What is Femara?
Femara reduces the levels of estrogen in women who are postmenopausal. This can hinder the development of certain types of breast tumors, which require estrogen for growth in the body. Femara is a treatment for breast tumors among postmenopausal females. It is typically prescribed to women who have taken Tamoxifen (Nolvadex Soltamox) for five years.
Warnings
Femara could cause harm to an unborn baby as well as cause birth defects. Avoid using it if you are expecting. Before you take Femara, inform your doctor that you have osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and liver diseases (especially liver cirrhosis).
Femara could affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious when driving or doing any other activity that requires you to stay alert. To ensure that this medication will help your illness, your blood could require frequent testing. Your bone mineral density might also require a check. Visit your doctor regularly. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly tamoxifen (Soltamox).
Prior to use this drug
Femara should not be used. Femara If you have an allergy to letrozole or suffer from:
- If you're not totally through the menopausal cycle,
- You are pregnant.
Femara is only for use by women who cannot anymore become pregnant. Letrozole can harm an unborn baby. Avoid using it in the event that you are expecting. Make sure you are using an effective birth control method if you're not overmenopausal. Use birth control for a minimum of 3 weeks after the final dose of Femara. Inform your doctor if you suspect you are pregnant.
To ensure this medication is suitable for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:
- The liver (especially liver cirrhosis);
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density);
- High cholesterol or
- If you are also taking tamoxifen,
It is not recommended to breastfeed during the time you take letrozole and for a minimum of three weeks after the last dose.
How to take Femara?
Femara is typically taken once daily, or every two days. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for a longer period than prescribed.
You can take this medicine without or with food.
When taking Femara, it is possible that you will require regular medical examinations, and the bone mineral density might also require a check.
Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:
As a first-line treatment for women postmenopausal who have hormonal receptors that are positive or hormone receptors that are not known to be localized metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer, Femara is also recommended for the treatment of breast cancer that is advanced in postmenopausal women who have cancer progression after treatment with antiestrogens. 2.5 mg tablet, orally administered every day, without taking into account meals.
For patients suffering from advanced disease, letrozole therapy should continue until the progression of the tumor is apparent.
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer: Adjuvant:
As an adjuvant for extended treatment for early breast cancer in women postmenopausal who have had five years of adjuvant Tamoxifen treatment: 2.5 mg tablet orally taken once per day, without regard to mealtimes.
The ideal duration for treatment with Femara isn't known. Treatment should be stopped in the event of an increase in tumor size.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do the dose you missed as soon as you remember. Do not take your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in any dangerous actions until you are aware of the effects this medicine has on you. Your reaction could be affected.
Side effects of Femara
Get immediate medical attention. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Common femara side effects can be:
- Hot flashes, warmth, or redness on your chest or face.
- Headache, dizziness, weakness;
- Muscle or joint pain
- Weight gain, swelling;
- An increase in sweating increased sweating
- Higher levels of cholesterol in your blood.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can affect Femara?
Other medications may interfere with letrozole, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health care professionals about any medications you are taking in the present and about any medication you stop or start taking.
