Letrozole: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action DrugBank Online

But a small amount of oestrogen is still produced in the fatty tissues, muscle and skin. This happens using a type of protein (an enzyme) called aromatase. Letrozole works by blocking this enzyme to reduce the amount of oestrogen in the body. It is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Some side effects of letrozole may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Letrozole decreases the amount of estrogen the body makes and helps to slow or reverse the growth of these breast cancers. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for letrozole. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home.

Alcohol and letrozole

Letrozole can be used in ER-positive breast cancers to stop breast cancer cells from growing when someone has been through the menopause. Letrozole is a generic medication that’s prescribed for certain types of breast cancer. The cost of letrozole with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether the drug has a savings program.

  • It is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years.
  • Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to letrozole.
  • You may have letrozole on its own or with other drugs.
  • Specifically, your risk of bone fractures may increase after 5 years of taking this drug.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication or for 3 weeks after stopping it. 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. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could be suitable for you. To find out whether your Medicare plan covers the cost of letrozole, call your plan provider.

Cholesterol, hepatic function tests; bone density; pregnancy test (prior to treatment in females of reproductive potential). This leads to inhibition of the enzyme and a significant reduction in plasma estrogen (estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate) levels. Letrozole does not appear to affect synthesis of adrenal or thyroid hormones, aldosterone, or androgens. Letrozole side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy or order online and instantly save up to 80% without using insurance. The coupon doesn’t expire, so be sure to save it for refills. On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services. Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy and instantly save without using insurance.

If the pain does not get better, tell your doctor or nurse. They may talk to you about https://freemanschoice.co.uk/aromatase-inhibitors-results/ changing to a different hormonal drug. Oestrogen is produced mainly in the ovaries before the menopause. After the menopause, the ovaries no longer produce oestrogen.

If you have swelling while taking letrozole, weight gain may be a symptom of this side effect. If you develop serious side effects while taking letrozole, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Letrozole may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details. Most people can eat and drink normally when taking letrozole.

If you are also having other cancer treatment, you may have other side effects. This information is correct at time of publishing. But sometimes the types of cancer this treatment is used for, or treatment side effects, may change between revision dates. Your doctor will talk to you about this treatment and its possible side effects before you agree (consent)to have treatment.

Time to Peak

If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose (within the next 3 hours), just take your usual dose the next day. Do not take a double dose.You may need to take letrozole for several years. Your nurse or doctor will talk to you about your treatment plan. This is important to make sure they work as well as possible for you.

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