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. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. 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. Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Common letrozole side effects can be frustrating, but theyre usually not serious. To learn more, visit their websites. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. 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. The study uses data from the FDA. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Descriptions Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). If youd like to know more about using Femara instead of letrozole oral tablets, talk with your doctor. If dizziness persists see your GP. In some cases, letrozole is prescribed for early breast cancer thats already been treated with surgery plus 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. Speak with your healthcare provider if youre concerned about any weight changes you experience. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. They work by reducing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. The half-life of letrozole is 2 days, so once you stop taking letrozole, you might continue to experience side effects for about a week to 10 days after your last dose. When is the best time of day to take letrozole? What should be considered before taking letrozole? Other side effects But both cancer cells and healthy cells in your body can quickly multiply. By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. These can occur in more than 1 in 10 women who take letrozole. Bone fractures among postmenopausal patients with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer treated with 5 years of letrozole or tamoxifen in the BIG 1-98 trial. 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. 3. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about taking this drug for breast cancer. Note: In some cases, such as if you have severe liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a letrozole dosage of 2.5 mg every other day. If you struggle to maintain a healthy weight, ask your GP or specialist about being referred to a dietitian. Some people find mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, are helpful also. Some of these include bone fractures and complications from high cholesterol. Letrozole resulted in an increased volume percentage of collagens and decreased bladder compliance. Letrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body. [Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, urinary hesitation, urinary retention, dysuria, increased post void retention, Frequency not reported: Impotence, suppression of lactation, cystitis, aggravation of prostatic hypertrophy[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fungal infection[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Application site pruritus (16.8%), Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site vesicles, application site rash, application site macules[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, fluid retention[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 17%), somnolence (up to 14%), headache, drowsiness, confusion, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphagia, convulsions, Frequency not reported: Cognitive disorders in elderly, convulsions, agitation, nightmares, anxiety, paranoia, symptoms of depression, hallucinations, asthenia, insomnia, restlessness, dependence to this drug (in patients with history of drug or substance abuse)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, dry eye, abnormal vision, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angle closure glaucoma, Frequency not reported: Onset of narrow-angle glaucoma, mydriasis, intraocular hypertension, amblyopia, cycloplegia, decreased lacrimation[Ref], Frequency not reported: Falls, accidental injury[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucinations, confusional state, agitation, memory impairment, Frequency not reported: Psychotic disorder, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, abnormal behavior[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Cough, oropharyngeal pain, dry throat, nasal dryness, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, chest discomfort, hoarseness, Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal congestion, throat irritation[Ref]. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of eHealthMe.com's terms of service and privacy policy. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Common side effects can be like menopause symptomsand include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and low mood. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. This helps stop your breast cancer from growing. You may have specific questions about using letrozole for infertility, such as: Because this isnt an approved use for letrozole, the manufacturer of the drug doesnt provide dosage guidelines for infertility treatment. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. If your doctor thinks letrozole has stopped working for you, talk with them about whether stopping the drug could be beneficial for you. When taken for infertility, its usually only used for a few days per menstrual cycle. For breast cancer, the recommended letrozole dosage is one 2.5-mg tablet once daily. Letrozole oral tablets can interact with several types of drugs. You may also experience side effects caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as the menopause. Chemotherapy drugs are also a type of cancer treatment. Specifically, its called an aromatase inhibitor. Avoid alcohol as it may make you feel more tired and drowsy. , . These drugs are both forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer. Letrozole oral tablets are the generic version of the brand-name drug Femara. Letrozole is a hormone therapy for breast cancer. Monthly chances for getting pregnant using letrozole are about the same as with using Clomid. Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about letrozole oral tablets. Exercise that gently stretches your joints or strengthens your muscles to better support your joints, such as yoga or pilates, may help improve your symptoms. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. But your doctor will recommend if its something you should do. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Letrozole is a hormone therapy drug. Metformin is a drug thats typically used to treat diabetes. Night sweats may be annoying, but theyre not dangerous. If dizziness persists see your GP. Letrozole (Femara) can cause side effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. It can be difficult to know whether this is because of the medication or other reasons such as menopausal symptoms or dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. This drug may cause weak bones. Also, if youre having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. So, its recommended that you dont take the drugs at the same time. The active ingredient in OXYTROL, oxybutynin, can cause swelling around the eyes, lips, genitals, hands or feet. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Information for Patients and Families. Around 6% experienced weight loss. Letrozole isnt a chemotherapy drug. StatPearls. Your breast care nurse may also be able to offer support or tell you about support services in your area. So, check with your doctor about the dosage of letrozole for infertility thats recommended for you. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread beyond your breast or lymph nodes in your armpits.). Australian prescription products guide online. Because letrozole lowers estrogen levels, it can cause bone loss as a side effect. You should also avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of the drug. Heart attack or stroke: Over time, high cholesterol can raise your risk of more serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: * For more information about this side effect, see the Side effect focus section below. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Urinary tract infection. These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density); You should not breastfeed while you are using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Common side effects Financial assistance to help you pay for letrozole oral tablets may be available. (2021). If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. Heart attack: Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure thats worse during exertion. If youre having severe tooth or jaw pain, call your doctor and ask them about treatment options. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. (2021). Letrozole is in the class of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. When will you ovulate after taking letrozole? You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. This is why chemotherapy can cause hair loss and many other side effects. But it can impact some of side effects of the drug. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Oxytrol. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. I . Recently, it has been utilized in infertile pre-menopausal women because of its ability to enhance FSH production for ovulation induction. Bone fractures: Sudden pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb may be signs of a bone fracture. When estrogen isnt being made, your body can ovulate. Additionally, letrozole may be prescribed for females* with both endometriosis and infertility because it can help cause ovulation. If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including letrozole. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Letrozole is also prescribed off-label for certain types of infertility. Atypical manifestations, such as cholestasis, chronic hepatitis, precipitation of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and autoimmune hepatitis, are reported with EBV infection, whereas cholestasis, portal vein thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari syndrome are reported with CMV infection. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. You can get swollen arms, hands, feet and ankles. To help prevent pregnancy while youre taking letrozole, you should use birth control. Like any drug,letrozolecan cause side effects. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of letrozole oral tablets. Side effects tend to go away once letrozole is stopped. Warnings You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. If you want to know more about the different treatment options for infertility, talk with your doctor. I'm sure Letrozole/Femara is the cause of the joint pain. 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. Continue reading, When you stop taking letrozole, most persistent side effects should improve within a week or 10 days, and as long as you have taken it for at least 5 years, then letrozole should continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. Burstein, H. J. In addition, Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is only moderately effective for relieving overactive bladder symptoms--like all drugs in its class--and it can cause dry mouth and constipation. Its a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. What side effects can Letrozole cause? Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. oxybutynin, Myrbetriq, Botox, phenazopyridine, Pyridium, solifenacin, tolterodine, Detrol, VESIcare, Ditropan. If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. 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An allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets or feet drugs.com provides accurate and independent on! Informational purposes only volume percentage of collagens and decreased bladder compliance menstrual cycle paracetamol may help with.! Important to discuss this with your healthcare provider if youre having severe tooth or jaw pain,,! Hair loss and many other side effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like healthy eating and exercise you. Not drive a car or operate machinery if you are pregnant to receive emails containing coupons, reminders. Both endometriosis and infertility because it can impact some of side effects advice, diagnosis, treatment. Caused by other treatments or individual circumstance, such as paracetamol may help with.! Tooth or jaw pain, swelling, or treatment if youd like know.