What is Femara
LetrozoleThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLetrozole is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It is an aromatase inhibitor that works by blocking the production of estrogen in the body. It was first introduced in 1990 and received FDA approval in 1997. This type of medication is usually prescribed for postmenopausal women, and has fewer side effects than other third generation aromatase inhibitors such as exemestane and anastrozole.
Femarais the brand name
Femara Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Femara
Letrozole
1997
40
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Letrozole, also known as Femara, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including HR+, HER2-, Advanced Breast Cancer and Breast .HR+, HER2-, Advanced Breast Cancer
Used to treat HR+, HER2-, Advanced Breast Cancer in combination with Ribociclib
Breast
Breast
Used to treat metastatic HR + HER2 - breast cancer in combination with Ribociclib
Postmenopause
advanced HR + HER2 - breast cancer
Used to treat advanced HR + HER2 - breast cancer in combination with Ribociclib
Breast
Effectiveness
How Femara Affects PatientsLetrozole is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It works by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which produces estrogen and can cause breast cancer to grow. Letrozole is a long-lasting drug that stays in the body for over 42 hours. Patients should be aware of potential side effects including lung diseases, heart problems, liver issues, low white blood cells, and harm to unborn babies.
How Femara works in the bodyLetrozole is a drug used to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. It works by blocking a special enzyme called aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen. This leads to lower levels of estrogen, which is linked to a reduction in uterine weight and higher levels of leuteinizing hormone. In postmenopausal women, this drug also helps shrink estrogen-dependent tumors. Additionally, it does not affect levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and thyroxine.
When to interrupt dosage
The dose of Femara is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Breast and Postmenopause. The magnitude of dosage fluctuates as per the technique of delivery detailed in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Anovulatory cycle
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Postmenopause
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
advanced HR + HER2 - breast cancer
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
tamoxifen
, 2.5 mg
Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Kit; Tablet; Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Femara ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Letrozole may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Femara Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Letrozole.
Acetaminophen
Major
The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Letrozole.
Antipyrine
Major
The metabolism of Antipyrine can be decreased when combined with Letrozole.
Arformoterol
Major
The metabolism of Arformoterol can be decreased when combined with Letrozole.
Asunaprevir
Major
The metabolism of Asunaprevir can be decreased when combined with Letrozole.
Femara Toxicity & Overdose RiskNot much is known about the effects of an overdose in humans, but one case wasn't linked to serious harm. Animal studies have not found any major effects from taking high doses. People who overdose should be given treatment that focuses on relieving symptoms. In mice and rats, doses over 2000mg/kg have caused reduced movement, difficulty breathing, poor coordination, and death.
Femara Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Femara?
Presently, 74 active studies are being conducted to ascertain the potential of Femara in treating Breast Cancer, Anovulatory cycles and in conjunction with Tamoxifen.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Breast
17 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Anovulatory cycle
0 Actively Recruiting
tamoxifen
0 Actively Recruiting
advanced HR + HER2 - breast cancer
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
29 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Breast
15 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Postmenopause
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Femara Reviews: What are patients saying about Femara?
5Patient Review
1/6/2019 I underwent chemo and radiation for breast cancer and, so far, have had no issues with the femara treatments I've been taking. It's nice to know that this medication is working to keep me healthy.
5Patient Review
12/9/2018 This treatment was very effective for my metastatic breast cancer. My tumor shrunk by 3 cm and I have been in remission for 6 1/2 years.
4Patient Review
2/21/2016 I've only been on this medication for four months following chemotherapy and a mastectomy, but the side effects didn't start until about six weeks in. So far, I've experienced interrupted sleep, aches in my knees, hands, and feet, as well as what I can only describe as malaise--a general feeling of fatigue and lethargy. However, if I keep moving, the pain eases somewhat, naps help with the interrupted sleep, and forcing myself to do things and get out of the house seems to help with the malaise. Good luck to all who are taking this drug or recovering from breast
4Patient Review
9/30/2017 I've been on Femara for over a year now. Some of the more concerning side effects I've experienced are hot flushes, hair loss, and sudden weight loss. Loss of appetite has also been an issue. From what I can tell from other reviews, it doesn't seem like these are typical reactions. Thankful that at the very least I don't have any aches or pains!
3.7Patient Review
3/23/2016 I was initially on Arimidex, but the joint pain became unbearable. I was then switched to Letrozole. For a couple months, things were going well... and then the old symptoms started creeping back up again. My oncologist and I will be having a conversation soon about whether or not this treatment is still working for me. Quality of life is important to me, so I'll tough it out if I have to - but only in the hopes that cancer never returns.
3.3Patient Review
5/20/2015 Since starting Femara a few months ago, I've noticed some changes in the lump in my breast that suggest the medication is working. However, I've also experienced some unpleasant side effects like bone pain, hair loss, and nausea. It's hard to say whether the drug has caused depression or if it's just a natural reaction to my cancer diagnosis. Either way, I'm grateful to still be here and hopeful for the future.
3Patient Review
5/9/2016 I had to stop taking Arimidex after just a few weeks because the side effects were so bad. I've switched to Femara, but the new medication has its own issues; for instance, I'm now experiencing hand and jaw tremors. The hot flashes are really intense as well.
2.3Patient Review
5/31/2016 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2014 and had surgery in 2015. I started taking this pill in 2016 and, while I haven't experienced any major side effects that affect my daily life, I have noticed some changes that I didn't have before, like joint pain, numbness in my legs, blurry vision, and hair loss. These are all manageable for now, but I worry about what the future may hold.
2Patient Review
5/14/2016 I was already experiencing many of the symptoms that this treatment is supposed to help with. I've only been on it for three months, and in that time I have felt more tired, a little more depressed, and experienced some extra bone pain. It's possible that the joint injection I had recently is masking some of the side effects, but I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone else.
2Patient Review
5/14/2022 I had stage 2 breast cancer with some isolated cells in the lymph nodes. I was on letrozole for two years, and it caused a lot of problems like mental fog, memory problems, insomnia, and low mood. The risk of cancer recurrence is about 16% without the drug, but only 8% with it. They said I’d “half my risk,” which is true in a way, but the real risk reduction is only 8%. Many women have the impression that letrozole is necessary or they’ll get cancer. But really, their absolute risk reduction is not very large
Patient Q&A Section about femara
Is Femara successful for fertility?
"Femara can help a woman to conceive approximately 15 percent more each month. Ovulation has been successfully induced in women who were not doing so naturally using Femara. If Femara is used in combination with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), a woman's chances for pregnancy increase substantially." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What does Femara do for fertility?
"Letrozole is a medication used to lower estrogen production or to induce ovulation in patients with irregular ovulation patterns. It can also help to increase egg production in women who ovulate normally but have unexplained infertility." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the medication Femara used for?
"Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these [breast cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/breast-cancer)s.
This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (such as hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer) in women after menopause. Letrozole is also used to help prevent the cancer from returning. Some breast cancers are made to grow faster by a natural hormone called estrogen. Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer