Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, but may be recommended for up to 10 years depending on individual circumstances. You should take Letrozole at about the same time each day. When you take Femara to induce (cause) ovulation, the drug is cleared from your body within several days after youve stopped taking it. A 2014 study found Femara to be more effective than clomiphene in treating infertility in women with PCOS. This stops estrogen from being able to stimulate breast cancer cells to grow and multiply. If you have questions about any symptoms after stopping Femara, talk with your doctor. Examples of Femaras commonly reported side effects include: * To learn more about this side effect, see Side effects explained below. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. These include: The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. You actually will have a decrease in the effects of the Femara (letrozole) which are joint pain, hot flashes, fatigue and generalized dryness. The drug works by lowering estrogen levels in your body, which helps stop breast cancer from growing. In that case, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Femara comes as tablets that you take by mouth. Dont take more Femara than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than the recommended dosage of Femara may result in overdose in some people. There's no way to completely predict or prevent breast cancer. Also, keep in mind that Femara isnt approved to treat breast cancer in females who havent gone through menopause yet. If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. Letrozole (Femara ) is a hormonal therapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Femara after youve taken tamoxifen for your cancer for at least 5 years. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. For more information about using Femara to treat infertility, see the section Off-label use of Femara for infertility above. Available for Android and iOS devices. Femara contains the active drug letrozole, while Clomid contains the active drug clomiphene. Swelling, another common side effect of Femara, can cause you to gain weight as your body holds on to water. For oral dosage form (tablets): For breast cancer: Adults2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication. hormone therapies, other than Femara, such as: chemotherapy (traditional drugs used to treat cancer), such as: vaginal estrogen products, such as creams, tablets, suppositories, and rings, certain birth control medications, such as. Mild side effects of Femara can usually go away within a few days or a couple weeks. If you have questions about using Femara for breast cancer, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Phytoestrogens are supplements made from plants. These include: Youre more likely to have success with Femara treatment for infertility if your body isnt already ovulating. bone, muscle, or joint pain*. So, dont be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment. The actual price youll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. Femara is a kind of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Breast cancer cells may form a tumor in the breast and spread to other areas of the body. When estrogen is blocked, the pituitary gland gets a message that it needs to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovary to produce an egg. If you have questions about taking Femara with other drugs, talk with your doctor. People being treated for primary breast cancer will usually take letrozole for five to ten years. However, its important to note that alcohol and Femara can have similar side effects. vaginal spotting. If youd like to know about using Femara for this purpose, talk with your doctor. hot flashes flushed skin increased sweating joint pain weakness edema (swelling), possibly in your ankles or feet headache dizziness bone pain The mild side effects of Femara that are less. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Femara treatment. The list below includes factors to consider. Its a prescription drug thats used to treat certain types of breast cancer in adult females* who have gone through menopause. For example, they may order imaging tests to see if your cancer tumors are shrinking. If you have questions about using Femara to treat infertility, talk with your doctor. Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you take a higher dosage of Femara, such as 5 mg or 7.5 mg daily for 5 days. Its important to discuss all of your concerns with your doctor. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Femara to treat certain conditions. Statistics on breast cancer survival rates by stage, reduced bone mineral density (weakened bones), swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, whether youre using Femara with other fertility treatments, spotting (light vaginal bleeding between periods), rarely, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which occurs when more eggs than usual develop in your ovaries, the condition youre taking Femara to treat. Femara and clomiphene work in slightly different ways in your body to induce ovulation. Allergic reaction. You can take Femara at any time of day. All rights reserved. Talk with your doctor about how long you should take Femara for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. No, Femara tablets should be swallowed whole. Femara contains the drug letrozole. Femara is used off-label to treat infertility in females. No, Femara isnt a chemotherapy drug. Your doctor can recommend treatment options other than Femara. But some healthy cells in the body also quickly multiply. And there are other drugs used to treat infertility that do other things in your body. The half-life of Femara is about 2 days. To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Femara. During clinical studies, both weight gain and weight loss were reported in people who took Femara for breast cancer treatment. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Maintaining a moderate weight. You can also visit the Femara manufacturers website to see if there are support options. Before taking Femara, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Use of the term female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. If you are not tolerating it well due to side effects, sometimes temporarily stopping it or switching to another hormone drug may be considered. But some people may experience side effects while taking this drug. For this purpose, tamoxifen must have been used for at least 5 years. Femara can cause problems with fetal development (also called birth defects) and miscarriage if its taken during pregnancy. Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. This increases your risk of breaking a bone during Femara treatment. Femara and clomiphene are both used to stimulate ovulation in females who are having trouble becoming pregnant. They can help determine if you should keep taking Femara or switch to a different treatment. Femara is a brand-name prescription drug thats approved to treat breast cancer in females* whove gone through menopause. Letrozole lowers the levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen in the body. Should I use other breast cancer treatments while taking Femara? But sometimes the drug is used off-label to treat infertility in females* with PCOS. Femara can stay in your system after you stop taking the drug. Hormone therapy may also be used to treat hot flashes. Over the last week I have been feeling increasingly poorly, very lethargic and completely lacking in energy as I have just come back from a lovely week away there really shouldn't be any reason for how I am feeling and it just occurred to me that it could be related to stopping taking tamoxifen. