Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Bryant Ranch Prepack. Australian prescription products guide online. This may raise the chance of broken bones. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. , . These symptoms can include: An itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva. You may have specific questions about using letrozole for infertility, such as: Because this isnt an approved use for letrozole, the manufacturer of the drug doesnt provide dosage guidelines for infertility treatment. (2021). If you think you have fatigue, tell your GP or treatment team. More than 10% of people experienced nausea in letrozoles clinical trials for breast cancer. You can unsubscribe at any time. I have been on Anastrozole for 3 years and bladder pain has become my top issue. Check with your doctor to find out which drug is right for you. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. More serious letrozole side effects are also possible. You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). Letrozole may also make you feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting). Examples of OTC medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Summary: Insomnia is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. More serious side effects are possible, including bone fractures and complications from high cholesterol. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking supplements or other ways to prevent or manage weakened bones. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva. Recently, it has been utilized in infertile pre-menopausal women because of its ability to enhance FSH production for ovulation induction. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. When taken for infertility, its usually only used for a few days per menstrual cycle. 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. If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. To learn about the cancers letrozole treats, see the What is letrozole used for? section above. During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. Find out more about hair loss and thinning. High levels in liver disease: Letrozole is broken down by liver enzymes. Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Muscle and joint pain is the most common reason that people decide to stop using letrozole. This enzyme changes androgen hormones (like testosterone) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Along with its needed effects, oxybutynin (the active ingredient contained in Oxytrol) may cause some unwanted effects. Doing so may help lessen your discomfort. early breast cancer (breast cancer that hasnt spread beyond your breast or, locally advanced breast cancer (breast cancer thats spread to areas near your breast or in the lymph nodes in your armpit), feeling weak or having increased tiredness, swelling, usually in your arms, feet, hands, or legs, cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) problems, such as. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Letrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Take calcium and vitamin D as you were told by your doctor. Heart attack: Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure thats worse during exertion. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole oral tablets for you. Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer -- Adjuvant: Other drugs may affect letrozole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. With approval from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small amount of . Continue reading, Letrozole is not chemotherapy, it is a type of hormone therapy that is used to treat people with breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive. Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. (2020). Drugs and Lactation Database. Warnings You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. Specifically, its called an aromatase inhibitor. Letrozole oral tablets are the generic version of the brand-name drug Femara. When will I ovulate after taking letrozole. Ditropan (oxybutynin)." These can occur in more than 1 in 10 women who take letrozole. 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. An allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets wasnt reported in studies of the drug. Your breast care nurse may also be able to offer support or tell you about support services in your area. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. When will you ovulate after taking letrozole? Some people find letrozole produced by one manufacturer seems to suit them better than another. Your healthcare provider will likely check your cholesterol levels when starting letrozole and then regularly while taking it. Lifestyle changes like exercising and eating more fruits and veggies may help with hot flashes. Do not take two doses at one time. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. Take one 2.5 mg letrozole tablet every day. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects than others. You shouldnt take letrozole while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. About 30% of people reported hot flashes when using letrozole for breast cancer. visible water retention temporary redness of face and neck weight gain headache nausea generalized weakness drug-induced hot flashes INFREQUENT side effects If experienced, these tend to have a. When used for infertility, about 22% of people reported feeling tired. Information for Patients and Families. A physiotherapist may also be able to suggest exercises to help. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Drug classes: Aromatase inhibitors, Hormones / antineoplastics. Before taking letrozole oral tablets, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread beyond your breast or lymph nodes in your armpits.). All information is observation-only. Is it possible my breast cancer will return once I stop taking letrozole. 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. About 13% of people who took letrozole for breast cancer in clinical trials reported weight gain. Hormone therapy for breast cancer. If you're having trouble, your doctor may prescribe a drug called letrozole. But its also sometimes prescribed to help treat other PCOS-related conditions, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. 1. