Letrozole
Letrozole, also known by its brand name Femara, is a medication that lowers the production of estrogen in the body. It is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, as well as to induce ovulation in women with fertility problems.
Letrozole belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts other hormones into estrogen. By blocking aromatase, letrozole reduces the amount of estrogen in the body. This can slow down or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive breast tumors that depend on estrogen to grow.
Letrozole can also stimulate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones are responsible for stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs. By increasing the levels of FSH and LH, letrozole can help women who have irregular or absent ovulation to ovulate and increase their chances of getting pregnant.
How to use letrozole
- Letrozole is usually taken once a day, with or without food.
- The dose of letrozole depends on the condition being treated and the response to the medication. The usual dose for breast cancer is 2.5 mg per day. The usual dose for ovulation induction is 2.5 mg to 7.5 mg per day for 5 days, starting on the third or fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
- Letrozole should be taken at the same time each day.
- Letrozole should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have not gone through menopause.
- Letrozole should not be used with tamoxifen, another hormonal therapy drug for breast cancer, as they may interfere with each other’s effects.
- Letrozole may interact with other medications, such as warfarin, phenytoin, rifampin, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting letrozole.
Side effects of letrozole
- Letrozole may cause some side effects, such as hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dizziness, and mood changes.
- Letrozole may also increase the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss), high cholesterol, liver problems, and heart problems. Your doctor may monitor your bone density, blood cholesterol, liver function, and heart function while you are taking letrozole.
- Letrozole may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Be careful until you know how letrozole affects you.
- If you experience any serious or unusual side effects, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs or ankles, signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat), signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine), signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives), or signs of a blood clot (pain or swelling in the leg or arm), contact your doctor immediately.
Price comparison of letrozole
| Country | Brand name | Price per tablet (USD) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Femara | 10.23 | Drugs.com |
| Canada | Femara | 3.17 | PharmacyChecker.com |
| UK | Femara | 1.96 | Medicines.org.uk |
| Australia | Femara | 1.77 | PBS.gov.au |
| India | Letroz | 0.32 | Medindia.net |
Top 5 global brands of letrozole
- Femara (Novartis)
- Letroz (Sun Pharma)
- Trozet (Cipla)
- Letroxyl (Kalpa Pharmaceuticals)
- Letrofil (Biochem Pharma)
Conclusion
Letrozole is a medication that can be used to treat breast cancer and ovulation problems in postmenopausal women. It works by lowering the levels of estrogen in the body and stimulating the production of eggs in the ovaries. Letrozole has some side effects and interactions that need to be monitored by a doctor. Letrozole is available in different brands and prices in different countries.