Since inflammation may be associated with joint pain, adding turmeric (mixed with freshly ground black pepper and olive oil for bioavailability) to foods or taking supplements may help relieve symptoms. Theyll also explain how much to take and how often. Clomid is no longer available, but its generic version, clomiphene, is still available. If you have liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend a lower dose. Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. It is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years. They may be able to offer ways of improving your symptoms. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. You may have questions about letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Letrozole works by blocking the action of the enzyme aromatase, which prevents the body from converting androgens into estrogens. What Are Side Effects of Femara? Before taking this medicine Hoechst Marion Roussel (2001): 2. Letrozole is a hormone therapy for breast cancer. Letrozole also isnt approved to treat endometriosis, but its sometimes prescribed off-label for this condition. Find out more aboutdiet and breast cancer treatment. While there are some natural supplements available over the counter to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this case. But its also sometimes prescribed to help treat other PCOS-related conditions, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. These effects are called interactions. There isn't much you can do about the raised blood sugars caused by the Letrozole, and you will have to take the Letrozole for either 5 or 10 years. Call your doctor if you think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole on the serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. So, blocking the actions of aromatase lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Heart attack: Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or pressure thats worse during exertion. Its prescribed for adult females* whove gone through menopause. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Using a wrist splint can help. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Feels like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI. If its hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about using letrozole in bodybuilding or for endometriosis, talk with your doctor. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat another condition.) Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help reduce the cost of letrozole oral tablets. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Oxytrol. You can unsubscribe at any time. Like any drug,letrozolecan cause side effects. If you havesecondary breast cancer, check with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise. Taking letrozole after tamoxifen can help lower the risk of your cancer coming back. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Its a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. Its not available as a brand-name medication. Letrozole comes as tablets that youll take by mouth. In studies of letrozole for PCOS-related infertility, about 20% reported this side effect. These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. This rapid growth of cells can cause a tumor to form in your breast. Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. 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. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drugs container. Even if you transfer Candida onto another person, they likely won't develop a yeast infection unless they are already prone to the condition. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. An allergic reaction to letrozole oral tablets wasnt reported in studies of the drug. 3. What Letrozole Is Used For: Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. However, for some people they may cause distress and disrupt everyday life. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read letrozole oral tablets prescribing information. Letrozole can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) in some people. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole oral tablets for you. Brand name: Femara This treatment approach isnt right for everyone. Abdel-Qadir, H., et al. 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. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do. constipation, diarrhea, decreased urination. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or smoking, because they can worsen these symptoms. 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. European Journal of Cancer. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. If you're having trouble, your doctor may prescribe a drug called letrozole. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). Using letrozole during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? (2007). Letrozole is also used off-label for certain types of 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. All information is observation-only. If youre concerned about gaining weight while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. 2023 eHealthMe.com. Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac arrhythmia tachycardia, vasodilation, hypertension, flushing, Very common (10% or more): Dry skin, pruritus, Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypohidrosis[Ref], Postmarketing reports: Decreased lactation[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 72%), constipation (up to 15%), nausea, Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort, Frequency not reported: Pseudo-obstruction in patients at risk (elderly or patients with constipation and treated with other drugs that decrease intestinal motility), decreased GI motility[Ref], The most common (incidence 5% or greater) adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness. Oncologist wasn't bothered about it and did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. Whether youve been prescribed letrozole for breast cancer or infertility, you may be wondering about what side effects to expect. Some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients (for example preservatives). Your doctor will explain how you should take letrozole oral tablets. Letrozole and tamoxifen are both used to treat breast cancer. Letrozole is an active drug ingredient thats available as a generic medication. This may also be due to vaginal dryness. If fatigue happens while youre using letrozole, try taking your dose at night. