Femara

Anovulatory cycle, Postmenopause, Breast + 5 more
Treatment
7 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Femara

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
image of different drug pills on a surface
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 7 uses including Advanced Breast Cancer and Early Breast Cancer .
Advanced Breast Cancer
Early Breast Cancer
Breast
Breast
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
Used to treat advanced HR + HER2 - breast cancer in combination with Ribociclib
Breast
Used to treat metastatic HR + HER2 - breast cancer in combination with Ribociclib
Postmenopause

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
Postmenopause
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Anovulatory cycle
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
tamoxifen
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Breast
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
, 2.5 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Warnings

Femara Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Letrozole may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Femara.
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.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
tamoxifen
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
0 Actively Recruiting
Anovulatory cycle
0 Actively Recruiting
Postmenopause
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting

Femara Reviews: What are patients saying about Femara?

5Patient Review
1/6/2019
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Breast Cancer that has Spread to Another Part of the Body
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Breast Cancer that has Spread to Another Part of the Body
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
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
Femara for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
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
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about femara

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

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."

Answered by AI

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."

Answered by AI

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 cancers.

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."

Answered by AI

Is Femara a form of chemo?

"Femara is not a form of chemotherapy, but rather a type of hormone therapy. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment option that uses drugs to kill cancer cells."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Femara

Image of Center for Human Nutrition in Fayetteville, United States.

Higher Protein Diet for PCOS

18 - 50
Female
Fayetteville, AR
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant public health problem and is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, increasing their risk for cardiometabolic health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, and stroke) especially if they are overweight. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular physical activity, may alleviate metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS and are often the first line of management for patients with PCOS. Several studies have identified protein as a key nutrient for regulation of energy balance, maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, and improving cardiometabolic health across the lifespan. However, the effect of increased protein intake (30% of total energy intake) on cardiometabolic health in women with PCOS has not been well-defined and mechanisms for these effects have not been identified. There is an evident need for well-designed, randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of increased protein intake in women with PCOS on markers of cardiometabolic health. Preliminary data from collaborative projects with the investigators on this proposal suggest that increasing protein in the diet has the potential to improve markers of cardiometabolic health, potentially through improvements in body composition and/or changes in cortisol, energy metabolism, inflammation, and neurological regulators
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Center for Human Nutrition
Image of Center for Human Nutrition in Fayetteville, United States.

Protein Meals for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

18 - 50
Female
Fayetteville, AR
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. Dietary strategies that improve postprandial insulin and glucose responses are central to managing metabolic symptoms in PCOS. Meals higher in protein can attenuate postprandial glycemia and enhance satiety, but the effects may vary by protein source. Animal sources of protein typically have higher essential amino acid content and insulinogenic potential, whereas plant proteins offer fiber and phytochemicals that may influence glycemic dynamics differently. Few studies have directly compared the acute metabolic effects of plant versus animal protein in women with PCOS. Given the distinct pathophysiology of PCOS, extrapolating findings from healthy populations may be misleading. Understanding protein-specific effects on postprandial insulin, glucose, and appetite-regulating hormones in this group is essential for targeted nutrition guidance. Additionally, plant-based diets are increasingly promoted for cardiometabolic health, but their acute effects in insulin-resistant women remain underexplored. This study will assess whether plant and animal protein meals elicit differential postprandial responses in women with PCOS. Findings may inform dietary recommendations aimed at improving metabolic outcomes in this high-risk population.
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Center for Human NutritionJamie I Baum, PhD
Image of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, United States.

Magic Ink for Breast Cancer

18+
Female
Detroit, MI
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if tattoos applied with Magic Ink is as safe as commercially available standard tattoo ink for the purpose of radiation in women with breast cancer undergoing radiation treatment. The main questions are: * Is the Magic Ink as safe as standard tattoo ink * Does Magic Ink continue to function and remain visible for radiation therapists during the treatment Participants will be consented and given a skin assessment. Once enrolled participants will be administered the Magic Ink tattoo instead of the standard tattoo ink in preparation for their radiation treatment. Participants will also complete a survey regarding body image. Skin assessment will occur again after the first week of radiation and at 3 months later. Throughout the radiation therapy the medical physicist will complete surveys about ease of set-up of the equipment.
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Karmanos Cancer InstituteMichael Dominello, DO
Have you considered Femara clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Femara, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
Image of Don tyson Center for Agricultural Sciencers in Fayetteville, United States.

