LETROZOLE – ORAL (LET-tro-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Femara
USES: This medication is used to treat advanced breast cancer in women after menopause (change of life).
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Take by mouth once daily with or without food or as directed. Do not stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Continue to take your other medications unless instructed otherwise.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug is generally well tolerated. Fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly any chest pain, stomach pain, trouble breathing, hot flushes, rash or itching. Very unlikely but report promptly any swelling, redness, weakness or pain in legs or arms, vision problems or unusual vaginal bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies) or liver disease. Limit alcohol intake as it may increase the side effects of this drug. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving), since it is possible this drug may cause drowsiness. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially drugs that may cause drowsiness such as sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medications, certain cough-and-cold products containing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants and narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
