Letrozole, Femara
Description: Antineoplastic Agent, Aromatase Inhibitor
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Letrozole is a nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system which binds to the heme group of aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens (specifically, androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol). Inhibition of aromatase leads to a reduction in estrogen (estrone, estradiol, and estrone sulfate) levels.
Indications For Use
Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Precautions
Before using Femara make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, pre-existing medical conditions, and activities you perform. Femara may cause dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence; patients should be cautioned before performing tasks that require mental alertness. Prolonged use of Femara can cause a decrease in bone mineral density. Patients on Femara should have their cholesterol levels monitored and may require antihyperlipidemic. Femara should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Usual Dosing
Usual (Oral): 2.5mg once daily.
Note: ASCO guidelines for Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy of Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer (Focused Update) recommend a maximum duration of 5 years of aromatase inhibitor therapy for postmenopausal women; aromatase inhibitors may be combined with tamoxifen for a total duration of up to 10 years of endocrine therapy.
Duration of therapy: ASCO guidelines for Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy of Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer (Focused Update) recommend a maximum duration of 5 years of aromatase inhibitor therapy for postmenopausal women; aromatase inhibitors may be combined with tamoxifen for a total duration of up to 10 years of endocrine therapy.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Use: Administer without regard to meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if the side effects are not tolerable?
If the side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to our physician as soon as possible to discuss options.