Femara
Generic Name:
Letrozole
Brand Names:
Femara
Femara Description:
Femara is prescribed to postmenopausal women with certain types of breast cancer, including hormone receptor-positive early stage breast cancer. The medication works by lowering the level of estrogen in a woman’s body to help hinder the growth of tumors in the breast.
Femara Side Effects:
Side effects associated with the use of Femara include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Bone fractures
- Fatigue
- Heart-related problems
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Increase in cholesterol
- Headache
For more information, see our Femara side effects page.
Femara Uses:
Femara is approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women battling certain types of breast cancer, a disease that affects approximately one in eight women in the United States.
Premenopausal women should not take Femara, as the medication is only approved for use in patients who have already been through menopause.
Femara Interactions:
Before beginning treatment with Femara, inform your doctor of the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements, as certain drugs may interact with Femara can cause adverse reactions.
The use of tamoxifen with Femara should be discussed with your doctor as dosage recommendations may be altered.
Femara Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take Femara exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
Adults typically take one 2.5 mg tablet daily, with or without a meal.
Femara tablets are round, dark yellow and are coated in a film. The letters FV are imprinted on one side of the tablet, with the letters CG on the other side.
Missing a Dose of Femara
If a dose of Femara is missed, simply take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose and skip the missed dose to resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Femara.
Femara Overdose
If a Femara overdose occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Femara FDA Approval:
July 25, 1997
Femara Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Femara was recalled in July 2009 because the medication was not in conformance with current good manufacturing practice (Recall # D-1640-2009).
Other Warnings
Premenopausal women should not use Femara.
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