What is letrozole side effects

But they still produce a small amount by using an enzyme called aromatase which turns other sex hormones called androgens into oestrogen.

This change happens mainly in fatty tissue, muscle and the skin. Letrozole is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. It blocks aromatase so that it can't change androgens into oestrogen. You have letrozole as a tablet once a day. It is best to take the tablets at the same time each day. You can take them with or without food. If you accidentally take too much letrozole Femara , contact a doctor or hospital straight away. You might need medical treatment.

If you forget to take a dose and it is almost time for your next dose for example, within 2 or 3 hours , skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when it is due. Otherwise, take the dose as soon as you remember. Then take the next dose at the normal time. Don't take a double dose. You might have blood tests before starting treatment and during your treatment. They check your general health and might check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood.

We haven't listed all the side effects. It is very unlikely that you will have all of these side effects, but you might have some of them at the same time. How often and how severe the side effects are can vary from person to person. They also depend on what other treatment you are having. For example, your side effects could be worse if you are also having other drugs or radiotherapy.

The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice. For information about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www. Toggle navigation. Spanish About Chemocare. Have questions about chemotherapy? Try spraying your face with cool water, or sipping a cold drink. Vaginal bleeding usually happens in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. Talk to your doctor if it lasts longer than a few days.

Also talk to your doctor if these symptoms first appear more than a few weeks after you start taking letrozole. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, and try going to bed and getting up at a set time each day. Stop watching TV and using electronic devices like mobiles or tablets at least 1 hour before bedtime. Try going to bed and getting up at a set time each day. Do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery if you feel very tired while taking letrozole. Speak to your doctor if this problem does not gradually improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Choose foods you normally enjoy but avoid rich or spicy food. Try eating smaller meals but more often. If you're being sick, have small frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. If the pain lasts more than a week ask your doctor for advice.

If you have a sudden attack of pain in a joint ask a doctor for advice urgently. You can buy these at a pharmacy without a prescription. Check with a pharmacist to see what is suitable for you. This is usually mild. Ask your breast cancer nurse for advice if this is bothering you. Speak to your doctor or specialist nurse.

They may recommend therapies, like cognitive therapy or mindfulness, or antidepressant medicines. Talk to your doctor urgently if there is any chance that you could be pregnant. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. There are very few medicines that interfere with the way letrozole works in the body. Mixing letrozole with herbal remedies and supplements Do not take any herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking letrozole.

Important Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. How does letrozole work? Letrozole belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors.

What are the benefits of taking letrozole? Your specialist will be able to explain the benefits and risks of taking letrozole. How long does it take to work? Letrozole will immediately start to reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body. However, it takes several weeks or months for the medicine to work fully.

How long will I take it for Most people who take letrozole will have had surgery, radiotherapy or sometimes chemotherapy to treat their breast cancer first. Is it safe to take for a long time? Can I stop taking it? Important Do not stop taking letrozole without talking to your doctor first. Are there other medicines like letrozole? Can I drink alcohol with it? There is no evidence that drinking alcohol causes any problems when taking letrozole.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of letrozole in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of letrozole in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding.

Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.

In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor.