulness helpful. (2022). Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. The tablets come in one strength: 2.5 milligrams (mg). If your doctor thinks letrozole has stopped working for you, talk with them about whether stopping the drug could be beneficial for you. Your GP or specialist can refer you for counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug. Whether youve been prescribed letrozole for breast cancer or infertility, you may be wondering about what side effects to expect. You shouldnt take letrozole while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. If you experience any of the following symptoms contact your local A&E department, GP or treatment team straight away: Side effects caused by letrozole will be different for each person. Blood clots can be harmful but are treatable so its important to report symptoms as soon as possible. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. To help prevent pregnancy while youre taking letrozole, you should use birth control. It can also be a side effect of immunotherapy medications. But sometimes, metformin is given together with clomiphene to help treat infertility in females with PCOS. You should also continue to use birth control for at least 3 weeks after you stop treatment. Estrogen may also play a role in how the nerves perceive pain. Relaxation exercises can also be helpful. If your bones are already beginning to show signs of thinning or if you already have osteoporosis, you may be given another drug to increase bone density and strength. The cells may even spread to other parts of your body. Data are scarce concerning the influence of these drugs on serum lipid levels. Even if you transfer Candida onto another person, they likely won't develop a yeast infection unless they are already prone to the condition. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Nausea and vomiting Letrozole may also make you feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting). Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. tamoxifen, which is another breast cancer medication. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs. By taking proactive steps, like healthy eating and exercise, you may be able to prevent or manage weight gain from letrozole. Bone fractures: Sudden pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb may be signs of a bone fracture. Ditropan (oxybutynin)." If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxybutynin: Some side effects of oxybutynin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Overall, most serious fungal infections are rare, but they do happen. Warnings You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. A physiotherapist may also be able to suggest exercises to help. American Cancer Society. Letrozole is in the class of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Common side effects of Oxytrol include: local pruritus. What should be considered before taking letrozole? Certain types of breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow. 3. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. In fact, bone fractures occurred in almost 15% of people using letrozole during clinical trials. Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do. Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP. So, if your doctor prescribes letrozole for medical uses, you should not take it for other purposes such as bodybuilding or PCT. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits athletes in competitive sports from using letrozole for non-approved uses. Studies havent shown metformin to be useful when used by itself for infertility. This list doesnt include all the possible side effects you could experience. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. , . (2016). Dosage form: oral tablet (2.5 mg) Check out these articles to learn more about foods that are rich in calcium and food that are high in vitamin D. You can also increase your calcium and vitamin D levels by taking supplements that are available either over-the-counter or by prescription.