Femara

The active ingredient in Femara is letrozole. Letrozole belongs to a class of medications known as aromatase inhibitors. These medications are antiestrogens and work by stopping the aromatase enzyme, which is necessary to produce estrogen. Estrogen acts as a stimulator for cancer cell growth. Lowering estrogen levels will starve the tumor of a key growth signal, decreasing its size and mass. Other medications within this class include anastrozole.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Femara. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Femara:

• Femara should be used exactly as prescribed.
• Femara is typically taken once a day with or without food.
• Because Femara is a high-risk medication in pregnancy, your doctor will recommend that you use some form of birth control or contraception if you are of childbearing age and haven't gone through menopause. It should be used throughout treatment and for 3 weeks after your last dose. A negative pregnancy test may also be required before starting Femara.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of letrozole or Femara seen in clinical trials include:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Flushing
• Increased sweating
• Joint pain
• Bone pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Unusual fatigue or lack of energy
• Constipation
• Swelling of the lower or upper extremities
• High cholesterol levels
• Chest pain

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Femara. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue
• Loss of bone mineral density, which can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Femara. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Femara, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Osteoporosis or other bone issues
• High cholesterol
• Heart problems
• Liver problems or cirrhosis
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Do not use Femara if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have an allergy to letrozole or any other ingredients in Femara

Femara will start to work right after the first dose. However, you may not feel the effects of letrozole, so it is important that you take it every day.

When Femara is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Tamoxifen
• Cimetidine
• Warfarin
• Cancer medications

Femara is available in 2.5 mg tablets.

Femara should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Femara is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Femara.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Femara.

Femara should not be used in pregnancy. Females who can become pregnant should use an effective form of contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant.

There is a risk of harm to the breastfeeding infant, and users of Femara should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.