Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: LETROZOLE - ORAL (LET-tro-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Femara
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat advanced breast cancer in women after menopause (change of life).
HOW TO USE: Take by mouth once daily with or without food or as directed. Do not stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. Continue to take your other medications unless instructed otherwise.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug is generally well tolerated. Fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: chest pain, stomach pain, trouble breathing, hot flushes, rash, itching. Very unlikely but report promptly: swelling/redness/weakness/ pain in legs or arms, vision problems, unusual vaginal bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake as it may increase the side effects of this drug. Caution performing tasks requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving), since it is possible this drug may cause drowsiness. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medications, certain cough-and-cold products containing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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