Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or
for longer than recommended by your doctor.
There may be other drugs that can affect letrozole. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have
used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
What is letrozole?
Letrozole lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, which may slow the growth
of certain types of breast tumors that need estrogen to grow in the body.
Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is often given to
women who have been taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 5 years.
Letrozole may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using letrozole?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to letrozole, or if you have not
gone completely through menopause.
Before taking letrozole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may need a
dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D: This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use letrozole if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become
pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this
medication.
It is not known whether letrozole passes into breast milk. Do not
take letrozole if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take letrozole?
Take letrozole exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for
longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Letrozole is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Letrozole can be taken with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to be tested on a
regular basis. Your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. It is important that you
not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store letrozole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of letrozole is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking letrozole?
Letrozole can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
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