Title: A Comparison Study between Generic Femara Letrozole &Tamoxifen

There are a number of prescription drugs available for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Here is a comparison study between two popular medications - Letrozole and Tamoxifen. While Letrozole is traded under the name Femara, Tamoxifen is well-known under the trade name Nolvadex. Both these drugs are dispensed by mouth to deal with some specific kinds of breast cancer. As far as form of generic Femara is concerned, it is available as yellow tablets. Tamoxifen is extensively utilized in the form of tablets as well as liquid solution. You can experience both advantages and disadvantages using these medications. However, a physician’s consultation is a must before commencing any course of therapy that requires either of these medicines.

Characteristics

Generic Femara contains 2.5 mg of Letrozole which is the active ingredient in its tablets. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. As per the definition coined by The National Cancer Institute, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor is a drug that lessens the generation of sex hormones such as estrogen or testosterone and retards the development of tumors that require high levels of these sex hormones to expand their size. Generic Femara pills are dark yellow-colored, circular, and more or less convex on both sides with edges that are chamfered. While ‘FV’ is formed on one side of the pill, the other side has ‘CG’ marked on it.

On the other hand, Tamoxifen is the active component in medicines, such as Nolvadex or Soltamox which is a solution that comprises 15.2 mg of Tamoxifen citrate per 5 mL and is comparable to 10 mg of Nolvadex (Tamoxifen).

Usages

Generic Femara is recommended for use in case of postmenopausal women who are having early-stage breast cancer. The most common dosage of Letrozole is one 2.5 mg tablet to be received every day. Both these drugs need to be continued for duration of 1 to 5 years. Tamoxifen is employed as a therapy for breast cancer relating to or affected by metastasis, and can also be utilized as a substitute to ovarian radiation therapy. The prescribed dosage is between 20 and 30 mg for Nolvadex or 10 mL for Soltamox, twice a day for 1-5 years.

Adverse Effects

Generic Femara has earned a reputation of a mostly well-tolerated drug that has not led to numerous side effects. In exceptional circumstances, patients may encounter unpleasant reactions such as flushes, increase in weight, night sweats, sickness, headaches and exhaustion. Side effects felt while using a Tamoxifen pill or solution is hardly ever life-threatening enough to stop consumption. Tumor and bone ache may raise and throat soreness may happen.

Words of Advice

Pregnant women should avoid using generic Femara (Letrozole) as it can cause damage to the unborn baby. Women who are planning to become pregnant should take the advice of their doctor before starting treatment. As light-headedness and weariness can be linked to Letrozole usage, care should be taken while driving or running machines. Tamoxifen solution should not be cooled down or frosty. Certain people receiving Tamoxifen have come across a reduction in blood platelet counts.