Femara ratings & reviews

Letrozole
Company: Novartis
Brand: Femara
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+3 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Cytostatic Hormone Therapy, Cytostatic Hormone Antagonists, Cytostatic Aromatase Inhibitors

Sermo AI Overview

  • Femara is generally regarded positively for its high efficacy in treating breast cancer, especially among postmenopausal patients, reflecting a strong preference among physicians for its use in this population.
  • Concerns have been raised regarding the tolerability of Femara, with side effects like joint pain and osteoporosis potentially impacting patient experience, indicating a need for careful monitoring during treatment.
  • Physicians acknowledge that while Femara is an effective option for breast cancer treatment, there are comparable alternatives that should also be considered to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Femara is a tablet that contains 2.5 mg of the active ingredient letrozole USP, which is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. The drug is available in tablet form for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Dizziness -Fatigue -Headache -Hot flashes -Joint Pain -Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -High cholesterol -Liver disease -Osteoporosis, weak bones -An unusual or allergic reaction to letrozole, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Estrogen and progestin hormones This medication may also interact with the following: -Dietary supplements, such as androstenedione or DHEA -Prasterone -Tamoxifen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not become pregnant while taking this medication or for 3 weeks after stopping it. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your care team or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication or for 3 weeks after stopping it. This medication may interfere with the ability to have a child. Talk with your care team if you are concerned about your fertility. Using this medication for a long time may increase your risk of low bone mass. Talk to your care team about bone health. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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  2. Visitors to the online patient-facing website at Sermo.com (“Sermo Drug Ratings”) are Authorized Users of the website, which contains data owned by a third-party provider, Elsevier, Inc.  Accordingly, by visiting Sermo Drug Ratings, Authorized User acknowledges that the website includes Elsevier owned data that Sermo licenses pursuant to a separate usage and Data agreement (the “Agreements”).  Authorized User further acknowledges that Sermo is a third-party beneficiary of the Agreements and Authorized User’s use of the website hereby binds them to the terms of the Agreements; provided, however, that Elsevier shall have no obligations or liability to an Authorized User whatsoever pursuant to the terms of the Agreements.

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