Use the medicine exactly as directed. (2014). If your joint pain doesnt get better, talk with your doctor. Letrozole is a hormone therapy drug. If you havesecondary breast cancer, check with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise. It is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years. Letrozole [package insert]. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions. These symptoms usually improve or become easier to manage over time. Letrozole has some serious side effects. The Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch is available without a prescription to treat those with an overactive bladder, which can cause incontinence problems and make women run to the. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. We'd love to keep in touch about news, events and how you can get involved. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Your specialist may suggest changing to a differentaromatase inhibitorsuch asanastrozoleorexemestane, or anotherhormone treatment, as some women get on better with a different drug. These side effects can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. As mentioned above, low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Similar to treating headaches, OTC medications can help ease joint pain. If youre having severe tooth or jaw pain, call your doctor and ask them about treatment options. If youre concerned about this you may find it helpful to speak to your specialist. If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date. eHealthMe is studying from 40,330 Letrozole users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more. Others find exercise improves their mood. These lists dont include all possible side effects. You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). A scan to check the strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping letrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. 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. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you notice symptoms of a serious letrozole side effect. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. But it can impact some of side effects of the drug. 31 Aug 2021 13:51 in response to EllieJ. Hormone therapy for breast cancer. Most people are given letrozole for 5 years, but some will take it for up to 10 years. Chemotherapy drugs are also a type of cancer treatment. This includes cancer cells. When used for treatment, both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, painful intercourse, painful urination, or recurrent urinary tract infections. For many people, side effects improve within the first few months of starting the treatment. Muscle and joint pain is the most common reason that people decide to stop using letrozole. Without it, bone loss often happens (more about this next). Its not available as a brand-name medication. Letrozole is also used off-label for certain types of infertility. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) that can be used to induce ovulation in patients with irregular ovulation patterns or those who suffer from anovulation. 4. Additionally, walking can help strengthen your muscles and protect your joints from pain. Letrozole can interact with tamoxifen. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take letrozole oral tablets. Continue reading, Letrozole is not chemotherapy, it is a type of hormone therapy that is used to treat people with breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 4, 2022. People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). If you experience any of the following symptoms contact your local A&E department, GP or treatment team straight away: Side effects caused by letrozole will be different for each person. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. So, blocking the actions of aromatase lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. These side effects can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Concomitant use of oxybutynin (the active ingredient contained in Oxytrol) with carbamazepine and dantrolene has been associated with adverse events suggestive of carbamazepine toxicity, such as vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness, slurred speech, and nystagmus. Dizziness Letrozole may cause dizziness. It can also help to increase egg production in women who ovulate normally but have unexplained infertility. Feels like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI. Your bone density may be checked every two to three years while youre taking letrozole, depending on the results from the initial scan or whether your specialist has any concerns. In clinical studies, people with liver disease had higher levels of letrozole in their body. Letrozole is in the class of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. What should be considered before taking letrozole? Check with your doctor to find out which drug is right for you. (2007). Australian prescription products guide online. Common letrozole side effects include hot flashes and night sweats. Available for Android and iOS devices. Letrozole [package insert]. For instance, if you have hot flashes or nausea with letrozole, you can try reducing the amount of spicy or rich foods you eat. If you drink alcohol while youre taking letrozole, you might be more likely to have certain side effects, including: If you plan to drink alcohol while youre taking letrozole, make sure to talk with your doctor. Its also not recommended to use letrozole while nursing because safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Common side effects Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how letrozole will affect you. Descriptions Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). When is the best time of day to take letrozole? With this interaction, tamoxifen can reduce how well letrozole works. And its often prescribed together with a form of the hormone progestin. Femara is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years. If you're having trouble, your doctor may prescribe a drug called letrozole. More serious side effects are possible, including bone fractures and complications from high cholesterol. Usually, letrozole is prescribed for endometriosis after other treatments havent worked. A healthy diet and exercise can help lower your cholesterol. They can recommend if theres an amount thats safe for you. Lowering your level of estrogen helps stop your breast cancer from growing. Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. (2009). Letrozole blocks an enzyme (protein) called aromatase. Letrozole belongs to the class of medicines known as aromatase inhibitors. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. I . Fatigue was felt by almost 10% of people taking letrozole for breast cancer. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of letrozole. Night sweats may be annoying, but theyre not dangerous. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Bone fractures: Sudden pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb may be signs of a bone fracture. This will usually be from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Some people benefit from switching to a different hormone therapy. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. This helps stop your breast cancer from growing. Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Estrogen is important for bone health. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Urinary tract infection. And reach out to them if you experience any side effects that are bothersome. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits athletes in competitive sports from using letrozole for non-approved uses. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of eHealthMe.com's terms of service and privacy policy. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that letrozole oral tablets may cause. Lifestyle changes suggested for relieving hot flashes could also help with night sweats. Bone pain, joint pain or muscle ache. It can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. No, there arent any specific foods you should avoid while youre taking letrozole. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This bone loss may cause joint pain. Letrozole may cause dizziness. Spot the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer, 1. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of letrozole oral tablets thats right for you. Some reports may have incomplete information. After menopause, aromatase is the main source of estrogen production. Your pharmacist, GP or treatment team cantell you what products you can use on your skin to help. Both medications belong to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. If youd like more information about how letrozole compares with Arimidex, see this detailed breakdown. Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: hot flashes feeling weak or having increased tiredness dizziness belly pain or cramping hair loss swelling, usually in. 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. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Brisk walking can also be beneficial. If dizziness persists see your GP. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read letrozole oral tablets prescribing information. (2021). Do not take two doses at one time. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. This drug works by decreasing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. 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. Femara is available in generic form. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Lets review. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letrozole is a medication used for breast cancer and infertility. They work by reducing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels that: Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesnt. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. There are CDs, podcasts and phone apps that can guide you through these techniques. What are some frequently asked questions about letrozole? If these affect your jaw, its possible the pain could spread and feel like tooth pain. Letrozole is the generic version of the brand-name drug Femara. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Insomnia. . , 7 , ? If you have any side effects, whether theyre listed here or not, talk to your GP or treatment team. Follow up with your healthcare provider to get regular screening for bone loss and cholesterol changes while using letrozole. This side effect is sometimes called aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. In certain types of infertility like that caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) an egg may not be released at the correct time, or at all. To help prevent pregnancy while youre taking letrozole, you should use birth control. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. When will you ovulate after taking letrozole? So, if your doctor prescribes letrozole for medical uses, you should not take it for other purposes such as bodybuilding or PCT. They are most common among people with weak immune systems. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. Most of the time this Candida transfer is harmless, so yeast infections are not highly contagious.

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