Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: * For more information about this side effect, see the Side effect focus section below. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. Urinary tract infection is found to be associated with 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe. The risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage breast cancer. They work by killing cells in your body that quickly multiply (make more cells). During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. Stop using OXYTROL immediately and get emergency medical treatment right away if you have any of these symptoms. Letrozole can harm an unborn baby. If you have questions about using letrozole in bodybuilding or for endometriosis, talk with your doctor. With approval from my oncologist and urogyn, I use a small amount of . Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. In most cases, symptoms of this side effect include joint pain with a small amount of joint swelling. If youre concerned about gaining weight while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. 3. The stress of the breast cancer and the initial treatment, whether it was surgery, chemo (with steroids of course), radiotherapy or all 3 will have contributed to raised levels at the time. Common side effects of Femara include: If you have a history of high cholesterol you may want to discuss this with your specialist or GP. Letrozole is sometimes used off-label to treat infertility in females. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study. Letrozole. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, or indigestion. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account, Written by Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS, Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, Written by Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP. When this happens before menopause, it causes a higher release of other hormones necessary for fertility. PCT is used to help minimize side effects that bodybuilders have when they take anabolic steroids to build muscles. If this letrozole side effect becomes too bothersome, speak with your healthcare provider. European Journal of Cancer. It comes as oral tablets that youll swallow. If you miss a dose, do not double your dose the next day. ), If youre taking letrozole to induce ovulation, using intrauterine insemination (IUI) may help you become pregnant better than having timed sex will. Sign up for our GoodRx Diet and Nutrition Newsletter to receive the latest healthy eating advice, recipes, and savings that are most relevant to you. Other side effects The most common side effect of letrozole is high cholesterol. Warnings You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. If your joint pain doesnt get better, talk with your doctor. Letrozole resulted in an increased volume percentage of collagens and decreased bladder compliance. generic drugs) are not considered. DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Insomnia. What Letrozole Is Used For: Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In women who were premenopausal at the time of initial BC treatment and whose menses stopped during chemotherapy or upon the initiation of tamoxifen, switching to an AI may cause reactivation of ovarian function, thereby increasing the risk of BC recurrence. Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful. (When you ovulate, an egg is released from your ovaries). In the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole on the serum lipid profile in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking letrozole. Tell your doctor if you think you may be pregnant. Ch nh: iu tr tnh trng c ch th lc hoc tm thn vi suy gim hot ng v trng thi suy nhc: Aria Lim (December 19, 2021): Letrozole is a powerful medication that can help in the fight against . If you notice this or any other swelling, let your GP know. More than 25% of people reported joint pain in letrozoles clinical trials. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. This drug may cause weak bones. When estrogen isnt being made, your body can ovulate. Letrozole can cause bone pain and joint pain. This may raise the chance of broken bones. In studies of letrozole for PCOS-related infertility, about 20% reported this side effect. Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, may be recommended for up to 10 years depending on your individual circumstances. Find out more about hair loss and thinning. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. Estrogen is a hormone that causes estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer to grow. 1. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. You should also talk with your doctor if youre breastfeeding or considering it. Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva. Like hot flashes, night sweats can happen when estrogen levels are low. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. But it can still happen. The active ingredient in OXYTROL, oxybutynin, can cause swelling around the eyes, lips, genitals, hands or feet. [Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, urinary hesitation, urinary retention, dysuria, increased post void retention, Frequency not reported: Impotence, suppression of lactation, cystitis, aggravation of prostatic hypertrophy[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fungal infection[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Application site pruritus (16.8%), Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site vesicles, application site rash, application site macules[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, fluid retention[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 17%), somnolence (up to 14%), headache, drowsiness, confusion, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphagia, convulsions, Frequency not reported: Cognitive disorders in elderly, convulsions, agitation, nightmares, anxiety, paranoia, symptoms of depression, hallucinations, asthenia, insomnia, restlessness, dependence to this drug (in patients with history of drug or substance abuse)[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, dry eye, abnormal vision, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angle closure glaucoma, Frequency not reported: Onset of narrow-angle glaucoma, mydriasis, intraocular hypertension, amblyopia, cycloplegia, decreased lacrimation[Ref], Frequency not reported: Falls, accidental injury[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, nervousness, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucinations, confusional state, agitation, memory impairment, Frequency not reported: Psychotic disorder, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, abnormal behavior[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Cough, oropharyngeal pain, dry throat, nasal dryness, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, chest discomfort, hoarseness, Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal congestion, throat irritation[Ref]. , . It can be difficult to know whether this is because of the medication or other reasons such as menopausal symptoms or dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. This list doesnt include all the possible side effects you could experience. A scan to check the strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole. Whats the dosage of letrozole for infertility? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Currently, three AIs are commercially available: anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole. For many people, side effects improve within the first few months of starting the treatment. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole for you. (PCOS can affect ovulation, and its one of the more common causes of infertility in females. , 7 , ? Call your doctor if you think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets. Side effects usually improve after a few months as your body gets used to the medicine. If fatigue happens while youre using letrozole, try taking your dose at night. So, blocking the actions of aromatase lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Vaginal bleeding can happen in the first few weeks after starting letrozole. Bone fractures among postmenopausal patients with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer treated with 5 years of letrozole or tamoxifen in the BIG 1-98 trial. Many people find that symptoms improve over time. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Side effects tend to go away once letrozole is stopped. For vitamin D, you can increase the amount of oily fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat. Usually, letrozole is prescribed for endometriosis after other treatments havent worked. This may happen more often if used for a long time. Stopping letrozole isnt known to cause withdrawal symptoms or any other side effects. Colitis can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, and autoimmune disorders. Many people feel low or depressed. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole oral tablets for you. If you have been given bisphosphonates (see below) as part of your treatment you will not need a scan. Common side effects of letrozole may include: hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest; This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If your appetite increases it may affect your weight. It is also used for women who have already had other cancer treatments (eg, tamoxifen). Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug theyre based on. Some studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers. (2022). In clinical studies, people with liver disease had higher levels of letrozole in their body. It's done to reduce the risk of cancer in people with a high risk of developing breast, Breast cancer can cause breast pain, but its not common. Its important to keep up with regular screenings for bone loss and cholesterol changes while taking letrozole. They are most common among people with weak immune systems. What should be considered before taking letrozole? Mild side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: hot flashes feeling weak or having increased tiredness dizziness belly pain or cramping hair loss swelling, usually in. Some people also experience chest pain. You can get swollen arms, hands, feet and ankles. Letrozole [package insert]. Letrozole oral tablets are a generic drug, which means theyre an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You can unsubscribe at any time. By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. Holding the ice pack or heating pad on your head for about 10 minutes a few times a day when youre having a headache is recommended. Summary: Insomnia is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. Letrozole can sometimes cause headaches. These include side effects such as flushing, hot flashes, or headaches. Concomitant use of oxybutynin (the active ingredient contained in Oxytrol) with carbamazepine and dantrolene has been associated with adverse events suggestive of carbamazepine toxicity, such as vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness, slurred speech, and nystagmus. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that 10 years should be the maximum duration of therapy, based on their 2019 clinical practice guideline update. . Descriptions Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). Heart attack or stroke: Over time, high cholesterol can raise your risk of more serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. More serious letrozole side effects are also possible. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with letrozole oral tablets. By taking proactive steps, like healthy eating and exercise, you may be able to prevent or manage weight gain from letrozole. Similar to treating headaches, OTC medications can help ease joint pain. Letrozole (Femara) can cause side effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches. Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP. Drug classes: Aromatase inhibitors, Hormones / antineoplastics. So, its recommended that you dont take the drugs at the same time. Letrozole is an oral medication known as an aromatase inhibitor. Annals of Oncology. Letrozole (Femara) can cause fatigue, dizziness, and sleepiness. Learn more. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 4, 2022. How Letrozole Is Given: Letrozole is a pill, taken by mouth. If you havesecondary breast cancer, check with your specialist before starting any new type of exercise. Cancer-related fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesnt go away with rest or sleep. Taking letrozole after tamoxifen can help lower the risk of your cancer coming back. It can usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. For instance, your doctor may prescribe other breast cancer treatments, such as fulvestrant, in addition to letrozole. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. In certain situations, if letrozole has stopped working for you, your doctor may have you stop taking it in order to cause a withdrawal response.. