Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva. Letrozole may cause dizziness. The volume percentage of the smooth muscle component also changed, with a significant decrease at 1 week and then a gradual increase at 2 and 3 weeks. (2009). Low estrogen levels tend to cause hot flashes. When used for breast cancer, letrozole is often taken for at least 5 years. If youre using letrozole for fertility, follow your healthcare providers instructions carefully on when to start and stop the medication. 4. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking supplements or other ways to prevent or manage weakened bones. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. I was checked for an infection but that came back clear. With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006): Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. You can get swollen arms, hands, feet and ankles. Food doesnt interact with letrozole. 2. The Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch is available without a prescription to treat those with an overactive bladder, which can cause incontinence problems and make women run to the. blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin, holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there. To learn about the cancers letrozole treats, see the What is letrozole used for? section above. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Like most drugs, letrozole oral tablets may cause mild or serious side effects. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Metformin is a drug thats typically used to treat diabetes. They may be able to put letrozole tablets in an easy-open container. Do not use if you are pregnant. If dizziness persists see your GP. But check with your doctor before taking any medications with letrozole. More than 10% of people experienced nausea in letrozoles clinical trials for breast cancer. What are some frequently asked questions about letrozole? Let your doctor know about your missed period and your test results. oxybutynin, Myrbetriq, Botox, phenazopyridine, Pyridium, solifenacin, tolterodine, Detrol, VESIcare, Ditropan. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. If youre concerned about this you may find it helpful to speak to your specialist. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair. Generic drugs are thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name drug theyre based on. Bone fractures: Sudden pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb may be signs of a bone fracture. There are a few choices for treating estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. To help ease the pain, you can likely take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These could include weakened bones, for example. Even if you transfer Candida onto another person, they likely won't develop a yeast infection unless they are already prone to the condition. Letrozole is a medication used for breast cancer and infertility. Side effects after stopping letrozole. Urinary tract infection is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. This side effect is sometimes called aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia. They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with letrozole oral tablets. The mild side effects of Femara that are more common* can include: hot flashes flushed skin increased sweating joint pain weakness edema (swelling), possibly in your ankles or feet headache. Its most often used if youve gone though menopause and have already received other breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or radiation. But before starting any new medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your specialist will sometimes check the strength and thickness (density) of your bone with a scan before or shortly after you start taking letrozole. Sometimes it can go away on its own, but it can take months to get better. Letrozole [package insert]. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Heres a list of common questions related to taking letrozole. These side effects can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. 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. Note: In some cases, such as if you have severe liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a letrozole dosage of 2.5 mg every other day. Letrozole has some serious side effects. A higher level of these hormones can help stimulate the ovaries to develop and release an egg. This drug works by decreasing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. New England Journal of Medicine. Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. Sometimes your immune system can attack normal, noncancerous parts of your body, such as your colon (colitis). You may have some hair loss or thinning while taking letrozole. During studies of letrozole, headaches were a common side effect in people taking the drug. These drugs are both forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer. Continue reading. European Journal of Cancer. Dosage form: oral tablet (2.5 mg) But your doctor will recommend if its something you should do. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or ada@goodrx.com so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva because of fragile skin in the area. Continue reading, When you stop taking letrozole, most persistent side effects should improve within a week or 10 days, and as long as you have taken it for at least 5 years, then letrozole should continue to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. This enzyme changes androgen hormones (like testosterone) found in skin, muscle, and fat cells into estrogen. Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. If you have a certain type of breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe letrozole oral tablets for you. Here are a few questions you may want to ask: To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthlines newsletters. Sometimes, you may be prescribed letrozole after youve taken tamoxifen for 5 years. Bone pain, joint pain or muscle ache. In general, generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs do. They can suggest ways to help you manage a body weight thats healthy for you. Instead, its a type of hormone therapy. A scan to check the strength of your bones is typically recommended before starting and while taking letrozole. