Letrozol

What is Letrozole

Letrozole is believed to be the most powerful non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor medication, classified as an anti-cancer drug approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2011. Letrozole primary use is to help treating breast cancer for women who already had their menopausal condition. The human body produces a hormone called estrogen, and this hormone can cause or can increase the growth of certain breast cancer cells. These breast cancer cells are called receptor positive.

Letrozole works by lowering or blocking the aromatase enzyme levels that are involved in estrogen production in the body; therefore, stops progression of cancerous tumors and slows down their growth. It has been shown that the drug reduced estrogen levels by 98% or greater. This substance can also be used by women who have already had other cancer treatments; for example Tamoxifen. The drug also can be found under the brand name of Femara. The drug won’t have any benefits if a person has hormone-receptor-negative breast cancer.

How to use Letrozole

It is much less likely that Letrozole is used by men, anyway, the medication has its benefits here. Many bodybuilders and athletes prefer this drug due to its estrogen reducing properties and the drug also can increase testosterone levels pretty much. You should make known your medical history prior taking the drug: if you have high cholesterol, if you have liver disease, if you didn’t pass through menopause or you have osteoporosis (when the bones are fragile) you are not allowed to take the drug.

Letrozole is available in the form of tablets of 2.5 mg to be taken orally (by mouth). Usually, the drug should be taken once a day, and it can be administered before or after meals, or how it is prescribed by your doctor. Normally, it doesn’t matter the time of the day when the drug is taken but it is recommended to take the tablet at the same time each day. The usual dosage of this substance is about 2.5 mg (1 tablet) per day for a good ratio of benefits/side effects, however the dose can be different and it can be changed by a physician. Do not take more or less than that dose prescribed by your doctor.

The treatment period is considered to be long term so one may need to take it for several years; it is not allowed to stop taking the drug without doctor’s approval. Also, it is not allowed to take two doses at once in order to make up a forgotten dosage. 

Side effects of Letrozole

Prior to using Letrozole, make sure none of the below conditions refers to you:

• you are allergic to any of Letrozole components found in tablets (see the ingredients on the details part). Signs of allergic reactions are: difficult to breathe, hives, or appear swellings on the face, throat, lips etc.),
• you are pregnant. The medication could harm the unborn baby.
• you are breast feeding. The medication could pass through the milk.

Letrozole users might notice the following side effects: headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, hot flushes, tiredness and weakness, vaginal irritation, swellings, weight chances, mood and appetite changes, vision problems, hair loss and many others. It is possible to feel pain in stomach, breasts, muscles, bone, joints and chest. More severe problems include: problems breathing, hives, unusual bleeding, itching and many others.

This is not the complete list of side effects and others can occur. If you don’t feel well or some of the negative effects mentioned above are noticed while taking this drug, immediately tell it to your doctor.