Has your doctor prescribed Letrozole for breast cancer? You may have questions and even a little fear about this medication. It's normal. We all feel that way when we start a new medication. So today, let's talk about this medication in simple language that you can understand, as if you were talking to a close friend.
What kind of medicine is Letrozole?
Simply put, letrozole is a pill that is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is most often used for certain types of breast cancer that occur in women after menopause.
Now let's see how this works. Some breast cancer cells use a hormone called estrogen in our body to grow and spread. Just like a plant needs water to grow. What this drug Letrozole does is reduce the amount of estrogen your body produces. Then those cancer cells lose the "nutrition" they need to grow. As a result, the growth or spread of cancer cells stops, or is largely controlled.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other medical conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, feel free to talk to your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting letrozole, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
| Health condition or fact | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| High cholesterol | Letrozole can further increase cholesterol levels, so care should be taken. |
| Liver disease | If liver function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted as it may take longer for the medication to leave the body. |
| Osteoporosis - weakening of the bones | Letrozole can reduce bone density, so special care should be taken if you already have weak bones. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | This medicine is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as it may pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods, and dyes | This is important to know if you are allergic to letrozole or anything it contains. |
How exactly should I use this medicine?
This tablet is to be taken by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it before or after meals. The most important thing is to take it every day, at the same time as your doctor has prescribed. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.
Do not stop taking this medicine for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the contraindications for use with letrozole?
Some medications can interact with letrozole. This means that when these medications are taken together, they may reduce the effectiveness of letrozole or cause other problems.
| What to try to avoid | Examples |
|---|---|
| Never take letrozole with these. | |
| Medications containing estrogen | Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills. (Because letrozole reduces estrogen, taking estrogen-containing medications will make them less effective.) |
| Letrozole may interact with these (tell your doctor): | |
| Tamoxifen | This is another medicine given for breast cancer. The doctor will decide whether to take these two together. |
| Some dietary supplements | E.g. DHEA, androstenedione. |
Give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Avoid pregnancy: This is very important. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping . Talk to your doctor about suitable birth control. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping.
- Bone health: Taking this medicine for a long time can cause bone loss and weakening (osteoporosis). Therefore, it is important to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and talk to your doctor about bone health.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel a little sleepy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, avoid getting up from a sitting position or sitting down quickly.
- Blood tests: During treatment, your doctor may order blood tests to check things like cholesterol levels and liver function.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, letrozole can cause some side effects. Although not everyone gets them, they are usually mild and manageable.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hot flashes | Suddenly feeling hot and sweating. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain or stiffness. |
| Fatigue | Feeling more tired than usual. |
| Headache | General headache. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Letrozole is a drug that reduces the hormone estrogen and controls the growth of breast cancer cells.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose at the same time every day. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping.
- Side effects such as joint pain and a feeling of warmth are common. However, if you experience any allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. You are not alone in this journey.
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