Femara: Advanced Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Femara
| Product dosage: 2.5mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $3.20 | $96.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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Synonyms | |||
Femara (letrozole) is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It is also approved for the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer following completion of standard tamoxifen therapy, as well as for first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women. By significantly reducing estrogen production through potent aromatase inhibition, Femara targets the hormonal drivers of cancer progression with demonstrated efficacy in improving disease-free survival. Its selective mechanism offers a targeted approach to hormone-sensitive malignancies while maintaining a generally manageable safety profile in appropriate patient populations.
Features
- Contains 2.5 mg letrozole per tablet
- Nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor class medication
- Oral administration with once-daily dosing
- Available in blister packs of 30 tablets
- Requires prescription and medical supervision
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality standards
Benefits
- Significantly reduces risk of cancer recurrence in hormone-sensitive early breast cancer
- Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to tamoxifen in certain patient populations
- Provides targeted therapy with specific action on estrogen synthesis
- Offers convenient oral dosing regimen supporting treatment adherence
- May improve disease-free survival rates in adjuvant settings
- Shows effectiveness in extended adjuvant therapy after tamoxifen treatment
Common use
Femara is primarily prescribed for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. In early breast cancer, it is used as adjuvant therapy following primary treatment, typically for duration of 5 years. For advanced metastatic disease, it serves as first-line hormonal therapy. The medication is also indicated for extended adjuvant treatment after initial 5 years of tamoxifen therapy, providing continued protection against recurrence. Clinical decisions regarding Femara use involve comprehensive assessment of menopausal status, hormone receptor expression, previous treatments, and individual risk factors.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg administered orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Treatment duration typically continues for 5 years in adjuvant settings, though duration may be modified based on individual response and tolerability. For patients with advanced breast cancer, treatment continues until tumor progression is documented. Dosage adjustment is generally not required for elderly patients or those with mild to moderate renal impairment, though careful monitoring is advised. Hepatic impairment may require dosage consideration based on severity.
Precautions
Regular monitoring of bone mineral density is recommended due to potential bone loss. Patients should undergo baseline lipid profile assessment with periodic follow-up. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing osteoporosis or risk factors for bone fractures. Hepatic function should be monitored during treatment. Patients with history of hypercholesterolemia require lipid profile surveillance. Those with conditions sensitive to estrogen reduction should be carefully evaluated before initiation. Driving or operating machinery may be affected by fatigue or dizziness. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation is generally recommended.
Contraindications
Femara is contraindicated in premenopausal women, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It must not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to letrozole or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with estrogen-containing therapies is contraindicated. Patients with severe hepatic impairment should not receive Femara therapy. Those with unresolved postmenopausal status confirmation should not initiate treatment. History of severe reaction to other aromatase inhibitors constitutes contraindication.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions include hot flashes (≥10%), fatigue (5-10%), arthralgia (5-20%), and headache (5-10%). Musculoskeletal pain and stiffness affect approximately 20% of patients. Less frequently reported effects include nausea (5-10%), increased sweating (5-10%), and edema (2-5%). Serious side effects may include osteoporosis and fractures (5-15%), cardiovascular events (2-5%), and elevated cholesterol levels (5-10%). Rare cases of hepatic enzyme elevation and allergic reactions have been reported. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often diminish with continued therapy.
Drug interaction
Strong CYP3A4 inducers may reduce letrozole concentrations. CYP2A6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors could potentially increase letrozole levels. Tamoxifen co-administration reduces letrozole plasma concentrations by approximately 38% and is not recommended. Estrogen-containing therapies may diminish pharmacological effect. Warfarin monitoring is advised due to potential interaction. Herbal supplements with estrogen-like effects should be avoided. Cimetidine may slightly increase letrozole exposure. Comprehensive medication review is essential before initiation.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and regular dosing schedule resumed. Double doses should not be taken to make up for missed medication. Patients should maintain regular dosing intervals to ensure consistent therapeutic effect. Persistent missed doses should be discussed with healthcare provider to address adherence issues.
Overdose
Limited data exists regarding Femara overdose. Single doses up to 62.5 mg have been administered without severe consequences. Expected symptoms may include exaggerated pharmacological effects such as severe hot flashes, nausea, or vomiting. General supportive measures are recommended with monitoring of vital signs. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred recently. No specific antidote exists. Dialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding. Medical attention should be sought for significant overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Keep blister strips intact until time of administration. Do not store in bathroom or damp areas. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond expiration date printed on packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations.
Disclaimer
This information provides educational content about Femara but does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. Patients should consult their physician regarding appropriate use, potential risks, and monitoring requirements. The manufacturer provides complete prescribing information that should be reviewed before initiation. Dosage adjustments and treatment modifications should only be made under medical supervision.
Reviews
Clinical trials demonstrate Femara’s efficacy in reducing breast cancer recurrence by approximately 30% compared to placebo in extended adjuvant settings. The BIG 1-98 trial showed significant improvement in disease-free survival versus tamoxifen. Many patients report manageable side effects with appropriate supportive care. Long-term follow-up data confirms sustained benefit in appropriate patient populations. Real-world evidence supports trial findings regarding efficacy and tolerability profile. Treatment satisfaction surveys indicate acceptable quality of life during therapy with proper management of side effects.