Letrozole

Product Overview

Letrozole 2.5mg is a prescription medication classified as an aromatase inhibitor. It works by significantly reducing the body’s production of estrogen.

Letrozole is commonly prescribed for:

• Hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (primarily in postmenopausal women)
• Ovulation induction in certain fertility treatments
• Estrogen suppression in specialised hormonal protocols

At Angel Pharmacy, Letrozole 2.5mg tablets are supplied as commercially manufactured products in accordance with your doctor’s prescription.

How Letrozole Works

Letrozole blocks the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into estrogen.

By lowering estrogen levels, Letrozole can:

• Slow or prevent the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells
• Support ovulation in selected fertility protocols
• Reduce circulating estrogen levels in medically supervised hormone management plans

Because estrogen plays an important role in bone, cardiovascular, and reproductive health, treatment must always be monitored by a healthcare professional.

What It Is Prescribed For

Breast Cancer Treatment (Postmenopausal Women)

Letrozole is widely used for:

• Early-stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer
• Advanced or metastatic breast cancer
• Reducing the risk of cancer recurrence after surgery
• Sequential therapy following tamoxifen treatment

Treatment duration may extend for several years depending on your oncology plan.

Ovulation Induction (Fertility Use)

Letrozole may be prescribed in fertility treatment to:

• Stimulate ovulation
• Support women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Improve ovulatory response under specialist supervision

Fertility use is short-term and carefully monitored by a reproductive specialist.

Hormonal Management (Specialist Use)

In certain cases, Letrozole may be prescribed in specialised hormone management protocols to control elevated estrogen levels.

This use must always be medically supervised.

Directions for Use

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

General guidance:

• Usually taken once daily
• Swallow whole with water
• May be taken with or without food
• Take at the same time each day

For fertility treatment, Letrozole is typically taken for a limited number of days per cycle as directed by your specialist.

Do not adjust dosage without medical advice.

Important Safety Information

Before starting Letrozole, inform your doctor if you:

• Have osteoporosis or low bone density
• Have liver disease
• Have high cholesterol
• Have heart disease
• Are premenopausal (unless prescribed for fertility treatment)

Long-term estrogen suppression may reduce bone mineral density. Bone health monitoring may be recommended during treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects vary depending on duration of use and individual response.

Common side effects may include:

• Hot flushes
• Joint or muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Long-term use may contribute to:

• Bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
• Increased fracture risk
• Elevated cholesterol

If you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, severe bone pain, swelling, or allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.

Fertility & Pregnancy

Letrozole should not be used during pregnancy for cancer treatment purposes.

When used for fertility treatment, it is prescribed early in the cycle under strict medical supervision. Your specialist will confirm pregnancy safety protocols.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Letrozole.

Drug Interactions

Letrozole may interact with:

• Estrogen-containing medications
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Tamoxifen
• Certain liver-metabolised medicines

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C
• Keep in original packaging
• Protect from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after expiry date

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Letrozole chemotherapy?

No. Letrozole is a hormone therapy medication, not chemotherapy.

How long is Letrozole taken for breast cancer?

Treatment may continue for 5 years or longer depending on your oncologist’s recommendation.

Can Letrozole cause bone loss?

Yes, long-term use may reduce bone density. Monitoring may be required.

How quickly does Letrozole work?

For breast cancer, it begins lowering estrogen quickly, but treatment benefits are assessed over time. For fertility use, ovulation may occur within the treatment cycle.

Is Letrozole the same as Anastrozole?

Both are aromatase inhibitors, but they are different medications. Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable option for your condition.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Letrozole should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

For personalised advice regarding your prescription, speak with the pharmacists at Angel Pharmacy.