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. More specifically, Femara is a type of hormone therapy called an aromatase inhibitor. Before your appointment, write down questions such as: How will Femara affect my body, mood, or lifestyle? Serious side effects from Femara can occur, but they arent common. headache*. Heres a list of some of the mild side effects that Femara can cause. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. If youre at a moderate weight, you may have fewer and less serious hot flashes. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. For this purpose, Femara is usually used to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back after its been removed by surgery. Stopping Femara isnt known to cause any withdrawal symptoms. To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. * An allergic reaction is possible after taking Femara. But more research is needed to know whether higher doses of Femara are more effective than lower doses. Femara is also used off-label to treat infertility. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while youre taking Femara. Learn about the dosage for Femara in treating certain types of breast cancer. This enzyme is the main way that your body makes estrogen after youve gone through menopause. But the drug could be harmful to a child who consumes it in breast milk. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. If you have breast cancer, you may be wondering if it's safe to practice yoga. What are the more common side effects of Femara? And they want you to get the best care possible. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. One example of an androgen is the hormone testosterone. You might take a look at the Calling Long Term Survivors thread, I believe there's a couple of women who have been on it for 4+ years. Some people taking Femara may experience weight gain. Femara isnt currently approved to treat infertility in females. Different interactions can cause different effects. You can take Femara with or without food. You may want to ask about other treatments for breast cancer. Like most drugs, Femara may cause mild or serious side effects. Serious side effects are possible from taking Femara. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. A 2019 review of studies also found Femara to be more effective than clomiphene in treating infertility in females* with PCOS. Use of the term female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. If so, this article on breast cancer treatment options may be helpful for you. When you take the drug, it stops androgens in your body from converting into estrogen. This can make your bones weaker and easier to break. (To learn more, see Is Femara used for infertility? right above.) Another 2019 review of studies found Femara and clomiphene to be similarly effective in treating unexplained infertility. Some people whove taken Femara have also benefited from complementary treatments, such as acupuncture and massage. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? Some people may have an allergic reaction to Femara. Femara is FDA-approved to treat only certain types of breast cancer. Femara isnt approved to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may also be used when someone is premenopausal and having treatment to stop the ovaries working (temporary menopause). But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. your doctor may . HR+ breast cancer is encouraged to grow by hormones, including estrogen. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. why should I stop; would I benefit from stopping; would I benefit from continuing, who would monitor me, etc. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. However, if you find that Femara gives you a headache, or makes you feel dizzy, nauseous, or tired, drinking alcohol may worsen these side effects. How to Use Letrozole for Fertility Femara (letrozole) is offered in 2.5-milligram yellow, film-coated tablets. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include: Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Femara. All rights reserved. Femara is used in the following ways for early HR+ breast cancer: Femara is used in the following ways for advanced breast cancer thats either HR+ or whose hormone receptor status isnt known: * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Femara. * Its mainly used when infertility is caused by problems with ovulation (the release of eggs from your ovaries). (With off-label use, a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat another.). (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved for one condition is used to treat another.) Chemotherapy is a type of cancer drug. You may take Letrozole with or without food. There are also some steps you can take to help strengthen your bones naturally. They may be able to suggest ways may help improve your energy level during your treatment. Femara is a prescription drug used in adult females* whove gone through menopause. Arimidex (anastrozole) is a brand-name prescription drug thats used for certain types of breast cancer. But try to always stick to the same time each day. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. As a type of hormone therapy, Femara works by lowering estrogen levels in your body. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs they have approved. Breast lumps and visual changes to the breasts or nipples are more frequent signs of breast, Aggressive, hard-to-treat breast cancer types such as inflammatory breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer are the most likely to recur. Your doctor will also advise when you should start having sex if youre trying to conceive (TTC) naturally. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Letrozole is typically taken once a day for five days. Some research from 2011 showed that Femara can help manage pain related to endometriosis. This use of the drug is called ovulation induction. The growth of many cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. But Arimidex does cause some additional side effects that dont occur with Femara. Femara is a hormone therapy thats approved to treat certain forms of breast cancer in females* whove gone through menopause. By stopping aromatase from working, Femara lowers the amount of estrogen in your body. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Femara. This condition is called controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, or superovulation. Femara can interact with some other medications. Prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue. Femara is FDA-approved to treat advanced breast cancer thats hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Coming off letrozole. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. Mild side effects of many . If you have questions or concerns about using Femara for infertility, talk with your doctor. Risks of extended treatment to consider may include weakening of your bones or raised cholesterol levels. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.). Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Femara. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Femara. With endometriosis, tissue thats similar to the tissue lining your uterus grows in other parts of your body. In addition, a small study found that Femara may be effective in treating infertility in men who have both obesity and low testosterone levels. Femara belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. For these women, infertility may be caused by problems with ovulation, or it may not have an obvious cause (called unexplained infertility). Before taking Femara, talk with your doctor about your health history. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. What are some frequently asked questions about Femara? If youre sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while youre using Femara.
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