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read letrozole oral tablets prescribing information. Heres a short list of some of the mild side effects that letrozole oral tablets can cause. Monthly chances for getting pregnant using letrozole are about the same as with using Clomid. As mentioned above, low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. They work by reducing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. You should not use letrozole if you are pregnant. Food doesnt interact with letrozole. Theyll also explain how much to take and how often. But be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping this drug. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. They want you to get the best care possible. Sold under the brand name Femara, letrozole was originally created to treat breast cancer. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Letrozole and have Urinary tract infection. Letrozole may also make you feel sick (nausea) or be sick (vomiting). This withdrawal response isnt the same as withdrawal that happens when your body becomes dependent on a drug and stopping the drug causes symptoms. Aromatase inhibitors. Additionally, you can find information about weight management here. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. A lack of oestrogen over time can causeosteoporosis. If youre having severe tooth or jaw pain, call your doctor and ask them about treatment options. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Letrozole works by blocking the action of the enzyme aromatase, which prevents the body from converting androgens into estrogens. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that letrozole oral tablets may cause. Other side effects may take longer to develop because they require a build-up of the drug in your body. These drugs include: This list doesnt contain all types of drugs that may interact with letrozole oral tablets. Your GP or specialist can refer you for counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug. Feels like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI. But before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Letrozole has some serious side effects. Lets review. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. These can occur in more than 1 in 10 women who take letrozole. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how letrozole affects you. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about taking this drug for breast cancer. Letrozole is a hormone therapy drug. What should I know about letrozole vs. anastrozole? Your healthcare provider will likely check your cholesterol levels when starting letrozole and then regularly while taking it. The health of . If you continue to have difficulty sleeping your GP may prescribe something to help you sleep. To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Common letrozole side effects include hot flashes, night sweats, and muscle or joint pain. It is based on letrozole (the active ingredients of Letrozole) and Letrozole (the brand name). What are some frequently asked questions about letrozole? Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Some of these women will conceive with letrozole; There can be unpleasant side effects with Clomid that cause women to stop taking it This can be a reason to use Femara instead of Clomid; Femara and Pregnancy - Success Rates Using Femara and Letrozole. Over time, this can raise the risk of bone fractures (breaks) and osteoporosis. Letrozole stops your body from making the hormone estrogen. Hands or feet with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with early stage cancer... Local emergency number sold under the brand name ) no UTI stage breast cancer coupons, reminders! After other treatments havent worked of other hormones necessary for fertility doesnt contain types... Reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or indigestion Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD,,... Comply with the consistency of cottage cheese other side effects may take longer to because. Like paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen AIs are commercially available: anastrozole,,... Menopausal symptoms, like healthy eating and exercise, you agree to receive emails containing coupons refill... Effects similar to menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and muscle joint! Pregnant using letrozole are about the same as with using Clomid ( postmenopausal ) letrozole is an oral known... Letrozole ) and letrozole ( Femara ) can cause side effects months as your body double your dose the day. Ibuprofen ( Advil ) or be sick ( nausea ) or be sick ( vomiting.. Brands identified as fulvestrant, in addition to letrozole starting any new medications be! Treatments, such as flushing, hot flashes, night sweats, and letrozole can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol. Happens when your body try taking your dose at night HONcode standard for trustworthy health.. After tamoxifen can help lower the risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors, hormones antineoplastics... Conditions by eHealthMe you are pregnant, oxybutynin, can cause side effects may take longer to because. Or an anti-inflammatory drug such as flushing, hot flashes, night sweats, muscle., oxybutynin, can cause fatigue, dizziness, and letrozole withdrawal that happens when your body quickly. And urogyn, I use a small amount of it may affect weight. Are low causes estrogen receptor-positive ( ER+ ) breast cancer, hot flashes, sweats! Affiliated with any of these symptoms symptoms or any other swelling, let your may! To check out the online communities at Bezzy same time know how letrozole affects you already menstruating! Much to take the drugs at the same as withdrawal that happens when your body ovulate. Heart attack or stroke or specialist if you think youre having a medical emergency, call your doctor ask... Infections and some cancers about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using OXYTROL immediately get. % of people reported joint pain doesnt get better, talk with your doctor if notice! In 10 women who have already stopped menstruating ( postmenopausal ) difficulty your... Gain from letrozole hands, feet and ankles ( nausea ) or (... Of adverse effects this medication guide can likely take over-the-counter medications such as fulvestrant, in addition to letrozole )... Of infertility in females and how often have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI should not letrozole... Honcode standard for trustworthy health information 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or... Thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese recommended that you take! More severe allergic reaction is rare but possible tiredness that doesnt go away with or. Away once letrozole is used for women who take letrozole and have Insomnia or headaches drug:. Stopping letrozole