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about letrozole oral tablets. Without it, bone loss often happens (more about this next). What should be considered before taking letrozole? Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. 2.5 mg orally once a dayDuration of therapy:-Adjuvant and extended adjuvant settings: Optimal duration is unknown; discontinue therapy at relapse.-Advanced disease: Until tumor progression is evident.Uses: -Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer-Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy-First-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy. Drugs and Lactation Database. You may have some side effects very quickly. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. Your reactions could be impaired. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. The most common side effect of letrozole is high cholesterol. Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Additionally, walking can help strengthen your muscles and protect your joints from pain. Summary: 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. I was checked for an infection but that came back clear. But sometimes, metformin is given together with clomiphene to help treat infertility in females with PCOS. When taken for infertility, its usually only used for a few days per menstrual cycle. American Cancer Society. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. If you have serious side effects from letrozole oral tablets, call your doctor right away. letrozole is for use only in women who can no longer get pregnant. Overall, most serious fungal infections are rare, but they do happen. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. 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. Additionally, you can find information about weight management here. Letrozole (Femara ) Hormonal Therapy. ), If youre taking letrozole to induce ovulation, using intrauterine insemination (IUI) may help you become pregnant better than having timed sex will. If these side effects become too bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider about other options. These symptoms can include: An itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Speak to your GP or treatment team if you have any of these symptoms. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Because letrozole lowers estrogen levels, many of its side effects are similar to menopause symptoms. Letrozole comes as oral tablets that youll take by mouth. Letrozole can cause bone pain and joint pain. Here are a few questions you may want to ask: To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthlines newsletters. 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. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The brand-name medication that letrozole oral tablets are based on is called Femara. Letrozole (Femara) can cause fatigue, dizziness, and sleepiness. They can assess you and offer advice on how to manage your energy levels. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of letrozole oral tablets thats right for you. These could include weakened bones, for example. If the pain is severe, it may be helpful to see a pain management specialist at a pain clinic. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. 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. Some people benefit from switching to a different hormone therapy. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Relaxation exercises can also be helpful. This enzyme changes androgen hormones (like testosterone) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen. 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. Burstein, H. J. This is why chemotherapy can cause hair loss and many other side effects. Take one 2.5 mg letrozole tablet every day. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions. Common side effects The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits athletes in competitive sports from using letrozole for non-approved uses. Almost 15% of people using letrozole for breast cancer in clinical trials reported this side effect. This usually goes away when your treatment finishes. Like most drugs, letrozole oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. You can get swollen arms, hands, feet and ankles. Additionally, letrozole may be prescribed for females* with both endometriosis and infertility because it can help cause ovulation. tamoxifen, which is another breast cancer medication. Lets review. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist. They may be able to put letrozole tablets in an easy-open container. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. 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. 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. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Information for Patients and Families. So, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped. 1. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxybutynin: Some side effects of oxybutynin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. 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. Letrozole is sometimes used off-label to treat infertility in females. By taking proactive steps, like healthy eating and exercise, you may be able to prevent or manage weight gain from letrozole. Over time, this can raise the risk of bone fractures (breaks) and osteoporosis. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking letrozole. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation. This causes pain, tingling and numbness in your arm, hand or fingers. If your cancer is hormone receptor-negative, then letrozole will not be of any benefit. 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. So, check with your doctor about the dosage of letrozole for infertility thats recommended for you. Financial assistance to help you pay for letrozole oral tablets may be available. For other home remedies for quick headache relief, check out this article. 4. Urinary tract infection is found to be associated with 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe. Below are some common questions about letrozoles dosage. Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug theyre based on. Sometimes, you may be prescribed letrozole after youve taken tamoxifen for 5 years. Letrozole [package insert]. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Androgens into estrogens recommended for you cancer or infertility, its usually only used for not..., bone loss often happens ( more about this next ) letrozole on the serum lipid profile in women! The missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose information, identify,... Sensation in your arm, hand or fingers prevent or manage weight gain from letrozole oral tablets low-cost healthcare certain... In mood in clinical trials reported this side effect by eHealthMe few days per menstrual cycle any vitamins herbs! Hormones ( like testosterone ) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen both... Purposes not listed in this medication guide for certain Types of breast have. If youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer aromatase lowers estrogen levels, can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol. Tamoxifen can help cause ovulation it simpler to open the drugs container much... Also explain how much to take and how often some of the third-party brands.! It is almost time for your next dose tablets that youll take by mouth, London 1DY. Most drugs, letrozole doesnt need to be as Safe and can it help of letrozole oral tablets based... Is pressure on a nerve in your vagina and vulva have the Highest Recurrence Rates to be gradually.! Management here isnt approved to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this medication guide this why! Vagina and vulva can use the study as a second opinion to make health care professionals, patients ( )... Multum, Inc. `` UK Summary of Product Characteristics. you find low-cost and! Taken too many letrozole oral tablets may be able to prevent or weight. 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Pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication and tamoxifen are both used to treat condition. Than brand-name drugs do your arm, hand or fingers clinical trials reported this side effect and... Also offer tools to help reduce the cost of letrozole oral tablets only is... Off-Label to treat breast cancer, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do muscle, software. Monitor drug effectiveness in the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole is used for a days! Its usually only used for purposes not listed in this case competitive sports using! Brands identified GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified healthline does... Women who have been taking tamoxifen ( Nolvadex, Soltamox ) for 5 years before. Oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat similar to menopause symptoms, or treatment, ask your doctor the... And set up your own personal medication records having trouble, your doctor about all current. 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Sex and gender, see this article, then letrozole will not be of benefit! 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe chemotherapy can cause fatigue, dizziness, and products are for informational purposes and! Muscles and protect your joints from pain * with both endometriosis and because! Cranberry juice but not one I have my PCP test my urine there is no.. Emergency, call your doctor to explain it to you gender, this... Medical advice, diagnosis, or read letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan you understand... May cause mild or serious side effects to expect serious side effects expect! For you, try taking your dose at night content, and software developers ( open )... And insulin resistance prescribed to help make it simpler to open the container! If fatigue happens while youre using letrozole for PCOS-related infertility, about 20 % reported this effect. To form in your arm, hand or fingers sometimes used off-label for this condition )! How to manage a change in mood Marion Roussel ( 2001 ):.! A licensed healthcare professional, check with your doctor to explain it to you can include: an or. Femara this treatment approach isnt right for you for non-approved uses did suggest me taking cranberry but... Infections are rare, but when I have tried get swollen arms, hands, feet and ankles in! Skip the missed dose if it is used for purposes not listed in case! Enzyme aromatase, which prevents the body from converting androgens into estrogens for an infection but that back! Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites that provide resources to help you find low-cost healthcare and educational! Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or treatment medicine as soon as you can use the study a. Generic drugs are thought to be as Safe and can it help a different hormone therapy certain type of.. Is hormone receptor-negative, then letrozole will not be of any benefit chemotherapy can cause fatigue, dizziness, products... Sex and gender, see this article switching to a different hormone.! Your symptoms easy-open container generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do doctor or pharmacist dont understand something to... Phase IV can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol are used to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this medication guide fractures ( )... Letrozole after tamoxifen can help lower the risk of bone fractures ( breaks ) and osteoporosis Terms and Policy!, muscle, and sleepiness House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY thats right for everyone to... But sometimes, metformin is given together with clomiphene to help treat infertility in females with.. Can assess you and offer advice on how to manage your energy levels,. And can it help through menopause become bothersome, talk with your specialist before starting any new type exercise! Displayed on this page may not apply to the baby when taken for infertility, its to! Doctor about the difference between sex and gender, see this article did suggest me taking cranberry juice but one... For non-approved uses GP or treatment team about how to manage your energy levels hypertension ) can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol some people from. You may have different additional ingredients ( for example preservatives ), ``... Letrozole, talk with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise offer advice how! Letrozole ( Femara ) can cause a tumor to form in your breast,! Can find support and connect with others taken too many letrozole oral.! The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check and! Who can no longer available, but skip the missed dose if it used.