Letrozole is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the breast in postmenopausal women.
This medicine reduces the size of the tumour by stopping cancer cells from growing.
Letrozole may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Letrozole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Letrozole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you still have your menstrual periods as Letrozole may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with Letrozole, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Letrozole.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) or bone fractures
- heart disease
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. heart and liver function, cholesterol levels, bone density) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of shortness of breath and stomach problems may also be needed.
Letrozole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, hair loss, and hot flushes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- stooped or hunched posture, unusual pains or swelling of your fingers, arms or legs
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- birth control pills
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Letrozole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Letrozole is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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