Femara

This page contains drug information on Femara.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Femara
the possible side effects of Femara
what happens if you miss a dose of Femara
what happens if you overdose with Femara
the most important information about Femara
how to use Femara
other drugs that may affect Femara
what to avoid while using Femara
 
Generic Name: letrozole (LEH troe zole)
Brand Names: Femara
 
What is the most important information I should know about femara?
 •  Before taking femara, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take femara, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

What is femara?
 •  femara blocks the use of estrogen by certain types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.
 •  femara is used to treat breast cancer.
 •  femara may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take femara?
 •  Before taking femara, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take femara, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
 •  femara is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that femara is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take femara if you are pregnant.
 •  It is not known whether femara passes into breast milk. Do not take femara if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take femara?
 •  Take femara exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
 •  femara is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  femara can be taken with or without food.
 •  Store femara at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of femara is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison control left for advice if you suspect that a very large dose of femara has been ingested.

What should I avoid while taking femara?
 •  There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking femara unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of femara?
 •  Stop taking femara and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives) to femara.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take femara and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · shortness of breath or coughing
      · increased blood pressure
      · muscle or joint pain
      · headache
      · dizziness
      · fatigue
      · weakness
      · swelling or water retention
      · nausea and vomiting
      · diarrhea or constipation
      · loss of appetite
      · vaginal bleeding
      · hot flashes
      · weight gain or
      · rash.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect femara?
 •  There are no known interactions between femara and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with femara.