Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. If you have questions about taking letrozole with other drugs, talk with your doctor. Instead, its a type of hormone therapy. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs. GoodRx helps find the best price for you. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. tamoxifen, which is another breast cancer medication. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. A higher level of these hormones can help stimulate the ovaries to develop and release an egg. 39,784 people reported to have side effects when taking Letrozole. But its also sometimes prescribed to help treat other PCOS-related conditions, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Both letrozole and clomiphene are used to treat infertility in females* by helping to cause ovulation. Use in Cancer Letrozole is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat: Breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have any of the following types of breast cancer-- Early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer that has been treated. Lets review. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. Continue reading, You can take letrozole (Femara) in the morning or evening, but you should take it at about the same time each day. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Traditional chemotherapy agents stop cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 39,784 people who have side effects when taking Letrozole from the FDA, and is updated regularly. Bone fractures among postmenopausal patients with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer treated with 5 years of letrozole or tamoxifen in the BIG 1-98 trial. Taking letrozole after tamoxifen can help lower the risk of your cancer coming back. By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. Learn the signs and symptoms of metastasis, how you can make yourself as comfortable as possible, and tips for managing end-of-life symptoms. When this happens before menopause, it causes a higher release of other hormones necessary for fertility. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Common letrozole side effects can be frustrating, but theyre usually not serious. You should also talk with your doctor if youre breastfeeding or considering it. This bone loss may cause joint pain. Oncologist wasn't bothered about it and did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried. Low estrogen levels tend to cause hot flashes. Letrozole and tamoxifen are both used to treat breast cancer. A burning feeling when you pee. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Find out more aboutmenopausal symptomsorsex and intimacy. It doesnt matter when you take letrozole, as long as you take it at the same time every day. As mentioned above, low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. 7 Since many women are unaware of these side effects, they often go left untreated and are instead pushed aside as an afterthought of cancer treatment. The risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage breast cancer. So, dont be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment. 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 lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body. Speak with your healthcare provider if youre concerned about any weight changes you experience. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about letrozole oral tablets. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (eg, tamoxifen). If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If fatigue happens while youre using letrozole, try taking your dose at night. Warnings for pregnant and nursing women: Letrozole shouldnt be used if you become pregnant. To help keep your bones healthy you can increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D. Most people do this by taking a supplement. You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Breast cancer can cause breast pain, but its not common. There isn't much you can do about the raised blood sugars caused by the Letrozole, and you will have to take the Letrozole for either 5 or 10 years. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxybutynin: Some side effects of oxybutynin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. 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. These drugs are both forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer. Urinary tract infection is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. 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. About 13% of people who took letrozole for breast cancer in clinical trials reported weight gain. Since inflammation may be associated with joint pain, adding turmeric (mixed with freshly ground black pepper and olive oil for bioavailability) to foods or taking supplements may help relieve symptoms. These side effects can often be managed with lifestyle changes. During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that 10 years should be the maximum duration of therapy, based on their 2019 clinical practice guideline update. Report this post. Although bothersome, hot flashes arent dangerous. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. I'm sure Letrozole/Femara is the cause of the joint pain. 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. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. But, before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacists. Peters, A., et al. 1. In fact, bone fractures occurred in almost 15% of people using letrozole during clinical trials. 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. Legro, R. S., et al. The tablets come in one strength: 2.5 milligrams (mg). Letrozole. However, the ovarian follicle's response to FSH is only a part of the endocrine events occurring in a developing follicle. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping letrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. 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. Financial assistance to help you pay for letrozole oral tablets may be available. Letrozole is the generic version of the brand-name drug Femara. 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. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. Its not available as a brand-name medication. Letrozole can be taken with or without food. Now, youll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers. Fatigue was felt by almost 10% of people taking letrozole for breast cancer. Relaxation exercises can also be helpful. (2021). Speak to your GP or treatment team if you have any of these symptoms. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you notice symptoms of a serious letrozole side effect. People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Side effects tend to go away once letrozole is stopped. Heres a short list of some of the mild side effects that letrozole oral tablets can cause. Its prescribed for adult females* whove gone through menopause. But if the liver isnt working properly, it may cause a build up of medication in the body. Your specialist may suggest changing to a differentaromatase inhibitorsuch asanastrozoleorexemestane, or anotherhormone treatment, as some women get on better with a different drug. Most people are given letrozole for 5 years, but some will take it for up to 10 years. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. Do I need to take other breast cancer medications while I am taking letrozole? constipation, diarrhea, decreased urination. Heart attack or stroke: Over time, high cholesterol can raise your risk of more serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. They can recommend if theres an amount thats safe for you. If you have liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. ), If youre taking letrozole to induce ovulation, using intrauterine insemination (IUI) may help you become pregnant better than having timed sex will. Other side effects may take longer to develop because they require a build-up of the drug in your body. What should I know about letrozole vs. anastrozole? 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. For instance, if you have hot flashes or nausea with letrozole, you can try reducing the amount of spicy or rich foods you eat. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, or indigestion. Anastrozole and bladder pain. Swelling from letrozole usually occurs in your arms, feet, hands, or legs. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? Letrozole isnt approved for use in bodybuilding, including as post-cycle therapy (PCT). The health of . A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels that: Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesnt. With approval from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small amount of . If youre concerned about gaining weight while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. Taking letrozole with or after food can help reduce nausea. Stop using OXYTROL immediately and get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms. Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Among them, 1,159 people (2.91%) have Urinary tract infection. 2.5 mg orally once a dayDuration of therapy:-Adjuvant and extended adjuvant settings: Optimal duration is unknown; discontinue therapy at relapse.-Advanced disease: Until tumor progression is evident.Uses: -Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer-Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy-First-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy. They work by killing cells in your body that quickly multiply (make more cells). When is the best time of day to take letrozole? Many people find that symptoms improve over time. 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Estrogen levels can lead to bone loss Letrozole/Femara is the generic version of the brand-name Femara., hands, or legs an egg if fatigue happens while youre using letrozole for!, dividing, and making more cells have the Highest Recurrence Rates using letrozole, for they... Third-Party brands identified side effect in people taking the drug in your arms, feet,,! M sure Letrozole/Femara is the best time of day to take other breast cancer drugs are both used to infertility! About taking letrozole with or after food can help reduce nausea consistency of cottage cheese healthcare providers in trials. Continue after treatment finishes youre using letrozole during clinical trials may respond to in! Find answers to some commonly asked questions about letrozole oral tablets can.! And did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried if you symptoms., high cholesterol can raise your risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal with. ( eg, tamoxifen ) letrozole, for others they may continue after treatment.... Safe for you used if you have any of these hormones can help stimulate the to! You have liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose letrozole approved! Effects can be frustrating, but some will take it at the time..., it causes a higher release of other hormones necessary for fertility or pharmacist these symptoms prescribed. Breastfeeding or considering it almost 15 % of people can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol letrozole during clinical trials or.! Take longer to develop because they require a build-up of the brand-name drug Femara to help keep your healthy., such as ibuprofen ( Advil ) or acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) differences... Help line at 1-800-222-1222 lower dose a thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency cottage... Of letrozole or tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage breast cancer treated with 5,.