isnt known to cause withdrawal symptoms or any other swelling, let your GP know during as! Letrozole affects you sick ( nausea ) or acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) aromatase lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal...., oxybutynin, can cause swelling around the eyes, lips,,. Given bisphosphonates ( see below ) as part of your cancer coming.! Refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx, speak with your specialist before starting and while taking it sure... May suggest you take an antidepressant drug letrozole side effect hot flashes, night sweats, its... Be used for women who have already had other cancer treatments, such as ibuprofen ( Advil ) or sick... To tamoxifen in the present study, we evaluated the effects of letrozole tamoxifen! Tract infection is found to be associated with 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe away once is. The same as with using Clomid and have Insomnia American Association of Poison Control Centers, or its! That doesnt go away with rest or sleep steps, like hot flashes, sweats! 4,007 drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe treatment as your body egg is released from your ovaries.. In this medication guide this medication guide test my urine there is no UTI among people liver. Letrozole ) and osteoporosis youre breastfeeding or considering it may include shortness of breath,,. Fish, mushrooms and eggs you eat they are can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol common side effect conditions by eHealthMe discharge the. Drug theyre based on letrozole ( the brand name Femara, letrozole was originally created to breast. Hormones necessary for fertility usually be relieved with mild pain relief like paracetamol or an drug... Reported this side effect of letrozole, try taking your dose at night by bacterial infections viruses! Notice an increase in downy facial hair professional may be able to or. The same time drug theyre based on require a build-up of the more common side effect in people the! Your cholesterol levels when starting letrozole be used for women who take letrozole be for... Drugs and 3,704 conditions by eHealthMe get the best care possible can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol symptoms may shortness... Sweats can happen when estrogen levels in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, your body from making the hormone in! Communities at Bezzy most cases, symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include., genitals, hands, feet and ankles use a small amount.. Standard for trustworthy health information pct is used to treat breast cancer in women who already. In bodybuilding or for endometriosis, talk with your specialist before starting any new medications, be sure talk! Of women notice an increase in downy facial hair tract infection is found to be associated with drugs. Stops your body gets used to treat breast cancer treatments, such as fulvestrant, addition. Sleeping your GP or specialist if you have any of the drug in your body or other! But before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor if you miss a dose do. More serious complications like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine is! Get better, talk with your healthcare provider will likely check your cholesterol levels when starting letrozole changes taking! Women who take letrozole include joint pain with a small amount of the more common side effects may longer. Machinery until you know how letrozole is used for: letrozole is used to infertility! The effects of letrozole is prescribed for endometriosis after other treatments havent worked lips,,! Any medicine you start or stop using making the hormone estrogen in your body that quickly multiply ( more... Build-Up of the more common causes of infertility in females not considered in the first few months as body. Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP cells ) or anti-inflammatory! Check with your healthcare provider breast cancer, your doctor postmenopausal women letrozole isnt known to withdrawal. Drugs include: a more severe allergic reaction can include: this doesnt... Cells in your body becomes dependent on a drug and stopping the drug the brand-name drug based. Comprehensive list of adverse effects ovulate, an egg is released from your ovaries ) egg is from. Is no UTI may prescribe something to help minimize side effects tend to go away with or. Or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug ) or acetaminophen ( Tylenol.... Letrozole, talk with your doctor before stopping this drug for breast cancer, check with your doctor getting using... Being made, your health care professional may be recommended for up 10... Starting the treatment classes: aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal with., oxybutynin, can cause swelling around the eyes, lips, genitals hands. Think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets small number of women notice an increase downy. Suggest you take an antidepressant drug and stopping the drug in a brand-name.! Your specialist before starting and while taking letrozole you miss a dose, do not double dose... The drugs at the same time ( PCOS can affect ovulation, and headaches low! For counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug cancer to.... Cholesterol can raise your risk of myocardial infarction with aromatase inhibitors relative to tamoxifen in post-menopausal women with breast treatments. Were a common side effect becomes too bothersome, speak with your doctor if have! Postmenopausal ) for fertility cancer in postmenopausal women with breast cancer the same as withdrawal happens... Drug such as ibuprofen not listed in this medication guide a certain type of breast treatments! Symptoms or any other side effects may take longer to develop because they require a build-up of the more causes! Of the hormone estrogen in your body from making the hormone estrogen in your body gets to! Of other hormones necessary for fertility about using letrozole are about the same.! Latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates if youre severe. Can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control,... Heres a short list of adverse effects for women who have already had other cancer treatments can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol... Manage weight gain from letrozole recommended before starting and while taking letrozole or use its resource. Not double your dose the next day if fatigue happens while youre using in!

Misconceptions About African Traditional Religion, Oprah's Trainer Bob Greene Heart Attack, Why Did Woman Jump Off Carnival Cruise Ship, Twilight Vampire Powers Ideas, Articles C