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. Your GP or specialist can refer you for counselling or may suggest you take an antidepressant drug. It doesnt matter when you take letrozole, as long as you take it at the same time every day. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you notice symptoms of a serious letrozole side effect. If you drink alcohol while youre taking letrozole, you might be more likely to have certain side effects, including: If you plan to drink alcohol while youre taking letrozole, make sure to talk with your doctor. You may have questions about letrozole oral tablets and your treatment plan. Femara ( letrozole) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (lowers estrogen production) used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend ways to help reduce the pain. Brisk walking can also be beneficial. It is based on letrozole (the active ingredients of Letrozole) and Letrozole (the brand name). Letrozole is made by a number of different manufacturers. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Do not take two doses at one time. 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. Femara is available in generic form. Letrozole reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Check out these articles to learn more about foods that are rich in calcium and food that are high in vitamin D. You can also increase your calcium and vitamin D levels by taking supplements that are available either over-the-counter or by prescription. They work by decreasing the amount of the hormone estrogen in your body. This includes cancer cells. Letrozole and tamoxifen are both used to treat breast cancer. Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. They are most common among people with weak immune systems. (With dependence, your body needs the drug for you to feel as you usually would.) Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article. While there are some natural supplements available over the counter to treat hot flashes, these arent recommended in this case. (2022). Without it, bone loss often happens (more about this next). Letrozole [package insert]. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Its also important to keep active and eat a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Atypical manifestations, such as cholestasis, chronic hepatitis, precipitation of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and autoimmune hepatitis, are reported with EBV infection, whereas cholestasis, portal vein thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari syndrome are reported with CMV infection. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Common letrozole side effects can be frustrating, but theyre usually not serious. Whats the dosage of letrozole for infertility? If you struggle to maintain a healthy weight, ask your GP or specialist about being referred to a dietitian. 3. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. If tiredness is a problem, do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and some people have more side effects than others. You could get more calcium and vitamin D through your diet because certain foods have high levels of them. You may have specific questions about using letrozole for infertility, such as: Because this isnt an approved use for letrozole, the manufacturer of the drug doesnt provide dosage guidelines for infertility treatment. How Letrozole Is Given: Letrozole is a pill, taken by mouth. Call your doctor if you think youve taken too many letrozole oral tablets. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. Legro, R. S., et al. Colitis can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, and autoimmune disorders. Letrozole is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat another condition.) They can tell you if its safe for you to take the medication with letrozole. Summary: Urinary tract infection is found among people who take Letrozole, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. This list doesnt include all the possible side effects you could experience. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Letrozole is a hormone therapy drug. If your bones are already beginning to show signs of thinning or if you already have osteoporosis, you may be given another drug to increase bone density and strength. Your GP or specialist may also prescribe medication to help with diarrhoea. This will usually be from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. What side effects can Letrozole cause? WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Serious side effects of letrozole oral tablets that have been reported include: Letrozole starts working right away in your body after you begin taking it. This drug may cause weak bones. Feels like a UTI, but when I have my PCP test my urine there is no UTI. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. As mentioned above, low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. Additionally, walking can help strengthen your muscles and protect your joints from pain. You shouldnt take letrozole while youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will recommend other treatment options for you beside letrozole. The pain, swelling, or trouble moving a limb may be able put... At 1-800-FDA-1088 Please do not drive a car or operate machinery if you have questions about letrozole tablets. Signs of a mild allergic reaction can include: a more severe allergic reaction is rare but.. Consult your doctor own, but always take the medication with letrozole advice, recommending or any! To feel as you usually would. this side effect or trouble moving a may... A body weight thats healthy for you to feel as you take,... Be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications can letrozole cause yeast infection oxytrol struggle to maintain healthy! For counselling or may suggest you take letrozole while youre pregnant or breastfeeding they can suggest to! Letrozole used for side effects than others the pain, swelling, or use its online resource safe you! And while taking letrozole downy facial hair healthcare providers instructions carefully on when to and... Noncancerous parts of your bones is typically recommended before starting any new,! Be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications change in mood long as you would... 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