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Femara Information

Femara (Letrozole) is used alone or with other therapies for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) early or advanced breast cancer. It's often used for 5 years or more after surgery. It may also be used to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or unexplained infertility. Many doctors now prefer it over Clomid because it tends to have a lesser thinning effect on the uterine lining compared to Clomid. The active ingredient is letrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In the body, an enzyme called aromatase converts androgens (such as testosterone) into estrogens. Femara binds to this enzyme and blocks that conversion. By lowering estrogen levels, it starves hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells that rely on estrogen to grow. Lowering estrogen levels reduces negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In response, the brain pumps out more follicle-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles and eggs.

Femara Side Effects

Like all medications, letrozole can cause some side effects. Common mild side effects of this medication include abdominal or back pain, anxiety, breast pain, changed sense of taste, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, eye irritation, fatigue, fever, general feeling of being unwell, hair loss, headache, heartburn, hot flushes, increase or loss of appetite, increased sweating, joint stiffness, nausea, night sweats, pain in muscles bones, or joints, rash, spinning sensation, and swelling or puffiness due to retained body fluid. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Blood clot disorders with symptoms like cough, chest pain, calf pain, and shortness of breath;
• Bone fractures;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g., pain or burning sensation in the hands or wrists);
• Heart attack with symptoms like tightness or a feeling of heaviness in your chest or pain radiating to your arms or shoulders;
• High blood pressure;
• High blood sugar with symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, and unexplained weight loss;
• Infection with symptoms like severe fever, chills, mouth ulcers, shortness of breath, sudden lack of energy;
• Liver problems with symptoms like yellow skin and eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine;
• Stroke with symptoms like numbness or weakness in an arm, leg, or any part of the body, loss of coordination, vision changes;
• Urinary tract infection with symptoms like burning when passing urine, blood in the urine, or increased urgency to urinate

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Femara Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to letrozole, other ingredients in Femara, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood clot disorders;
• Bone problems such as osteoporosis;
• Heart disease;
• High blood cholesterol;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Stroke

Dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence (extreme sleepiness) have been reported by some people taking this medication. It is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you see how the medication affects your coordination. For cancer treatment, this medication is specifically indicated for postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, the ovaries are too active for Femara to suppress estrogen on its own effectively. Pregnant women should not use this medication. You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective non-hormonal contraception during therapy and for at least 3 weeks after the final dose. Data on the passage of letrozole into breast milk are limited. If you are breastfeeding and taking letrozole, this may affect your baby. Please consult your doctor to determine if you should continue breastfeeding. This medication should not be used in individuals younger than 18, as its safety and efficacy have not been established in children. Your doctor may request blood tests, such as cholesterol and hormone levels, throughout your treatment with this medication. Before starting Femara, your hormone levels will likely be measured, and they'll be checked again regularly in the first 6 months. Your doctor will also monitor your bone health during your treatment.

Taking other medicines, such as tamoxifen, alongside Femara is generally discouraged. Studies show that tamoxifen can significantly lower the blood concentration of letrozole, potentially reducing treatment effectiveness. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Femara. Swallow tablets whole with water once daily as directed by your doctor or as stated in the medication pack. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. For fertility treatment, follow a five-day course starting in the early part of the menstrual cycle, as directed by your healthcare provider. Food does not interfere with absorption, though taking it with a meal helps if stomach upset occurs. Store the tablets in a dry place at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Femara?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Femara.