Femara 2.5 Mg 30 Tablets

Requires Prescription: Yes

Generics: Letrozole

Used For: Cancer treatment

How It Works: Letrozole is a nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system, blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens. It is effective in reducing estrogen-dependent tumors and, in contrast to ovariectomy, does not increase serum FSH levels. Letrozole selectively inhibits gonadal steroidogenesis without significantly affecting adrenal mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid synthesis.

Usage and Safety: The dosage of letrozole should follow the prescribed guidelines. Common side effects include abdominal pain, alopecia, anorexia, increased appetite, arthralgia, bone fracture, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry skin, dyspepsia, fatigue, headache, hot flushes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, increased sweating, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, osteoporosis, peripheral edema, rash, vaginal bleeding, vomiting, and weight changes. Less common side effects include anxiety, arthritis, blurred vision, breast pain, cardiac events, cataracts, cerebrovascular events, cough, dysaesthesia, dyspnea, eye irritation, general edema, insomnia, leucopenia, memory impairment, mucosal dryness, palpitations, pruritus, pyrexia, stomatitis, tachycardia, taste disturbance, thrombophlebitis, tumor pain, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, urticaria, and vaginal discharge. Rare side effects include arterial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Hepatitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis are of unknown frequency.

Drug Interactions: Femara may interact with tamoxifen, cimetidine, and warfarin.

Indication: Femara is used for the first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-dependent advanced breast cancer. It is also indicated for adjuvant treatment of estrogen receptor-positive invasive early breast cancer, advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have failed other antiestrogen therapies, extended adjuvant treatment in women who have received standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for 5 years, and neoadjuvant treatment for localized hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer where chemotherapy is unsuitable and surgery is not yet indicated.

When Not to Use: Femara is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to letrozole or any excipients, premenopausal women, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential fetal harm.

Precautions: Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery due to potential fatigue, dizziness, or somnolence.

Warnings: Letrozole may decrease bone mineral density (BMD). Women with a history of osteoporosis or fractures, or at increased risk of osteoporosis, should have their BMD assessed before starting treatment and monitored throughout. Additionally, serum cholesterol levels should be monitored, and a dose reduction is recommended for patients with cirrhosis or severe hepatic impairment, as they experience higher exposure to the drug compared to those with normal liver function.

Additional Information: Always consult your physician before using this medicine. Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.