The number of breast cancer patients is mounting at an alarming rate worldwide. There are thousand and thousand cases of breast cancer in America alone. Though no significant breakthrough has been made for curing the disease yet, the best bet for doctors is to contain the disease by not allowing it to spread to other parts of the body using drugs. One such effective generic drug is Femara (Letrozole) and can be administered even when the woman is undergoing chemotherapy.

Letrozole is basically an oral, anti-estrogen drug used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Actually, estrogens that circulate in the blood contribute immensely in developing some breast cancers in postmenopausal women. These circulating estrogens are generally sourced from the adrenal glands. The function of Femara (Letrozole) is to inhibit the enzyme in the adrenal glands (aromatase) that generate the estrogens, estradiol and estrone.

Femara, Letrozole is indicated in the postmenopausal women for the adjuvant or following surgery treatment with hormone receptor-positive early stage breast cancer. It is also approved for treatment in two other conditions too. Postmenopausal women who are within three months of completion of five years of tamoxifen therapy can resort to Femara for the extended adjuvant treatment of early stage breast cancer. Finally, Femara is approved for the treatment of metastatic cancer that has spread to another organ of the body in postmenopausal women. These women usually suffer from hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown breast cancer.

Available in 2.5mg tablet form, Letrozole is taken orally once-a-day with a glass of water. You can also take this medication with or without food getting no reduction in its absorption ability and effectiveness. Consult your doctor regularly and do routine check-ups to monitor the effect of Femara. Do not discontinue the medicine until your doctor advises you to do so.

Though Femara (Letrozole) is largely well-tolerated, there may be still certain side effects that you need to get rid of. Headache, fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and drowsiness are the most common side effects to deal with. Some unlikely side effects include: chest pain, stomach pain, hot flushes, rash, itching, etc. Some very unlikely ones include: swelling and pain in legs or arms, uncommon vaginal bleeding and vision problems. Whatever may be the intensity of the problem, report to your physician immediately if it persists for long.

You need to take certain precautions before and during the Femara (Letrozole) treatment. You must clearly state your medical history to your doctor, particularly regarding liver problems and drug allergies, if any. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the side effects of Femara. As it may cause drowsiness in you, you need to have mental alertness while driving, operating machines, etc. Pregnant women should abstain from taking this drug as it can harm their unborn child. Though it is still unclear whether Letrozole is passed into breast milk, take the advice of doctor before nursing your baby.

Femara (Letrozole) may get affected by your current prescribed and non-prescribed medications. Your doctor must have the detailed information regarding what you’re currently taking. There are drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medications, specific cough and cold items consisting of antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants and narcotic pain relievers. Before starting or stopping any medicine, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

The storage of Femara is as important as its administration. Store these Letrozole tablets at room temperature between 15 and 30 degree Celsius away from wetness and light. Keep them out of reach of children and pets too.