Letrozole help and advice for patients and healthcare professionals

Side effects They also looked at the side effects and quality of life of the two groups, and there were just a few differences. A small number of women who had continuous treatment had more problems with their mood, hot flushes, sleeplessness and bone and joint pain. People with breast cancer have a higher risk of blood clots such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. Please confirm if you are a patient or a member of the https://www.arborvita.com/cabaser-1-mg-steroid-course-promising-results-in/ public, or if you are a healthcare professional. In patients whose post-menopausal status seems unclear, LH, FSH and/or estradiol levels must be assessed before initiating treatment in order to establish menopausal status.

(Femara®, Letrozole)

Aromatase inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme, aromatase, which is involved in the production of oestrogen in fatty tissues. This oestrogen is still produced after the menopause and may stimulate breast cancer cells. Studies have shown that aromatase inhibitors can decrease oestrogen production in postmenopausal women and are very effective breast cancer treatments.

• Decreased bone mineral density (a measurement of bone strength), meaning thinner, weaker bones that are more likely to break.
• Your community midwife can be accessed through your GP.
• Make sure to keep your doctor up to date about how your joint pain is changing.
• You will have blood tests to check how well your liver is working.

They are increasingly becoming the standard treatment for postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The treatments are generally well-tolerated but by dramatically reducing oestrogen levels, aromatase inhibitors can increase the rate of bone loss and the risk of fractures. If used in younger women with a menopause that was caused by surgery, radiotherapy, goserelin or chemotherapy, bone loss is even more rapid (up to 8 per cent per year).

Patient advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

There hasn’t been enough evidence to find consistent variables that can predict the incidence of AI-induced joint pain. However, some studies point to previous treatments as predictors for the increased likelihood of this symptom. Letrozole is a hormonal therapy drug used to treat breast cancer in women who have been through the menopause. Before starting Letrozole treatment the doctor or nurse will discuss the drugs with you. If you do not understand, or have any concerns, please contact your clinic for further advice. Most patients will ovulate following treatment with one or two tablets of Letrozole a day.

• By lowering the levels of oestrogen in the body, letrozole starves the breast cancer cells and stops them from growing or spreading.
• If you’re thinking about stopping taking letrozole for any reason, talk to your specialist first.
• This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies.
• Try to find a convenient time and stick to it as it’s easier to remember to take the tablets in the long term.
• You might sweat more than usual especially under the arms and your hands and feet.

It is an aromatase inhibitor and works by lowering the production of oestrogen. Letrozole has also been shown to be effective at inducing ovulation in infertility patients. Treatment may increase the chance of a twin pregnancy, although this is much less than with Clomiphene (Clomid), where the risk can be increased four-fold.

During a flush, your neck and face may feel warm and look red. Some people feel anxious or irritable during a hot flush. Your nurse will give you telephone numbers for the hospital. If you feel unwell or need advice, you can call them at any time of the day or night. Save these numbers in your phone or keep them somewhere safe. Cancer drugs can interact with medicines, herbal products, and some food and drinks.

Your breast care nurse may also be able to offer support or tell you about support services in your area. Find out more aboutmenopausal symptoms or sex and intimacy. If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic.

If you have not been through the menopause, you may have other types of hormone therapy. You should only have this treatment if you have gone through the menopause. Because of the way it works there is a very small chance you could become pregnant. Your doctor will talk to you about the most effective contraception to use. Speak to your doctor or nurse about what painkillers you can take to help with this. Breastfeeding is not recommended while having letrozole, or within a week of the last dose.

letrozole

Sometimes it might be used to treat breast cancer in men. Letrozole lowers the levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen in the body. These breast cancers are called hormone sensitive or hormone receptor positive. Letrozole can stop or slow the growth of these cancers. Getting pregnant while taking letrozole for breast cancer treatment is not recommended. It’s important to discuss any fertility concerns with your treatment team before you begin your treatment.