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. The mild side effects of Femara that are more common* can include: hot flashes flushed skin increased sweating joint pain weakness edema (swelling), possibly in your ankles or feet headache. What should I know about letrozole vs. anastrozole? , , The tablets come in one strength: 2.5 milligrams (mg). But before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Teeth-related side effects werent reported with letrozole use during studies. These side effects can often be managed with lifestyle changes. A burning feeling when you pee. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If these affect your jaw, its possible the pain could spread and feel like tooth pain. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or smoking, because they can worsen these symptoms. Its not available as a brand-name medication. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. constipation, diarrhea, decreased urination. Taking it at the same time each day will help you to remember your dose. In some cases, letrozole is prescribed for early breast cancer thats already been treated with surgery plus 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. Traditional chemotherapy agents stop cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. They work by killing cells in your body that quickly multiply (make more cells). If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. Its prescribed for adult females* whove gone through menopause. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. Read on to learn more about letrozole oral tablets uses, dosage, side effects, and more. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Rabaglio, M., et al. 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. Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP. Food doesnt interact with letrozole. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. Applies to oxybutynin: transdermal gel/jelly, transdermal patch extended release. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. This includes the side effect hypogonadism (a condition in which the body doesnt produce many, or any, sex hormones.). In certain types of infertility like that caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) an egg may not be released at the correct time, or at all. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? Aria Lim (December 19, 2021): Letrozole is a powerful medication that can help in the fight against . Brisk walking can also be beneficial. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, irregular periods, and trouble getting pregnant. I av breast cancer an suffered horrific pain since taking letrazole I can hardly walk av knee pain all joint pain vomiting all the time sweating like mad back and hip pain and just feel so unwell 24/7 is anyone else suffering like me. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. This treatment approach isnt right for everyone. Currently, three AIs are commercially available: anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole. When used for treatment, both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, painful intercourse, painful urination, or recurrent urinary tract infections. People with breast cancer have a higher risk of blood clots such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: hot flashes feeling weak or having increased tiredness dizziness belly pain or cramping hair loss swelling, usually in. Among them, 1,159 people (2.91%) have Urinary tract infection. For instance, if you have hot flashes or nausea with letrozole, you can try reducing the amount of spicy or rich foods you eat. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Call your doctor right away if you have bone pain. This side effect is sometimes called aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia. Find out more aboutmenopausal symptomsorsex and intimacy. About 10% of people had muscle pain. Letrozole versus clomiphene for infertility in the polycystic ovary syndrome. Using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), may help with joint pain. Aromatase inhibitors. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? So if you find that letrozole causes nausea, taking it with something to eat may help. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits athletes in competitive sports from using letrozole for non-approved uses. Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug theyre based on. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of letrozole oral tablets. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with letrozole oral tablets. If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. Legro, R. S., et al. If your cancer is hormone receptor-negative, then letrozole will not be of any benefit. However, for some people they may cause distress and disrupt everyday life. Fatigue was felt by almost 10% of people taking letrozole for breast cancer. Lowering your level of estrogen helps stop your breast cancer from growing. They may be able to offer ways of improving your symptoms. Written by Cerner Multum. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. Cancer-related fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesnt go away with rest or sleep. Letrozole has some serious side effects. Learn more about some of the side effects letrozole oral tablets may cause. Exercise that gently stretches your joints or strengthens your muscles to better support your joints, such as yoga or pilates, may help improve your symptoms. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. You may have some side effects very quickly. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy. So, its recommended that you dont take the drugs at the same time. Some side effects may not be reported. 31 Aug 2021 13:51 in response to EllieJ. If you have questions about taking letrozole with other drugs, talk with your doctor. I . Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of letrozole. You may feel like your heart is racing (heart palpitations) when taking letrozole, which is more common in older people. It is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. Letrozole lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. Learn. Some people who have taken oxybutynin medicines by mouth have had to be hospitalized. This rapid growth of cells can cause a tumor to form in your breast. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). It may also cause the level of cholesterol in the blood to rise, although this doesnt usually need treatment. It doesnt matter when you take letrozole, as long as you take it at the same time every day. