DRUG INDEX
GENERIC NAME: letrozole BRAND NAME: Femara
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Letrozole is an oral, anti-estrogen drug that is used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer . The growth of some breast cancers in postmenopausal women is promoted by estrogens that circulate in the blood, and the adrenal glands are the main source of these circulating estrogens. Letrozole inhibits the enzyme in the adrenal glands (aromatase) that produces the estrogens, estradiol and estrone. Letrozole was approved by the FDA in 1997.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 2.5mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 °C (59-86 °F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Letrozole is used to treat postmenopausal women with breast cancer that is resistant to the more commonly-used anti-estrogen medications such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
DOSING: Letrozole generally is taken once daily, with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with letrozole.
PREGNANCY: Letrozole damages the fetus. It should not be taken by pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if letrozole is secreted into breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with letrozole are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, diarrhea , constipation , and chest pain. The likelihood of side effects is lower than with other drugs used more commonly in patients with breast cancer that is resistant to treatment with anti-estrogens, for example, megestrol (Megace).
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
