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Written By
Sakshi Anil More
B. Pharm

Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)

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Quick Summary
LETROZOLE
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
LETROZOLE
Background and Date of approval LETROZOLE
The U.S. FDA approved Letrozole as an anticancer medication to treat t early and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women on 25th July 1997.
Uses of LETROZOLE
Letrozole tablet has been developed to treat early and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have not responded to Tamoxifen therapy. It is also used to support standard treatment for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.
How is LETROZOLE administered?
Letrozole is available as a film-coated tablet indicated for oral intake with or without meals. The usual recommended dose is 2.5mg daily, but your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency incase if you have a liver impairment or any other medical condition.
Side Effects of LETROZOLE
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with the Letrozole tablet are hot flashes, arthralgia, flushing, asthenia, headache, dizziness, high blood cholesterol levels, increased sweating, bone pain, musculoskeletal pain. Call your healthcare provider if you experience persistent pain, numbness, or allergic reactions after taking this tablet.
Warnings
It is not known if Letrozole tablet is safe and effective in children and in patients with severe liver problems. During the Letrozole tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood count, total cholesterol level, and bone mineral density to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have chicken pox, bleeding disorder, lung problem, heart problem, liver disease, or kidney problem. Notify your doctor if you have hypersensitivity because this medication is contraindicated to such a medical condition.
Precautions
Letrozole tablets may cause fertility problems in men and women. This tablet is not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause fetal harm. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Pregnancy testing is recommended for women of reproductive potential within at least 7 days before starting this treatment. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during and for 3 weeks after the last dose of Letrozole. Breastfeeding is not recommended during and for 3 weeks after the last dose of this treatment.
Word of Advice
Letrozole can cause tiredness, dizziness, and excessive sleepiness. You should avoid driving or handling machines if you feel tired or weak. Keep the tablets away from the reach of children and pets. Store Letrozole Tablets at an optimal temperature not exceeding 25°C. Certain medications like tamoxifen and others may interact with letrozole and cause undesirable side effects, so notify your doctor if you take any other medicine or herbal supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
Is the Letrozole tablet used as a monotherapy to treat cancer?
Letrozole tablet is prescribed as an adjunct to other anticancer treatments to treat hormone receptor-positive early and advanced breast cancer.
Q2.
Is it safe to drink coffee while on treatment with the Letrozole tablet?
Letrozole tablet may cause menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and headache. Drinking caffeine may worsen these symptoms. Hence caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes are not recommended during Letrozole treatment.
Q3.
How are patients monitored during treatment with Letrozole?
Healthcare providers will conduct physical examinations and blood tests to evaluate bone mineral density before prescribing and during treatment with Letrozole. Women of reproductive potential will be tested for pregnancy before starting this treatment.
Q4.
Who should not take the Letrozole tablet?
Patients who are hypersensitive and pregnant women should not take Letrozole tablets.
Q5.
How to manage the side effects of the Letrozole tablet?
Pay attention to your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper usage of this medication, maintain adequate rest and nutrition, and inform your healthcare provider in case of any unusual symptoms while on treatment with Letrozole.
Q6.
How would you know if you are allergic to the Letrozole tablet?
Itching, rash, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, and breathing indicate that you are allergic to the Letrozole tablet. Report to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Q7.
How to store the Letrozole tablet?
Store the Letrozole tablet in its original pack, away from the reach of children.
References
- Cipla (EU) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2021], [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9957.pdf
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, [Revised on May 2020], [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023], https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/Femara.pdf?TB_iframe=true
- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.). [online] www.accessdata.fda.gov. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020726s027lbl.pdf [Accessed on 22th Mar 2023].
- Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
- KD Tripathi, Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 330-353.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.