Protein and Exercise for Postmenopausal Women

Any Age
Female
Fayetteville, AR
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if consuming a higher protein diet that includes one serving of beef each day, in combination with resistance exercise, improves wellbeing in postmenopausal women. It will also tell us about how higher protein intake changes body composition and blood values related to health. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does higher protein intake combined with resistance training improve mood and sleep in postmenopausal women? * What other health benefits to postmenopausal women experience when the follow a higher protein diet and participate in resistance exercise? Researchers will compare three groups 1) postmenopausal women living their daily lives as usual, 2) postmenopausal women consuming a higher protein diet, and 2) postmenopausal women consuming a higher protein diet and participating in resistance training. Participants will: * Consume a higher protein diet for 16 weeks * Participate in an at-home resistance training for 16 weeks * Keep a diary of their food intake, sleep habits, and mood * Have health assessments every 4 weeks
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Don tyson Center for Agricultural Sciencers (+1 Sites)Jamie Baum
Image of The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, United States.

GLYLO Supplement for Postmenopausal Aging

45 - 65
Female
Novato, CA
The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of GLYLO, a dietary supplement, in postmenopausal women aged 45 to 65 who are overweight or obese and have elevated HbA1c levels. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate whether GLYLO can reduce advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels, which are harmful compounds formed when sugar attaches to proteins or fats in the body and can contribute to aging and disease. The primary outcome of the study is to determine if GLYLO reduces AGEs, enhances metabolic and hormonal health, and mitigates age-related functional decline. This study includes one screening visit and three testing visits over a 6-month period. After eligibility is confirmed, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups to take either GLYLO (two capsules daily) or a placebo at home for 24 weeks. Participants will provide blood samples at every visit. During the three testing visits, they will complete physical performance and cognitive function tests, provide both blood and urine samples, and fill out quality of life and 24-hour dietary intake questionnaires. The dietary intake questionnaires will be completed only twice i.e. at the baseline visit and again at the final 6-month visit.
Recruiting
Advanced
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Have you considered Femara clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Femara, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
Image of Cardiovascular Health and Autonomic Research Laboratory in Montréal, Canada.

Ketone Supplementation for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

18 - 40
All Sexes
Montréal, Canada
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 5 females of reproductive age. Commonly characterized as a disorder of infertility, PCOS is often accompanied by 3 potent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors: insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and elevated blood pressure. Accordingly, PCOS is associated with the development of CVD, the second leading cause of death in females in Canada. However, effective treatments to improve cardiovascular health in PCOS are lacking. Exogenous ketone monoester (KME) ingestion has been shown to improves outcomes associated with insulin resistance, endothelial function, and blood pressure regulation in healthy individuals and individuals predisposed to CVD. Therefore, oral ketone supplements offer a practical and effective strategy for improving cardiovascular health; however, this treatment has yet to be evaluated in PCOS. Therefore, the overall goal of this project is to employ KME ingestion to improve markers of cardiovascular health in females with PCOS. On two different days, participants will consume either a beverage containing a ketone supplement or a beverage containing a placebo supplement. The objectives are to compare responses between KME and placebo ingestion, and examine all outcomes related to cardiovascular health in females with PCOS in comparison with female controls of similar age and body mass index. The effects of KME ingestion will be quantified on: 1) glycemic control during an oral glucose tolerance test; 2) endothelial function using the flow-mediated dilation test; 3) blood pressure and acute blood pressure regulation; and 4) hemodynamic responses to acute exercise.
Recruiting
Paid Trial
Cardiovascular Health and Autonomic Research Laboratory (+1 Sites)Charlotte Usselman, Ph.D
Have you considered Femara clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Femara, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
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