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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Letrozole (LET-roe-zole) is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women. Female hormones that occur naturally in the body can increase the growth of some breast cancers. Letrozole works by decreasing the amounts of these hormones in the body. This medicine is meant to be used only by women who have already stopped menstruating.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For letrozole, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to letrozole. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--This medicine is meant to be used only by women who are no longer able to have children. If this medicine is taken by a pregnant woman for any reason it may cause harm to, and possibly even death of, the fetus.
Older adults--This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different effects in older women than in younger adults.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of letrozole. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.
Dosing--The dose of letrozole may be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of letrozole. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next day's dose.
Storage--To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that the medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
The following side effects may be caused by blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Pain in chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves; severe, sudden headache; slurred speech; sudden, unexplained shortness of breath; sudden loss of coordination; sudden, severe weakness or numbness in arm or leg; vision changes
Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Chest pain; mental depression; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or lower legs
Rare
Vaginal bleeding
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Nausea
Less common
Anxiety; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; hot flashes (sudden sweating and feeling of warmth); increased sweating; joint pain; loss of appetite; muscle pain; skin rash or itching; sleepiness; stomach pain or upset; unusual tiredness; vomiting; weakness; weight gain
Letrozole sometimes causes a loss of hair.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 08/14/98
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