What is letrozole?
Letrozole is a prescription medication that is used to treat early stage breast cancer in post-menopausal women and women who still menstruate and have taken the medication tamoxifen for 5 years.
Talk to your health care provider about whether letrozole is right for you.
What are the most common side effects of letrozole?
Letrozole has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects become severe or do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.
Common side effects reported while taking letrozole include:
This is not a complete list of adverse reactions.
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Letrozole is a prescription medication used to treat early breast cancer in women who have stopped menstruating (postmenopause). It is also prescribed to women diagnosed with breast cancer who still menstruate, and have taken the medication tamoxifen for 5 years. This medication is most commonly supplied as an oral tablet to be taken at home.
Letrozole is prescribed to treat early-stage breast cancer in women who have stopped menstruating (also known as postmenopausal), as well as early breast cancer in women who still menstruate and have taken tamoxifen for 5 years.
Letrozole is not prescribed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Radiation therapy and other forms of treatment are necessary for these forms of cancer.
Several different factors could put you at a higher risk of breast cancer. According to the CDC, you may be more likely to develop breast cancer if the following apply to you:
- Personal and family history: If anyone in your immediate family has had breast cancer, then you may be at higher risk and should consider regular mammography visits.
- Dense breasts: There is more connective tissue in dense breasts, increasing the likelihood that you could develop breast cancer.
- Gene mutations: Genetic mutations in genes such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 may put you at a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Aging: Most cases of breast cancer involve women above the age of 50.
- Previous radiation therapy: Women who have previously received radiation therapy in the chest before the age of 30 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later down the line.
Letrozole is classified as a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. These drugs are primarily used for the treatment of breast cancer in women. Nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors work by inhibiting (blocking) the aromatase enzyme’s action in the body. Aromatase is responsible for high estrogen levels in the body – which can cause the progression and growth of cancer cells in the breast. By blocking this enzyme, letrozole controls the amount of estrogen in the body – slowing the growth and spread of early breast cancer.
It’s important to note that letrozole is only used for early-stage breast cancer. More advanced forms of cancer may require radiation therapy and other forms of treatment.
You may experience some mild side effects while taking letrozole. Talk to your doctor if these reactions become severe, or do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects reported while taking letrozole include:
This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience chest pain, skin rash, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe headaches, speech problems, or flu-like symptoms, talk to a health care provider immediately. These are signs of a more serious reaction to the medication and require attention right away.
As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with letrozole tablets. Letrozole can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects.
Letrozole is prescribed as a 2.5 mg oral tablet to be taken once a day. Do not take letrozole with food.
Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of letrozole without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.
Letrozole is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not letrozole is right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for letrozole to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
