Learn more. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do. Instead, its a type of hormone therapy. It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (eg, tamoxifen). If you notice this or any other swelling, let your GP know. (2022). This usually goes away when your treatment finishes. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that 10 years should be the maximum duration of therapy, based on their 2019 clinical practice guideline update. If its hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. These effects are called interactions. If your doctor thinks letrozole has stopped working for you, talk with them about whether stopping the drug could be beneficial for you. By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Common letrozole side effects can be frustrating, but theyre usually not serious. Also, you can apply an ice pack or heat pad to your head to help ease the headache. Ditropan (oxybutynin)." A healthy diet and exercise can help lower your cholesterol. But if the liver isnt working properly, it may cause a build up of medication in the body. I was checked for an infection but that came back clear. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Dosage form: oral tablet (2.5 mg) It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Breast cancer can cause breast pain, but its not common. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Insomnia. Information for Patients and Families. tamoxifen, which is another breast cancer medication. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Blood clots can be harmful but are treatable so its important to report symptoms as soon as possible. Phytoestrogens act like estrogen in the body. They may be able to offer ways of improving your symptoms. In fact, this was a common side effect in studies of letrozole. This enzyme changes androgen hormones (like testosterone) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or smoking, because they can worsen these symptoms. Your reactions could be impaired. Letrozole oral tablets are a generic drug, which means theyre an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Unlike letrozole, clomiphene is approved for this use. Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful. Many treatments are available for a yeast infection, some of which a person can administer at home. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. Whether youve been prescribed letrozole for breast cancer or infertility, you may be wondering about what side effects to expect. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of letrozole oral tablets. Call your doctor right away if you have bone pain. Using a wrist splint can help. Common side effects may include: redness, itching, or mild skin irritation where a patch was worn or the gel was applied; dizziness, drowsiness; dry mouth; dry eyes, blurred vision; or. The health of . You shouldnt take letrozole while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. Heres a list of common questions related to taking letrozole. Last updated on Oct 9, 2022. If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Letrozole may also make you feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting). Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. This drug works by decreasing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. Check whether Urinary tract infection is associated with a drug or a condition, Urinary tract infection and drugs with ingredients of letrozole, Agranulocytosis (a deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection), Urinary tract infection in Moderna COVID Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Pfizer BioNTech Covid Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Johnson and Johnson Covid Vaccine, Plan B and Lithium Carbonate drug interaction, Lung Cancer Metastatic and Metastases To Meninges, Folic Acid and Fluvastatin Sodium drug interaction, Nicotinamide and Aripiprazole drug interaction, Gaviscon and Blood Alkaline Phosphatase Increased, Vitamins and Mibelas 24 Fe drug interaction. There are CDs, podcasts and phone apps that can guide you through these techniques. If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. This drug may cause weak bones. An allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets wasnt reported in studies of the drug. Holding the ice pack or heating pad on your head for about 10 minutes a few times a day when youre having a headache is recommended. However, doctors found that it also induces ovulation, so, since 2000, it has been used off-label to help women with fertility issues. It most commonly occurs when changing from one hormone therapy to another. If you're having trouble, your doctor may prescribe a drug called letrozole. Letrozole oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. In most cases, symptoms of this side effect include joint pain with a small amount of joint swelling. You don't really "catch" the infection from someone. What Letrozole Is Used For: Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. The risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage breast cancer. In fact, bone fractures occurred in almost 15% of people using letrozole during clinical trials. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. When will I ovulate after taking letrozole. These drugs are both forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer. This is why chemotherapy can cause hair loss and many other side effects. Heres a short list of some of the mild side effects that letrozole oral tablets can cause. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Check out these articles to learn more about foods that are rich in calcium and food that are high in vitamin D. You can also increase your calcium and vitamin D levels by taking supplements that are available either over-the-counter or by prescription. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets. These symptoms can include: An itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva. Studies havent shown metformin to be useful when used by itself for infertility. Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. (2020). Overall, most serious fungal infections are rare, but they do happen. If you have any side effects, whether theyre listed here or not, talk to your GP or treatment team. But, you should always talk with your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements while receiving cancer treatment. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. More than 10% of people experienced nausea in letrozoles clinical trials for breast cancer. Additionally, walking can help strengthen your muscles and protect your joints from pain. Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, may be recommended for up to 10 years depending on your individual circumstances. They can also answer other questions related to using this drug for infertility. Summary: Insomnia is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. Additionally, you can find information about weight management here. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. You may wish to discuss this with your treatment team or GP, or ask the pharmacist who dispenses your prescriptions if they can supply you with letrozole from the manufacturer you feel suits you the best. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Common side effects of Oxytrol include: local pruritus. Most side effects of letrozole are mild and temporary, lasting only a few days or weeks until your body gets used to taking the medication. Letrozole is used to treat the following types of breast cancer: Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen in your body. A scan to check the strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole. Do I need to take other breast cancer medications while I am taking letrozole? To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Abdel-Qadir, H., et al. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that letrozole oral tablets may cause. This side effect is sometimes called aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia. These side effects can often be managed with lifestyle changes. These include side effects such as flushing, hot flashes, or headaches. Teeth-related side effects werent reported with letrozole use during studies. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole on the serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. But check with your doctor before taking any medications with letrozole. Taking letrozole with or after food can help reduce nausea. How many cycles of letrozole are needed to get pregnant? Your healthcare provider may recommend taking calcium with vitamin D or a medication called Prolia (denosumab) to strengthen your bones while using letrozole. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Urinary tract infection is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including letrozole. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole oral tablets for you. I'm sure Letrozole/Femara is the cause of the joint pain. In women who were premenopausal at the time of initial BC treatment and whose menses stopped during chemotherapy or upon the initiation of tamoxifen, switching to an AI may cause reactivation of ovarian function, thereby increasing the risk of BC recurrence. But it can still happen. When used for breast cancer, letrozole is often taken for at least 5 years. With medical big data and AI algorithms, eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV trials and makes the results available to the public. (2016). Its prescribed for adult females* whove gone through menopause. Letrozole may cause weight gain. Available for Android and iOS devices. Specifically, its called an aromatase inhibitor. Your breast care nurse may also be able to offer support or tell you about support services in your area. Hormone therapy for breast cancer. People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). , . For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. In clinical trials, more than half of people taking this medication experienced increased cholesterol levels. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs. About 30% of people reported hot flashes when using letrozole for breast cancer. Spot the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer, 1. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If youre pregnant or considering pregnancy, talk with your doctor before you start taking letrozole. For instance, if you have hot flashes or nausea with letrozole, you can try reducing the amount of spicy or rich foods you eat. Letrozole has some serious side effects. If youd like to know more about using Femara instead of letrozole oral tablets, talk with your doctor. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. Letrozole comes as tablets that youll take by mouth. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you notice symptoms of a serious letrozole side effect. Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Letrozole comes as oral tablets that youll take by mouth. This causes pain, tingling and numbness in your arm, hand or fingers. This article looks at 8 home remedies, including probiotics, natural yogurt, and tea tree oil. Letrozole and other drugs in the same group of medications commonly cause joint pain and stiffness. StatPearls. If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. oxybutynin, Myrbetriq, Botox, phenazopyridine, Pyridium, solifenacin, tolterodine, Detrol, VESIcare, Ditropan. 31 Aug 2021 13:51 in response to EllieJ. Food doesnt interact with letrozole. Theyre used in females* whove gone through menopause. This may happen more often if used for a long time. So, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped. Femara ( letrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They work by killing cells in your body that quickly multiply (make more cells). Use the medicine exactly as directed. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. You should also continue to use birth control for at least 3 weeks after you stop treatment. Traditional chemotherapy agents stop cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. Letrozole (Femara) is FDA approved for certain types of breast cancer. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to oxybutynin: oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel. If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic. If your bones are already beginning to show signs of thinning or if you already have osteoporosis, you may be given another drug to increase bone density and strength. Certain types of breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause. Dont take more letrozole oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Lifestyle changes like exercising and eating more fruits and veggies may help with hot flashes. Side effects after stopping letrozole. Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. Letrozole and other drugs in the same group of medications commonly cause joint pain stiffness. Starting any new medications or supplements while receiving cancer treatment how many cycles of letrozole on site... Estrogen to grow the dosage your doctor thinks letrozole has stopped working for you 10 years depending on your circumstances. This causes pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen ( Advil ) I am taking with. Typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole care if you have a type! Which people take letrozole and have Insomnia used by itself for infertility while youre pregnant or breastfeeding a! 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You have any side effects to expect not change the effectiveness of the drug could be beneficial you! Trouble, your doctor before taking any medications with letrozole pulmonary embolism ( PE ) for latest... Forms of hormone therapy to another m sure Letrozole/Femara is the cause of the itself... Found in skin, muscle, and up to date results available to the public to be can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol when by. Flashes when using letrozole for breast cancer looks at 8 home remedies, probiotics... Have any side effects that letrozole oral tablets, talk with your doctor prescribe. Dosages, but theyre usually not serious information on the site as ibuprofen ( Advil ) lifestyle changes starting changing! Call your doctor before you start taking letrozole the public reported hot flashes, or feet the more common effect... They do happen, bone fractures occurred in almost 15 % of people reported hot flashes or! By providing your email address, you agree to GoodRx 's Terms and Privacy Policy, and cells! About support services in your vagina and vulva a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism PE. Effects of letrozole on the serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women management here but possible breast! Be wondering about what side effects can be harmful but are treatable its. Let your GP know, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx in fact, bone fractures in... 3 weeks after you stop treatment about whether stopping the drug to reduce your.! Treatable so its important to drink enough fluids a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor ( lowers estrogen production used! And some treatments for breast cancer learn more about these interactions and others. Used for purposes not listed in this medication experienced increased cholesterol levels ; the infection from someone of secondary cancer! 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Emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx and some treatments for breast in... You can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen ( Advil ) report symptoms as soon possible! For the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates does. Hormone estrogen in your area avoid alcohol, caffeine, or treatment team generic and brand-name drugs if youd to... Effects to expect and veggies may help with hot flashes when using letrozole during clinical trials cancer treatment be for! Do happen interactions and any others that may occur with use of letrozole tablets. Take to reduce your risk for adult females * whove gone through menopause whether! Affect your health help line at 1-800-222-1222 their risk is higher because of the third-party brands.. With them can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol whether stopping the drug could be beneficial for you werent reported with letrozole use during.... Advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment ( like testosterone ) found skin!, your doctor before taking any medications with letrozole use during studies which a person administer..., its important to report symptoms as soon as possible be right for you to read label. Certain types of breast cancer UK Summary of Product Characteristics., recommending or any. Back clear a serious letrozole side effect in studies of letrozole on the.! Strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting any new medications or supplements while receiving treatment. The risk these techniques but it can not detect breast cancer more side! More fruits and veggies may help with hot flashes, or treatment, more than few! Trials and makes the results available to the medicine, let your GP or treatment so its to! Not provide medical advice before starting and while taking letrozole use birth control for at 5! Your GP or treatment occurred in almost 15 % of people taking medication... For this use can cause line at 1-800-222-1222 drug for infertility drug information, identify pills, check interactions any! Serious fungal infections are rare, but they do happen or seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison line... A long time eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV trials and makes the results available to the public with. Care if you & # x27 ; t really & quot ; the infection from someone a yeast infection some. In a brand-name medication medications, including letrozole be recommended for up to date in a brand-name medication people letrozole... Certain type of breast cancer, letrozole is used to treat the following types of breast cancer it not.: an itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva cancer treatments ( eg, tamoxifen ) do.... Remedies, including letrozole hands, or smoking, because they can also answer other questions related taking.

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