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Brand Names: Femara

Generic Name: letrozole (Pronunciation: LET row zol)

• What is letrozole (Femara)?
• What are the possible side effects of letrozole (Femara)?
• What is the most important information I should know about letrozole (Femara)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using letrozole (Femara)?
• How should I take letrozole (Femara)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Femara)?
• What happens if I overdose (Femara)?
• What should I avoid while taking letrozole (Femara)?
• What other drugs will affect letrozole (Femara)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is letrozole (Femara)?

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.

Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to women who have been taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years.

Letrozole may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

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 effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about letrozole (Femara)?

Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

There may be other drugs that can affect letrozole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or 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 are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.