৳ 40.27/unit
Pack: ৳ 201.35
৳ 40.27/unit
Pack: ৳ 201.35
At a glance
Letrozole is used for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and infertility due to anovulation. It is an aromatase inhibitor that decreases the amount of estrogen in the body.
Indications
- Hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer - adjuvant therapy (postmenopausal)
- Early breast cancer - extended adjuvant therapy (after 5 years of tamoxifen)
- Hormone-dependent advanced breast cancer - first-line therapy (postmenopausal)
- Advanced breast cancer - post-antioestrogen therapy (postmenopausal)
- Localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancer - preoperative therapy
- Infertility due to anovulation
Pharmacology
Letrozole competitively binds to the cytochrome P450 subunit of the aromatase enzyme to inhibit estrogen biosynthesis, significantly reducing plasma estrogen levels.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 2.5 mg once daily
- Adjuvant and extended adjuvant: 5 years or until tumor relapse
- Metastatic disease: until tumor progression
- Severe hepatic impairment (cirrhosis, Child-Pugh C): Reduce dose by 50% (2.5 mg every other day)
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- Fatigue
- Increased sweating
- Bone and joint pain (arthralgia)
- Skin rash
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea
- Osteoporosis
- Edema
- Weight gain
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Letrozole is highly unsafe during pregnancy. Studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby. Completely contraindicated.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Monitor liver function; dose reduction needed in severe hepatic impairment
- Monitor cholesterol and bone mineral density regularly
- Caution when driving or activities requiring concentration (may cause fatigue and dizziness)
- Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation
- Do not use in premenopausal women
Overdose effects
No clinical experience with overdose; no specific antidote. Dialysis may be helpful.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.