Letroz 2.5mg Tablet is used in postmenopausal women for:

• Adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer: In women whose tumours are hormone receptor-positive, to lower the risk of the cancer coming back.

• Extended adjuvant treatment: In women with early breast cancer who have already completed 5 years of tamoxifen.

• First-line and second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer: In women whose tumours are hormone receptor-positive or of unknown receptor status.

• Treatment of advanced breast cancer after antioestrogen therapy: When the disease has progressed after treatment with an antioestrogen medicine.

After menopause, most oestrogen is made when an enzyme called aromatase converts other hormones (androgens) into oestrogen in tissues such as fat and muscle. Some breast cancers depend on oestrogen to grow.

Letrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. By blocking aromatase, it lowers oestrogen levels, which helps slow or stop the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.

Tell your oncologist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products you take.

• Tamoxifen: Taking tamoxifen with letrozole lowers letrozole levels in the blood. They should not be combined unless your oncologist specifically advises it.

• Oestrogen-containing medicines: Hormone replacement therapy and other oestrogen-containing products can work against letrozole. Do not use them unless your doctor agrees.

• Medicines that change liver enzyme activity: Letrozole is broken down by liver enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2A6). Medicines that strongly affect these enzymes may change letrozole levels, so tell your doctor about them.

• Other cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy should be planned together with your oncologist.

• Supplements and herbal products: Tell your doctor about all of them. Products with oestrogen-like effects should be avoided unless approved.

• Store Letroz 2.5mg Tablet at room temperature, not above 25°C, as stated on the pack.

• Keep the tablets in the original strip to protect them from moisture.

• Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

• Dispose of unused tablets safely, as advised by your pharmacist.

Take Letroz 2.5mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your oncologist. The usual dose is one 2.5 mg tablet once a day, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

• Your doctor decides how long treatment continues. For early breast cancer this is often several years.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

• In women with cirrhosis or severe liver impairment, the dose is reduced to 2.5 mg every other day.

• Bone density, cholesterol and liver function tests are usually done during treatment.

• Do not stop treatment unless your oncologist tells you to.

Common side effects of Letroz 2.5mg Tablet may include:

• Hot flushes

• Increased sweating

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Bone and muscle pain

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Swelling of the hands, feet or face

• Raised cholesterol (seen on blood tests)

Speak to your doctor if these are severe or do not settle.

Serious side effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

• Sudden bone pain or a fracture, because letrozole can reduce bone density.

• Chest pain or a sudden change in heart rhythm.

• Leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness, or sudden breathlessness, which can be signs of a blood clot.

• Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or facial drooping, which can be signs of a stroke.

• Changes in your vision.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.

• A severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat.

• Take Letroz at the same time every day and do not stop without your oncologist’s advice.

• Tell your doctor if you have not reached menopause, because Letroz does not work in that case.

• Have your bone density checked as advised, and ask about calcium and vitamin D.

• Do weight-bearing exercise, avoid smoking and limit alcohol to protect your bones.

• Have your cholesterol checked regularly.

• Avoid birth control or hormone products that contain oestrogen unless your doctor agrees.

• Report new bone pain, fractures, chest pain or leg swelling promptly.

• Keep all your laboratory appointments, including liver function tests.

• Hot flushes and joint aches are common. Talk to your doctor if they affect your daily life, because help is available.