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 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 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
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

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.
4Patient Review
11/30/2020
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
I've been on this medication for nine months. The only side effect I've experienced is joint and muscle pain, though it's primarily at night or when I'm sitting down. Once I get up and moving around, the pain goes away. My oncologist has me taking 2000mg of turmeric every day to help with the pain.
4Patient Review
8/9/2021
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
I've been on Letrozole for 2 years and have 8 more to go. Recently, I've been losing a lot of hair each time I shower. My oncologist says I won't go bald, but it's still really frustrating.
3.7Patient Review
7/7/2022
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Tamoxifen
Recently, I've been experiencing some bothersome symptoms. I'm currently looking into the potential side effects of a drug that was prescribed to me.
3.7Patient Review
11/16/2020
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
I had breast cancer and was prescribed Letrozole. After seven months of treatment, I began running low-grade fevers and having hot flashes. I've been in and out of the hospital for various tests, but doctors can't seem to figure out why this is happening. It could be a side effect of the Letrozole. The doctor wants me to stop taking it for a few weeks to see if the symptoms improve. If they do, then they'll discontinue the drug. The doctor claims that stopping the medication will not increase my chances of cancer returning by much. Has this happened to anyone else?
3Patient Review
4/7/2022
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Letrozole has been tough for me to handle. The hot flashes are really bad and my sex drive has tanked since starting this medication. So far I haven't had too much joint or muscle pain, but it's still early days.
2.3Patient Review
10/15/2020
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
After taking Letrozole for four months, my side effects worsened each month. It would take me an hour and a half to fall asleep at night, and then I would wake up after only two hours of sleep. Additionally, I experienced breast pain and dizziness. I stopped taking the medication at that point, and it's been a month since I discontinued use. The dizziness is just now starting to go away. Has anyone else had problems with being dizzy?
2Patient Review
9/30/2021
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
I took this medication for six months and then stopped because the joint pains were too severe. All of my joints were affected, but my hands hurt the most. I developed trigger finger in my right ring finger and now I'm seeing a hand specialist. My doctor said that most of my symptoms will go away when I stop taking the medication, except for the trigger finger.
1Patient Review
12/17/2019
Letrozole for Hormone Receptor Positive Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer
Letrozole has caused me a range of terrible symptoms including flu-like feeling, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and an inability to sleep. My legs are also unsteady which has led to dizziness. I have stopped taking this medication without telling my oncologist yet.
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

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 Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, 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 Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, 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 Letrozole clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Letrozole, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
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