Letrozole for Fertility: Uses and Side Effects

The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. Based on studies in female animals, letrozole may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1). The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of letrozole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Yes, you can do several things to help prevent your bones from weakening during breast cancer treatment.

Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer

In postmenopausal women, estrogens are mainly derived from the action of the aromatase enzyme, which converts adrenal androgens(primarily androstenedione and testosterone) to estrone and estradiol. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissuesand in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. Females of reproductive potential should have a pregnancy test prior to starting treatment with Femara.

Letrozole for Unexplained Infertility

The mechanism by which letrozole might cause liver injury is not known. Letrozole is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system and is a strong inhibitor of CYP 2A6 and to a lesser extent CYP 2C19. However, it has not been linked to clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Liver injury from letrozole might arise as a result of a toxic or immunogenic metabolite.

Does letrozole cause teeth-related side effects?

• It’s important to discuss any fertility concerns with your treatment team before you begin your treatment.
• Although Some studies showed letrozole is superior to natural or hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in terms of clinical pregnancy, live birth (60) and miscarriage (60, 61).
• Time to progression (TTP) was the primary endpoint of the trial.
• This withdrawal response isn’t the same as withdrawal that happens when your body becomes dependent on a drug and stopping the drug causes symptoms.

The megestrol acetate controlled study was doubleblind;the other study was open label. Selected baseline characteristics for each study are shown in Table 16. In total, 36% ofpatients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. More adverse reactions were generally reported inelderly patients irrespective of study treatment allocation.

Based on animal studies, letrozole can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman see Use in Specific Populations (8.1). Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Konstantinopoulos initiated the trial based on preclinical research suggesting synergy between the three drugs, which together inhibit the estrogen receptor, CDK4/6, and PI3K pathways. Letrozole works by preventing an enzyme called aromatase from converting certain hormones into estrogen, thereby lowering overall estrogen levels.

In single-dose studies, the highest dose used was 30 mg, which was well tolerated; in multiple-dose trials, the largest dose of 10 mg was well tolerated. Comparisons of the incidence of adverse reactions revealed no significant differences between the high and low dose letrozole groups in either study. Letrozole (Femara) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptive positive early breast cancer or who have been treated with tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication. Letrozole works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens. By lowering estrogen levels, it helps slow or reverse the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Letrozole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking letrozole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with https://colompack.co/2024/12/30/steroids-direction-for-safe-use-36/ others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. You should not breastfeed while you are using letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. References on the safety and hepatotoxicity of letrozole are listed below as well as together with those on anastrozole and exemestane after the Overview section on Aromatase Inhibitors. Letrozole is available by prescription and can be purchased at most pharmacies.