Indications 

Femara is a prescription medication indicated to treat symptoms of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. It is specifically used for the following: 

•  Adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose tumors are hormone receptor positive. 
• Extended adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer who have previously received standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. 
• As a first or second-line treatment option for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or unknown status. 

Femara is categorized as a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor medication, which operates by diminishing the body’s estrogen production. By doing so, it impedes the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells that depend on estrogen for their proliferation. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before starting treatment with Femara and on each refill, make sure to thoroughly peruse the patient information leaflet and medication guide. If you have any inquiries or need further explanation, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

Femara dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. Typically, it is taken once a day as directed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. 

For optimal results, take Femara consistently. To aid in recollection and prevent a missed dose, take it at the same time every day. 

Adhere to the precise guidelines for taking Femara. Avoid taking more or less of the medication or consuming it more frequently than instructed by your healthcare provider. 

Continue to take Femara even if you feel well. Do not stop intake without the approval of your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Femara are listed below. If any of them last or worsen, inform your physician promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Hot flashes, facial or chest redness, or warmth 
• Headache, dizziness, and weakness 
• Musculoskeletal pain, such as bone, muscle, or joint pain 
• Edema and weight gain 
• Elevated sweating 
• Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood 

Serious Side Effects 

• Incessant nausea or vomiting 
• Fractured bones 
• Alterations in mental or emotional state (such as depression or anxiety) 
• Swelling in the limbs 
• Blurred vision 
• Unusual fatigue 
• Dark urine 
• Yellowish eyes or skin 

Call your doctor immediately if any of the severe symptoms listed above are experienced. 

Femara treatment (and cancer) may infrequently lead to grave complications from blood clots (like stroke or heart attack). Seek medical assistance promptly if you encounter the following symptoms: 

• Sudden dyspnea 
• Pain in the chest, jaw, or left arm 
• Disorientation 
• Coughing up blood 
• Abrupt fainting or dizziness 
• Groin or calf pain, warmth, or swelling 
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs 
• Difficulty speaking 
• Weakness in one side of the body 
• Vision alterations 
• Sudden or severe headache 

Allergic Reactions 

Prompt medical attention should be sought if any signs of an allergic reaction to Femara are exhibited, such as: 

• Rash 
• Difficult breathing 
• Severe dizziness 
• Swelling or itching of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or neck 

The adverse effects of Femara listed here are not exhaustive. Call your doctor promptly if any unmentioned side effects occur and cause discomfort. 

Cautions 

Apprise your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any hypersensitivities you may have to letrozole, other medications, or any components in Femara before starting the treatment. Obtaining a list of ingredients from your pharmacist is recommended. 

To ensure Femara is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, particularly if you have a history of: 

• Elevated blood lipids (cholesterol) 
• Bone disorders (such as osteopenia or osteoporosis) 
• Stroke or blood clotting issues 
• Cardiac ailments (like angina, myocardial infarction, or heart failure) 
• Hypertension 
• Renal impairments 
• Hepatic impairments 

Certain products may interact with this drug, including: 

• Estrogens (such as conjugated estrogens or ethinyl estradiol) 
• Estrogen blockers (like anastrozole or tamoxifen) 
• Tibolone 

To prevent such drug interaction, apprise your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are presently using or planning to use. 

Femara is contraindicated during pregnancy and may result in fetal harm. It is solely intended for women who have undergone menopause and are incapable of pregnancy.  

If recently menopausal, consult your doctor regarding reliable forms of non-estrogen birth control for use during treatment and up to three weeks post-treatment. Do not use estrogen-containing birth control products. Notify your physician promptly if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.  

The presence of letrozole in human milk is unknown. Lactating women are advised not to breastfeed while taking Femara and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.