Letrozole

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

What is Letrozole

LetrozoleThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLetrozole (CGS 20267) is a pill-form medication used to treat breast cancer. It was first introduced in 1990 and was approved by the FDA in 1997. It is part of a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by blocking the production of estrogen. Unlike other drugs in its class, Letrozole does not significantly affect the production of cortisol, aldosterone, and thyroxine.
Femarais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Letrozole 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 Early Breast Cancer and Advanced Breast Cancer .
Early Breast Cancer
Advanced 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 Letrozole Affects PatientsLetrozole is a drug used to treat breast cancer. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called aromatase, which helps turn androgens into estrogens. Since estrogens can cause breast tumors to grow, reducing their production can help stop the tumor from coming back. Letrozole is a long lasting drug and stays in the body for over 42 hours. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects, such as lung disease, pneumonitis, prolonged heartbeat, elevated liver enzymes, low white blood cell count, and harm to a developing fetus.
How Letrozole works in the bodyLetrozole is a drug that blocks the production of estrogen. It does this by stopping an electron transfer chain in the body, which is responsible for turning androgens into estrogen. By reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, letrozole can reduce the size of uterine tumors that rely on estrogen to grow. It does not affect levels of cortisol, aldosterone, and thyroxine.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Letrozole is contingent upon the identified affliction, including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Breast and Postmenopause. The quantity of dosage changes, conforming to the method of delivery outlined in the table beneath.
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

Letrozole 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 Letrozole.
Common Letrozole 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.
Letrozole Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere is not much data available about overdosing on this drug in humans, however one reported case did not result in serious harm. Animal studies have also shown that taking large amounts of the drug did not cause serious side effects. Symptoms of overdose should be treated with supportive measures. In mice and rats, doses of over 2000mg/kg have been linked to decreased motor activity, difficulty breathing, and even death.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Letrozole Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Letrozole?

At present, 74 active studies are evaluating the utility of Letrozole for Breast Cancer, Anovulatory cycle and tamoxifen-related treatment.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1
tamoxifen
0 Actively Recruiting
Breast
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
0 Actively Recruiting
Anovulatory cycle
0 Actively Recruiting
Postmenopause
8 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Breast
0 Actively Recruiting

Letrozole Reviews: What are patients saying about Letrozole?

5Patient Review
9/24/2019
Letrozole for Infertility associated with the Lack of Ovulation
We tried for over a year to conceive without any help, but after taking this medication for just five days we're now nine weeks pregnant!
4.7Patient Review
12/18/2020
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I was supposed to take this medication for five years, but it has now been 10. I have dealt with severe bone pain and intermittent flare-ups throughout this time. I am considering stopping the medication.
4.3Patient Review
9/24/2022
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
I've been taking letrozol for 18 months now and it's going great! I have experienced a few joint pains in my hands, calves, and feet; but those went away about 6 months ago. As long as my cancer stays in remission, I'll keep taking the drug.
4Patient Review
5/11/2019
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I've been experiencing severe joint pain, bone pain, numbness and tingling in my hand, throbbing hand joints, and a rash on many areas of my body. After sitting for a while, it's hard to walk normal again. It takes me a while to stop shuffle walking and stooped over to correct posture and normal steps.
4Patient Review
2/10/2022
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
I've been on Letrozole for eight years now. For me, the side effects have been manageable: thinning hair and vaginal dryness being the two most noticeable. I don't sleep as well as I used to and have more aches than I did before cancer showed up, but that can easily be chalked up to aging 10 years. There's been no sign of cancer and I'm living life to its fullest - training for a half marathon and loving my family. Good luck to all of you on this journey.
View All Reviews
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about letrozole

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

Is letrozole help to get pregnant?

"The drug Femara, which is also known by its generic name letrozole, is an oral medication that can be an effective fertility treatment for women who have ovulation problems or unexplained infertility. Femara belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, and has mainly been used to treat certain cases of breast cancer."

Answered by AI

Does letrozole have any side effects?

"The following side effects may occur: hot flashes, hair loss, joint/bone/muscle pain, tiredness, unusual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist."

Answered by AI

What is letrozole used for?

"Letrozole is a medication used in the treatment of breast cancer. It may also help to prevent breast cancer from returning. It is most commonly prescribed for women who have gone through menopause and have a type of cancer known as "hormone-dependent" breast cancer."

Answered by AI

How many letrozole does it take to get pregnant?

"One study found that using letrozole to stimulate ovulation in people with polycystic ovary syndrome yielded an average pregnancy time of 90 days, or approximately 3 cycles."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Letrozole

Have you considered Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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