Letrozole brands and prices in Pakistan

About Letrozole

Letrozole is a hormone (endocrine) tablet for breast cancer. It belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. After the menopause, the body still makes a little oestrogen using an enzyme called aromatase. Letrozole blocks this enzyme, so there is less oestrogen, and breast cancers that need oestrogen to grow are slowed or stopped. It is a prescription medicine that is started and checked by a breast cancer specialist team. Fertility specialists sometimes use it in a different way to help women release an egg.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to letrozole or any ingredient in the tablet.
• For breast cancer, it is meant for people who have been through the menopause. Tell your doctor if you still have periods; the UK medicine leaflet says not to take it in this case, although NHS notes specialists sometimes use it before the menopause.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless it is being used by a fertility specialist to help you get pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have serious liver or kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have thin or brittle bones (osteoporosis) or have broken bones before. Your bone strength will usually be checked with scans.
• Tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol.
• The tablets contain lactose. Tell your doctor if you have been told you cannot digest some sugars.
• Not for children and young people under 18.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medicines for menopause symptoms: do not take them with letrozole, as they can stop it working well
• Herbal remedies or supplements for menopause symptoms: do not take them with letrozole
• Most other medicines are fine with letrozole, but always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are having cancer treatment

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.
• You can take it with or without food. Taking it after food may help if it makes you feel sick.
• Keep taking it even when you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor. Short breaks for side effects such as joint pain are only taken if your specialist agrees.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• If you take too much and feel unwell (for example sick, blurred vision or a fast heartbeat), get medical advice straight away.
• For hot flushes, cut down on spicy food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol, and keep cool with a fan or a cold drink.
• Keep your bones strong with exercise and a healthy diet. Your doctor may also prescribe a bone medicine.
• Do not drive, cycle or use machines if you feel very tired or dizzy, or have blurred vision.
• If your periods come back, use reliable contraception and tell your doctor.
• Keep all blood test, blood pressure and bone scan appointments. Store tablets out of the reach of children and return unused tablets to a pharmacy.

Common questions

How long does letrozole take to work?
It starts lowering oestrogen straight away, but it takes some time to have its full effect. Treatment is usually long term, and your specialist will tell you how long to keep taking it.

Can I drink alcohol while taking letrozole?
NHS advice says there is no evidence that alcohol causes problems with letrozole. Some people find alcohol makes hot flushes or redness worse, so cutting down may help.

Will the side effects go away?
Menopause-like symptoms such as hot flushes are common at first and often ease as your body gets used to the medicine. Tell your doctor or breast care nurse if side effects are hard to cope with. They can suggest help or, if needed, a similar medicine such as anastrozole, exemestane or tamoxifen.

Can letrozole thin my bones?
Yes. Lower oestrogen can weaken bones. Your team will usually check your bone strength with scans before and during treatment, and may prescribe a medicine to protect your bones.

Why would a fertility clinic give me a breast cancer medicine?
In women with PCOS, letrozole can help the ovaries release an egg. An NHS fertility leaflet says it is linked to more ovulation and more live births than clomifene, with fewer twins, but it is used off-label and only under a fertility team that checks your response.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.