Femara (Letrozole) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Femara

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer.
There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasize) to other body tissues.
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There are many different types of breast cancer.
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Femara

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Femara
(letrozole)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Femara tablets for oral administration contains 2.5 mg of letrozole, a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (inhibitor of estrogen synthesis). It is chemically described as 4,4'-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1ylmethylene) dibenzonitrile, and its structural formula is

Femara (letrozole) Structural Formula Illustration

Letrozole is a white to yellowish crystalline powder, practically odorless, freely soluble in dichloromethane, slightly soluble in ethanol, and practically insoluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 285.31, empirical formula C₁₇H₁₁N₅, and a melting range of 184°C-185°C.

Femara is available as 2.5 mg tablets for oral administration.

Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, ferric oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of letrozole (Femara)?

Stop using letrozole and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest;
headache, muscle or joint pain;
night sweats;
weight gain;
fatigue, feeling weak;
nausea; or
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Femara »

What are the precautions when taking letrozole (Femara)?

Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to anastrozole; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood fats (cholesterol), bone problems (such as osteopenia, osteoporosis), stroke or blood clots, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems.

This drug may make you dizzy and tired, and may rarely cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are...

Read All Potential Precautions of Femara »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/10/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.