Prescription Drug information for consumers & professionals.
Welcome to the most popular, comprehensive and up-to-date drug information resource online. Fast, easy searching of thousands of approved medications.
Browse Drug Search Drug

Drug Information: Femara

FEMARA (Letrozole) is prescribed by the physicians as an adjuvant therapy for the post menopausal women with estrogen-receptor (ER) positive early breast cancer. FEMARA (Letrozole) is also used in the treatment of Endometriosis. FEMARA (Letrozole), a non-steroidal aromatase competitive inhibitor, can decrease the progression of the hormonal (estrogen) responsive breast cancer by lowering the estrogen levels. FEMARA (Letrozole) is used as an extensive adjuvant therapy along with Tamoxifen in the breast cancer patients. FEMARA (Letrozole) is used as a first and second line therapy in the breast cancer that can delay the progression of the disease but it cannot extend the life expectancy. FEMARA (Letrozole) is also used as an ovarian stimulator by some physicians for the infertility treatment as an off-label use, which is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Who should not take FEMARA (Letrozole)?

FEMARA (Letrozole) should not be prescribed for the patients with Liver Diseases including cirrhosis, hypercholesterolemia, premenopausal women or patients with unconfirmed menopause, patients with Bone disorders like osteopenia and osteoporosis, estrogen fluctuation disorders and geriatric patients with pathological fractures history or at risk patients. You should not take FEMARA (Letrozole), if you are consuming alcohol or tobacco related products. If you are Pregnant you should not take FEMARA (Letrozole), as it is indicated for post-menopausal women only. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FEMARA (Letrozole) is classified as a Pregnancy Category- X drug and it can harm the unborn foetus. FEMARA (Letrozole) is also contraindicated in the nursing mother.

FEMARA (Letrozole) Side Effects:

FEMARA (Letrozole) can cause side effects like Osteoporosis, loss of bone density, hyperestrogenism, vascular flushing, asthenia, back pain, bone pain, myalgia, increased sweating, constipation, hypercholesterolemia, pathological fractures, vaginal haemorrhage, headache, metallic taste, vomiting, stomach pain or upset, increased thirst, delirium, dizziness, renal disorders, insomnia, vulvovaginal dryness and dyspnoea. Rarely FEMARA (Letrozole) can cause somnolence, dizziness, lack of coordination, heart attack, vision changes and fatigue can occur. However some serious, person specific and very rare complications of FEMARA (Letrozole) are also reported.

How should I take FEMARA (Letrozole)?

The recommended oral dosage for the FEMARA (Letrozole) is 2.5 mg daily. The following instruction should be followed to take the FEMARA (Letrozole) – 2.5 mg oral dosage daily: (1) Take FEMARA (Letrozole) any time disregard of food intake 2) Take FEMARA (Letrozole) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take FEMARA (Letrozole) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take FEMARA (Letrozole) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take FEMARA (Letrozole) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow FEMARA (Letrozole) as a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep FEMARA (Letrozole) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking FEMARA (Letrozole) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking FEMARA (Letrozole) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your problems or keep you from getting these symptoms, you have to take FEMARA (Letrozole) as often and in the way FEMARA (Letrozole) as prescribed by your Physician.

What is the important information I should know about FEMARA (Letrozole)?

  • Take FEMARA (Letrozole) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • You can take FEMARA (Letrozole) anytime disregard of food intake.
  • For FEMARA (Letrozole) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • It is important to take FEMARA (Letrozole) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to FEMARA (Letrozole) or Anastrazole.
  • Do not take Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines while you take FEMARA (Letrozole).
  • Your Physician may give cholesterol lowering drug along with FEMARA (Letrozole) to prevent side effects.
  • You should check your bone metabolism by Bone Mineral Densitometer twice a year while taking FEMARA (Letrozole).
  • Do not stop taking FEMARA (Letrozole) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • FEMARA (Letrozole) should not be used for any off-label or other than prescribed use.
  • Do not drive the vehicle or handle machineries after taking FEMARA (Letrozole). It can cause dizziness or lack of alert state.
  • Store FEMARA (Letrozole) as per the instructions on the label.
  • Keep FEMARA (Letrozole) away from the reach of the children and pets.

    What happens if I miss a dose of FEMARA (Letrozole)?

    Take the missed dose of FEMARA (Letrozole) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take FEMARA (Letrozole) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

    What happens if I overdose of FEMARA (Letrozole)?

    There is no medical evidence that FEMARA (Letrozole) can cause life threatening complications. It is advisable to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

    Where can I get more information on FEMARA (Letrozole)?

    FEMARA (Letrozole) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for FEMARA (Letrozole) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
  •