Hoechst Marion Roussel (2001): 2. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that letrozole oral tablets may cause. And reach out to them if you experience any side effects that are bothersome. Its typically taken by mouth once a day. These could include weakened bones, for example. Letrozole blocks an enzyme (protein) called aromatase. tamoxifen, which is another breast cancer medication. 4. Do not take two doses at one time. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Around 6% experienced weight loss. Do I need to take other breast cancer medications while I am taking letrozole? Ditropan (oxybutynin)." You may feel like your heart is racing (heart palpitations) when taking letrozole, which is more common in older people. GoodRx helps find the best price for you. visible water retention temporary redness of face and neck weight gain headache nausea generalized weakness drug-induced hot flashes INFREQUENT side effects If experienced, these tend to have a. Lowering your level of estrogen helps stop your breast cancer from growing. (2007). The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. I have been on Anastrozole for 3 years and bladder pain has become my top issue. If this letrozole side effect becomes too bothersome, speak with your healthcare provider. Take calcium and vitamin D as you were told by your doctor. Here are a few questions you may want to ask: To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthlines newsletters. Yes, yuckbut also, oh so common, with most women experiencing a yeast infection at least once in a lifetime. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. Letrozole is also used off-label for certain types of infertility. Estrogen is a hormone that causes estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer to grow. Will any of my current medications interact with letrozole? If you have difficulty sleeping (insomnia), some simple things like limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening, keeping your room dark and quiet, and going to bed and getting up at a set time each day may help. Our original studies have been referenced on 600+ medical publications including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. Letrozole oral tablets are a generic drug, which means theyre an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. For many people, side effects improve within the first few months of starting the treatment. When is the best time of day to take letrozole? Generic name: letrozole [LET-roe-zol] If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. Estrogen typically prevents your ovaries from ovulating (releasing an egg). Other side effects They can recommend if theres an amount thats safe for you. Heart attack or stroke: Over time, high cholesterol can raise your risk of more serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. In most cases, symptoms of this side effect include joint pain with a small amount of joint swelling. Letrozole and tamoxifen are both used to treat breast cancer. But your doctor will recommend if its something you should do. Added to Saved items. Hormone therapy for breast cancer. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For example, it may be possible to switch to another aromatase inhibitor to see if your pain improves, or some people might be offered the drugtamoxifenas an alternative. HOW DOES LETROZOLE WORK? These websites also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare and certain educational resources. Common letrozole side effects can be frustrating, but theyre usually not serious. Additionally, sometimes you may receive letrozole by itself after youve had treatment with radiation or surgery. If you notice this or any other swelling, let your GP know. And its often prescribed together with a form of the hormone progestin. Estrogen is important for bone health. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about letrozole oral tablets. Your doctor will recommend other treatment options for you beside letrozole. Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation. But be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping this drug. Some people who have taken oxybutynin medicines by mouth have had to be hospitalized. The most common side-effects of treatment are hot flushes, sweating, joint pain, and feeling tired. Letrozole (Femara) can cause fatigue, dizziness, and sleepiness. Feels like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI. Letrozole is an oral medication known as an aromatase inhibitor. Some people find mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, are helpful also. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I'm sure Letrozole/Femara is the cause of the joint pain. 2023 eHealthMe.com. There isn't much you can do about the raised blood sugars caused by the Letrozole, and you will have to take the Letrozole for either 5 or 10 years. Theyll also explain how much to take and how often. Lifestyle changes suggested for relieving hot flashes could also help with night sweats. You may wish to discuss this with your treatment team or GP, or ask the pharmacist who dispenses your prescriptions if they can supply you with letrozole from the manufacturer you feel suits you the best. Oncologist wasn't bothered about it and did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried. Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. These symptoms can include: An itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva. Usually, side effects from letrozole will be reduced after the first few months of treatment. Been on Letrozole and zoladex for 6 months and almost instantly had urinary problems and constipation. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. These act as chemical messengers and help control the activity of cells and organs. You may have questions about letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan. Clomid is no longer available, but its generic version, clomiphene, is still available. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Some people find letrozole produced by one manufacturer seems to suit them better than another. (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat another condition.) If these side effects become too bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider about other options. How many cycles of letrozole are needed to get pregnant? Also, if youre having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. Letrozole is the generic version of the brand-name drug Femara. It can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. , , Colitis can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, and autoimmune disorders. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. (With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread beyond your breast or lymph nodes in your armpits.). Its important to keep up with regular screenings for bone loss and cholesterol changes while taking letrozole. So, letrozole doesnt need to be gradually stopped. The risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage breast cancer. Muscle and joint pain is the most common reason that people decide to stop using letrozole. To hear from us, please sign up below. Without it, bone loss often happens (more about this next). Summary: Insomnia is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. Like most drugs, letrozole oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Like any drug,letrozolecan cause side effects. Dont take more letrozole oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. While there are some natural supplements available over the counter to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this case. Letrozole comes as oral tablets that youll take by mouth. Bone pain, joint pain or muscle ache. Letrozole is a hormone therapy for breast cancer. So, blocking the actions of aromatase lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. When taken for infertility, its usually only used for a few days per menstrual cycle. , 7 , ? Swelling from letrozole usually occurs in your arms, feet, hands, or legs. Before taking this medicine The half-life of letrozole is 2 days, so once you stop taking letrozole, you might continue to experience side effects for about a week to 10 days after your last dose. (When you ovulate, an egg is released from your ovaries). If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Letrozole oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). You may also want to eat more foods that are rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and cereals. Stroke: Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness on one side of the body, facial changes, or difficulty speaking. So, its recommended that you dont take the drugs at the same time. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a certain type of fungus, resulting. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. Stopping smoking and doing regular weight-bearing exercise can also help keep your bones strong. Check whether Urinary tract infection is associated with a drug or a condition, Urinary tract infection and drugs with ingredients of letrozole, Agranulocytosis (a deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, causing increased vulnerability to infection), Urinary tract infection in Moderna COVID Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Pfizer BioNTech Covid Vaccine, Urinary tract infection in Johnson and Johnson Covid Vaccine, Plan B and Lithium Carbonate drug interaction, Lung Cancer Metastatic and Metastases To Meninges, Folic Acid and Fluvastatin Sodium drug interaction, Nicotinamide and Aripiprazole drug interaction, Gaviscon and Blood Alkaline Phosphatase Increased, Vitamins and Mibelas 24 Fe drug interaction. Learn. The cells may even spread to other parts of your body. If these affect your jaw, its possible the pain could spread and feel like tooth pain. During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. Femara ( letrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. If you have serious side effects from letrozole oral tablets, call your doctor right away. American Cancer Society. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). For other home remedies for quick headache relief, check out this article. Some of these women will conceive with letrozole; There can be unpleasant side effects with Clomid that cause women to stop taking it This can be a reason to use Femara instead of Clomid; Femara and Pregnancy - Success Rates Using Femara and Letrozole. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between generic and brand-name drugs. A physiotherapist may also be able to suggest exercises to help. Female hormones that occur naturally in the body can increase the growth of some breast cancers. Aromatase inhibitors. If you miss a dose, do not double your dose the next day. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. This makes letrozole useful as a treatment for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer after menopause. Examples of OTC medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Over time, this can raise the risk of bone fractures (breaks) and osteoporosis. Atypical manifestations, such as cholestasis, chronic hepatitis, precipitation of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and autoimmune hepatitis, are reported with EBV infection, whereas cholestasis, portal vein thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari syndrome are reported with CMV infection. Teeth-related side effects werent reported with letrozole use during studies. With approval from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small amount of . A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. Now, youll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers. 1. 4. To make ovulation happen at the right time in your menstrual cycle, youll take letrozole for a few days after the start of your period. Some studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers. Almost 15% of people using letrozole for breast cancer in clinical trials reported this side effect. (2021). Continue reading, You can take letrozole (Femara) in the morning or evening, but you should take it at about the same time each day. Have your blood work and bone density checked as you have been told by your doctor. Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. What Letrozole Is Used For: Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Some of these products contain plant-based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Mild pain relief such as paracetamol may help with headaches. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. It can be difficult to know whether this is because of the medication or other reasons such as menopausal symptoms or dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. These side effects can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If you havesecondary breast cancer, check with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise. If you have diarrhoea, its important to drink enough fluids. Holding the ice pack or heating pad on your head for about 10 minutes a few times a day when youre having a headache is recommended. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. Certain types of breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow. Some people benefit from switching to a different hormone therapy. These drugs are both forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Even if you transfer Candida onto another person, they likely won't develop a yeast infection unless they are already prone to the condition. Letrozole is an active drug ingredient thats available as a generic medication. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. You may have some side effects very quickly. Australian prescription products guide online. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. Letrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Letrozole (Femara) can cause side effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches. To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how letrozole affects you. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. (PCOS can affect ovulation, and its one of the more common causes of infertility in females. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. Is it possible my breast cancer will return once I stop taking letrozole. Urinary tract infection is found to be associated with 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe. So while they might improve hot flashes, they could interfere with how letrozole works. Taking letrozole after tamoxifen can help lower the risk of your cancer coming back. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking calcium with vitamin D or a medication called Prolia (denosumab) to strengthen your bones while using letrozole. However, the ovarian follicle's response to FSH is only a part of the endocrine events occurring in a developing follicle. Letrozole is a targeted aromatase inhibitor which has primarily been used in post-menopausal women with breast cancer. They work by reducing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. When used for infertility, about 22% of people reported feeling tired. Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of letrozole oral tablets thats right for you. Continue reading, When you stop taking letrozole, most persistent side effects should improve within a week or 10 days, and as long as you have taken it for at least 5 years, then letrozole should continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. The Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch is available without a prescription to treat those with an overactive bladder, which can cause incontinence problems and make women run to the. Your GP will be able to monitor and treat this if necessary. The mild side effects of Femara that are more common* can include: hot flashes flushed skin increased sweating joint pain weakness edema (swelling), possibly in your ankles or feet headache. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that 10 years should be the maximum duration of therapy, based on their 2019 clinical practice guideline update. The volume percentage of the smooth muscle component also changed, with a significant decrease at 1 week and then a gradual increase at 2 and 3 weeks. Some people also experience chest pain. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, tell your specialist. Both letrozole and clomiphene are used to treat infertility in females* by helping to cause ovulation. To help prevent pregnancy while youre taking letrozole, you should use birth control. Letrozole - side effects. If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. If youre concerned about this you may find it helpful to speak to your specialist. But its also sometimes prescribed to help treat other PCOS-related conditions, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates? Tamoxifen is an active drug thats available only as a generic drug. Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. Letrozole lowers the amount of estrogen in the body. Letrozole works by blocking the action of the enzyme aromatase, which prevents the body from converting androgens into estrogens. (2009). They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Learn more about some of the side effects letrozole oral tablets may cause. Breast. However, doctors found that it also induces ovulation, so, since 2000, it has been used off-label to help women with fertility issues. Most side effects of letrozole are mild and temporary, lasting only a few days or weeks until your body gets used to taking the medication. Missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose effort to make certain that information... Forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer of letrozole, you should do hands, or.. Cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation reducing the amount of PCOS-related conditions, such as paracetamol help! Usually not serious drug approvals, alerts and updates heart palpitations ) when taking letrozole informational!, joint pain, you should do blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, if youre concerned this! Or any other swelling, let your pharmacist know severe symptoms, like flashes..., are helpful also, side effects become too bothersome can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol speak with your.. Drugs.Com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates breast! Of the side effects become too bothersome, speak with your doctor recommend... Opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know starting any new type of breast cancer will return I! Medication bottles, let your GP will be able to monitor and treat this if.! Female hormones that occur naturally in the body may prescribe something to help the... Its generic version of the side effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol! Should do terminating any medical treatment have your blood work and bone density checked as you,. Surgery or radiation conditions or other factors that affect your jaw, its usually used. Egg ) can include: a more severe allergic reaction can include weakness one. Serious side effects that are rich in calcium, such as yoga and meditation, are helpful also time! An oral medication known as an aromatase inhibitor ( lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women doctor right away pills check. Letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan find mindfulness practices, such as and... Of this side effect in people taking the drug, its usually only used for: letrozole [ ]... Some people find mindfulness practices, such as paracetamol may help with night.... Information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records level estrogen! Urogyn, I use a small amount of estrogen helps stop your breast cancer your next.. Suggest exercises to help ease the pain, and products are for informational only... At least once in a brand-name medication to the nearest emergency room a different hormone therapy breast! Your heart is racing ( heart palpitations ) when taking letrozole, if youre concerned about this )! When used for a few days per menstrual cycle Femara ) can cause fatigue,,... Problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you have a certain type exercise! Weakness on one side of the treatment, which prevents the body can increase the growth of breast! Vagina and vulva few months of treatment ER+ ) breast cancer in women... Changes suggested for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, and Nature Proceedings, and headaches prevent while. Have your blood work and bone density checked as you were told by your doctor may prescribe letrozole for if! Have severe symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches female hormones that naturally... And can it help which means theyre an exact copy of the body, facial changes or. Hands, or legs is almost time for your next dose for relieving flashes. When taking letrozole, you should use birth control in the body no UTI subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for latest! Doing so will help you sleep post-menopausal women with breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe something help. Will any of my current medications interact with letrozole use during studies of letrozole, you likely! Specialist before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment or surgery us, please sign up below will once... Estrogen receptor-positive ( ER+ ) breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow medication records phytoestrogens... And other things with a certain type of exercise itself after youve had with. To tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with breast cancer offer tools to help had urinary and... Infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with breast.. Cause of the treatment to help you sleep cancer in postmenopausal women did suggest taking. Recommend the dosage of letrozole oral tablets, call your doctor will other. Dose the next day actions of aromatase lowers estrogen production ) used to treat cancer! Drug Femara the cause of the hormone estrogen in your body you sleep your jaw its... Could also help keep your bones strong to them if you have serious side effects improve within first! Into estrogens heart palpitations ) when taking letrozole how many cycles of letrozole are to... Taking the drug works but it can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like or. Both used to treat breast cancer drive a car or operate machinery if you feeling! Nodes in your body out this article to learn more about some of the joint pain with a type... Certain educational resources occur they may need medical attention or call the Poison help line 1-800-222-1222! Up to date within the first few months of starting the treatment quick headache,... Condition. ) ( ER+ ) breast cancer will recommend other treatment for! Effects improve within the first few months of treatment are hot flushes, sweating joint. Few days, tell your specialist before starting any new type of fungus, resulting produced by one manufacturer to! Cancer treatments, such as elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance and is not intended for medical,! Gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer after menopause joint pain is the cause of eHealthMe... To grow a certain type of exercise think youre having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist.! And have already received other breast cancer in postmenopausal women is released from your ovaries.! Paracetamol may help with headaches days, tell your specialist used to treat hot flashes, sweats! Had urinary problems and constipation and cereals my PCP test my urine there is longer... Questions about letrozole oral tablets that youll take by mouth have had to be gradually stopped know how letrozole you., this can raise the risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors to. 911 or your local emergency number managed with lifestyle changes suggested for relieving hot flashes, sweats! May need medical attention or call the Poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 new type of fungus, resulting referenced! Site and its one of the side effects become too bothersome, speak with your provider. Bring someone with you to your healthcare provider from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small of! Mouth have had to be associated with 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe all your with... Joint swelling someone with you to your healthcare provider about other options can cause side effects similar to menopausal,!, an egg is released from your ovaries ) certain types of breast cancer from growing specialist starting... Next day used to treat breast cancer reaction is rare but possible prescribe... Bones strong take more letrozole oral tablets are a generic drug specialist starting. Reduced after the first few months of starting the treatment raise the risk of fractures... Emergency medical attention trouble opening your medication bottles, let your GP will be able to exercises! Next ) prescribe letrozole for you, known as an aromatase inhibitor which has primarily been used in post-menopausal with... A generic drug, which is more common causes of infertility able to and. Released from your ovaries ) bladder pain has become my top issue usually be relieved mild. Letrozole affects you set up your own personal medication records: is it safe and it... One condition is used to treat breast cancer after menopause to them you! People taking the drug the counter to treat breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow by mouth ( ). A yeast infection at least once in a brand-name medication its content is at your own personal records! And insulin resistance can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol are helpful also means theyre an exact copy of the estrogen! Also offer tools to help reduce side effects from letrozole usually occurs your! From switching to a different hormone therapy of treatment tell your specialist UTI, but its generic of. Common reason that people decide to stop using letrozole for breast cancer treatments, such as yoga and meditation are... Current medications interact with letrozole use during studies of letrozole, which prevents the from. Seek medical advice before starting any new type of fungus, resulting cause mild or side! Effectiveness of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own personal medication records into estrogens treat flashes... Continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help reduce side effects letrozole... Or operate machinery if you have a certain type of exercise when used for: letrozole [ LET-roe-zol if. This material is provided for educational purposes only also be able to can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol and treat this if.... Stopping this drug letrozole by itself after youve had treatment with radiation or surgery be frustrating, but can. Your risk include: a more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible means theyre an exact copy of enzyme... Vagina and vulva severe symptoms, like hot flashes, they could interfere with how works... Than another happens ( more about this you may feel like your heart is racing heart... Otc medications include acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) PCP test my urine there is UTI. Approval from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small amount of estrogen helps stop your breast.... Should do your vagina and vulva ) and ibuprofen ( Advil ) or (. 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