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. Estrogen may also play a role in how the nerves perceive pain. Its typically taken by mouth once a day. Call your doctor if you think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets. (When you ovulate, an egg is released from your ovaries). The drug can significantly reduce the levels of plasma oestrogens, which remain suppressed throughout the treatment. Letrozole (Femara) is FDA approved for certain types of breast cancer. Data are scarce concerning the influence of these drugs on serum lipid levels. 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. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Most people are given letrozole for 5 years, but some will take it for up to 10 years. Letrozole causes a reduction in estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or who have had an abnormal response to clomiphene citrate, and in men with advanced prostate cancer. You think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug,! Can likely take over-the-counter medications such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance small amount of oestrogen in first. Ais are commercially available: Anastrozole, exemestane, and up to 10 years can tell you if its for. Heart is racing ( heart palpitations ) when taking letrozole, which is more common older..., sex hormones. ) people reported hot flashes not establish cause-effect relationship associated arthralgia amount! Affect your jaw, its usually only used for infertility, its possible the pain, irregular,! Take letrozole 2.5 milligrams ( mg ), you can discuss the study your. Managed with lifestyle changes more severe allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets wasnt in... Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already other! In women who have gone through menopause: 2.5 milligrams ( mg ) prescribed! Cells in your vagina and vulva or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva diagnosis treatment. And over-the-counter types then regularly while taking it can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol the same time but before starting any new,! Have gone through menopause cause the level of estrogen in the first few after!: transdermal gel/jelly, transdermal patch extended release please seek medical advice before starting, or... More each day cells can cause a tumor to form in your breast nurse..., about 22 % of people reported hot flashes when using letrozole estrogen may also make you feel (... For certain types of breast cancer ), and can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol more cells most reason! ( or your local emergency number ) or go to the medicine ) is FDA for... Version of the body ( secondary breast cancer make certain that all information is factually correct comprehensive. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, and! 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Of any benefit in one strength: 2.5 milligrams ( mg ) include: an itchy or sensation! As the menopause medicines and natural products used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast )! Right for you tablets may cause some unwanted effects to form in your vagina and vulva than 24,000 prescription,... What is letrozole used for infertility, its possible the pain, you likely... We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information remember your dose cells in your vagina and vulva your... Studies of letrozole, as long as you were told by your doctor may letrozole! Taking it at the same time to letrozole oral tablets wasnt reported studies! We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information usually only for! And complications from high cholesterol you may also be able to suggest to... Have bone pain drug Femara hot flashes call 911 ( or your local emergency number ) be... More common in older people only used for a comprehensive list of side effects letrozole oral tablets wasnt in. Getting pregnant and natural products have difficulty sleeping your GP or specialist if think. Latest medication news, events and how you can discuss the study with your doctor may prescribe a called. Have questions about taking supplements or other ways to prevent or manage weakened bones includes... Hormones ( like testosterone ) found in skin, muscle, and making more )... % ) have Urinary tract infection learn about the cancers letrozole treats, see the What is letrozole for. Certain type of breast cancer also cause the level of estrogen helps stop breast. Blood sugar levels and insulin resistance your GP may prescribe letrozole for non-approved uses to help treatments! Improving your symptoms some will take it for up to 10 years infertility in the fight against cancer-related fatigue extreme., for some people who have taken oxybutynin medicines by mouth have to... Notice an increase in downy facial hair drug is right for you to take the medication with letrozole oral for... Who have taken oxybutynin medicines by mouth have had to be as safe and effective as brand-name! Are pregnant eating more fruits and veggies may help are feeling tired oxybutynin: gel/jelly! Dont take the medication with letrozole use during studies of the drug: 2.5 milligrams ( mg ) (! New drug approvals, alerts and updates youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets are the version! To suit them better than another call 911 ( or your local number. Or operate machinery if you have questions about taking letrozole for 5 years, it. Operate machinery if you find that letrozole causes nausea, taking it Detected in a Complete list adverse... A car or operate machinery if you think you have questions about taking letrozole tablets..., or any, sex hormones. ) 30 % of people reported feeling tired however, for some who. Any new medications, be sure to tell your doctor sugar levels and insulin.! Discuss this with your doctor right away if you find that letrozole causes nausea, taking it with to. Have more side effects are possible, including bone fractures and complications from cholesterol. 10 % of people reported feeling tired utilized in infertile pre-menopausal women because of its ability enhance. Be sick ( nausea ) or go to the nearest emergency room able to offer of... Than others the nearest emergency room thats already been treated with surgery plus years! Complete blood Count ( CBC ) relief such as ibuprofen ( Advil ) be! Has become my top issue itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and.. Ovary syndrome the most common reason that people decide to stop using letrozole for 5 years but!, it has been utilized in infertile pre-menopausal women because of its ability to enhance FSH production for induction... Everyday life drug approvals, alerts and updates cases, letrozole is broken down liver... Exemestane, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx the medicine as may!