Liver problems may cause the drug to build up in your body, which increases your risk of side effects. They could take weeks or months before becoming a problem. Learn about side effects, uses, and more for letrozole oral tablets. Most adverse effects of letrozole, however, are delayed side effects due to the accumulating effects of reduced estrogen production. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Hot flashes and nausea are now infrequent, but I still wake every 2 hrs and have bouts of dizziness after . You can also ask them about Femara, which is the brand-name version of letrozole. Its also available as the brand-name drug Femara. Its a very common side effect of breast cancer treatment and may affect you physically and emotionally. All rights reserved. But doctors usually dont prescribe this medication for longer than 5 years. Its a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others. If youve had an allergic reaction to letrozole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe letrozole. This side effect can last even after you stop taking letrozole. slurred speech. Your bone density may be checked every two to three years while youre taking letrozole, depending on the results from the initial scan or whether your specialist has any concerns. In order of incidence, the most common side effects of letrozole include: The most serious side effects of letrozole include: Nausea is a common side effect of letrozole treatment, but it tends to be mild. Letrozole works by decreasing the amounts of these hormones in the body. However, women of reproductive age. pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves. Aromasin vs Femara - how do they compare? Your pharmacist, GP or treatment team cantell you what products you can use on your skin to help. If the pain is too debilitating, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice or treatment options. Because letrozole is used to suppress estrogen, estrogen-containing medicines are avoided. Exercise and stretching can also help. The half-life of letrozole is 2 days, so once you stop taking letrozole, you might continue to experience side effects for about a week to 10 days after your last dose. Exercise can also help improve any tiredness or fatigue experienced during letrozole treatment. When is the best time of day to take letrozole? vaginal bleeding or spotting. severe, sudden headache. Because letrozole is intended for postmenopausal women, clinical trials focused mainly on older women. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Common side effects of letrozole. We avoid using tertiary references. If you have joint pain in your jaw or bone pain in your face, its possible that you may experience pain in your teeth. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. If you notice this or any other swelling, let your GP know. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. other information we have about you. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. They could take weeks or months before becoming a problem. Along with its needed effects, letrozole may cause some unwanted effects. As a hormone-blocking drug, letrozoles side effects are commonly experienced. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Nominate your favorite pharmacy staff for a Best of the Best award! Copyright: Merative US L.P. 1973, 2023. What Are the Signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer? If you have been given bisphosphonates (see below) as part of your treatment you will not need a scan. Osteoporosis. 2. Swelling, usually in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, is another possible side . Letrozole can cause weight gain. Will stopping letrozole treatment suddenly cause withdrawal symptoms? weight changes, such as weight gain or loss*. Most side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as: a sore arm from the injection. Their risk is higher because of the cancer itself and some treatments for breast cancer. How many cycles of letrozole are needed to get pregnant? This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Side effects in women. The updated USPTF recommendations for breast cancer screenings at 40 bring us closer to addressing the changes needed to improve access to screening. Version: 8.02. The worst part is prob vaginal dryness, and pain. Talk to your GP or treatment team about how to manage a change in mood. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Letrozole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. About 6% to 13% of participants in clinical trials complained about coughing while taking the drug. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the . Delayed side effects, however, could persist as long as the drug is taken. pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves, severe and sudden, unexplained troubled breathing, sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg, burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste and thirst. However, individual batches from individual manufacturers have been recalled because of manufacturing irregularities. Last updated on Feb 26, 2023. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medications. Some people may have mild side effects while taking letrozole. severe, sudden headache. Letrozole is also used to help prevent the cancer . Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 June 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 5 June 2023), ASHP (updated 11 June 2023) and others. What are the side effects of letrozole? Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. Here's how alternative treatments can help provide relief and improve quality of. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, but may be . People with a DVT are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). You will need frequent medical tests, and your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. Cancer-related fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesnt go away with rest or sleep. Letrozole, its brand-name version, Femara, and another drug, Arimidex (anastrozole), belong to a family of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of letrozole in the pediatric population. However my worst side effect is raging heat at night. Most adverse effects of letrozole, however, are delayed side effects due to the accumulating effects of reduced estrogen production. A substantial percentage were older than 65 and many were older than 70. Common side effects of tamoxifen The most commonly experienced side effects of tamoxifen are as follows: Hot flashes Flushing Fluid retention Joint pain Mood disturbances Arthritis Nausea Menstrual changes, menstrual period delays, or absence of menstruation Weight loss Vaginal bleeding Tiredness Although menopausal symptoms may become less frequent and less intense over time, they can still be hard to manage. . Common side effects of letrozole may include: hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest; headache, dizziness, weakness; bone pain, muscle or joint pain; swelling, weight gain; increased sweating; or. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, your doctor may give you medicine to lower the cholesterol and fat in the blood. These long-term effectshair thinning, bone loss, increased risk for bone fractures, and increased risk for cardiovascular diseaseare possible consequences of long-term hormone suppression treatment. This article describes letrozoles side effects. Letrozole can be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach. A generic drug and its brand-name version are expected to have similar side effects because they contain the same active ingredient. These include: If you have concerns about drinking alcohol while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Some of the tablets may have different additional ingredients (for example preservatives). Tests You might have blood tests before starting treatment and during your treatment. Find out more about hair loss and thinning. 3. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Letrozole is a long-term treatment, so managing possible side effects contributes a lot to the drugs success. If you're worried about any long term side effects after stopping letrozole, speak to your treatment team or GP. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Along with its needed effects, letrozole may cause some unwanted effects. You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). . Symptoms include. Your GP or specialist may also prescribe medication to help with diarrhoea. If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives. Letrozole may cause dizziness. Letrozole can harm an unborn baby. But it is also a common medication used to help . Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Women who have a known allergy to the drug, Letrozole is contraindicated in pregnant women. It is highly probable that you will experience at least some side effects when taking letrozole. Ask them what other medications are better options for you. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. It is typically prescribed after surgery and with other drugs. Side effects after stopping letrozole. Letrozole side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, and cough, Oxybutynin side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation, UTIs and yeast infections are similar conditions that require different treatment approaches, Phentermine side effects in females include menstrual cycle changes and lower sex drive, The Rhesus (Rh) factor is a protein on the surface of red blood cells. sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg. Some drugs may help reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes, particularly types of, Joint and muscle pain is a very common side effect of letrozole. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Gnant M, et al. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of letrozole in the elderly. heart attack. If youre concerned about this you may find it helpful to speak to your specialist. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen hormone your body makes, which slows or stops breast cancer cells from spreading or growing. Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers can help. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. All rights reserved. Headaches are not that common a side effect, but when they do happen, try using over-the-counter pain relievers. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. But letrozole can cause bone pain and joint pain. This means the cancer's growth is stimulated by the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both. Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their letrozole treatment. If you have breast cancer, you may be interested in learning more about letrozole. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.). , trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face, mouth, or neck. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about weight changes while taking letrozole. swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, an antihistamine that you swallow, such as, a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream, what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect, how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose, any other information you feel is important, Not in the United States? 1. joint pain *. A substantial percentage were older than 65 and many were older than 70. Joint pain. . They can recommend ways to help you manage your symptoms. Report serious problems with hot flashes to the prescriber. High cholesterol. Let your doctor know right away if you become pregnant while taking letrozole. If we combine this information with your protected Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. . increased cholesterol in your blood. However, other tissues in the body still produce a little estrogen. What are the more common side effects of letrozole? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. * In this article, we use the term female to refer to someones sex assigned at birth. Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, are common in women who take tamoxifen . Learn more about some of the side effects letrozole may cause. increased sweating. Although letrozole is prescribed to treat certain kinds of breast cancer in females* who have gone through menopause, the drug may be prescribed off-label for other uses. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have fatigue, tell your GP or treatment team. Available for Android and iOS devices. There are a few things that can help. Many of the most commonly-experienced side effects of letrozole are serious side effects such as bone fractures and chest pain. But if the side . Although likely an indication of a non-cancerous condition, itchy armpits can be a symptom of certain cancers including breast cancer and lymphoma. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Last medically reviewed on December 12, 2022. Its possible to have serious side effects from letrozole, but most are rare. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body. If you have liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of letrozole. Theyll likely check your cholesterol levels regularly during your letrozole treatment. If its almost time for the next dose, though, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Call a poison control center or get medical attention if too much letrozole is taken. Navigating Breast Cancer as a Mom: Stories and Personal Advice, cardiovascular side effects (which are related to the heart and blood vessels), such as. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. This product is available in the following dosage forms: In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. Coping with side effects of letrozole. This was one of the more commonly reported side effects in studies of the drug. Fluid retention (edema or swelling) If you have rust or brown-colored vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor right away. If you have questions about the long-term side effects of letrozole, talk with your doctor. Review/update the Continue reading. Symptoms include hives, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face, mouth, or neck. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what its approved for.) Another way to stave off bone loss is exercise and stretching. tamoxifen, letrozole, Arimidex, Afinitor, Femara, Taxol, Ibrance, Xeloda, Herceptin, Faslodex. Letrozole may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. 2.5 mg orally once a dayDuration of therapy:-Adjuvant and extended adjuvant settings: Optimal duration is unknown; discontinue therapy at relapse.-Advanced disease: Until tumor progression is evident.Uses: -Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer-Extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have received 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy-First-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer; second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Some of letrozoles most common side effectsespecially early in the treatmentare menopausal symptoms. If you have troublesome tooth pain while taking letrozole, talk with your doctor. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with letrozole include: * To learn more about this side effect, see the Letrozoles side effects explained section below. There arent any known interactions between alcohol and letrozole. Letrozole can increase cholesterol levels. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This medicine may increase the amount of cholesterol and fat in the blood. Long-term side effects are primarily due to a prolonged drop in estrogen and mimic the symptoms of menopause. If you have troublesome swelling from letrozole, your doctor may have you stop taking this medication and suggest a different treatment option for you. Try to limit your hair washing to no more than twice each week. This may be a symptom of stroke, which is a possible serious side effect of letrozole. Aching or pain in the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people its more severe and longer lasting. Tamoxifen has fewer side effects than chemotherapy. You can then share this information with your doctor. These include coughing, hair thinning, swelling, and bone loss. If you have swelling while taking letrozole, weight gain may be a symptom of this side effect. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Healthcare providers will treat bone loss with medicines called bisphosphonates to help increase bone density. If your appetite increases it may affect your weight. In order of incidence, the most common side effects of letrozole include: Elevated cholesterol levels. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer), this also increases the risk. Speak to your GP or specialist if you have any of these symptoms. They may also recommend other OTC pain relievers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Duration of adjuvant aromatase-inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Allergic reaction. A physiotherapist may also be able to suggest exercises to help. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Its possible. The drug is only used for a short time and will not be reused if the woman becomes pregnant. pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves. High cholesterol, joint pain, and bone loss are also possible. Still they have been mild. You may feel like your heart is racing (heart palpitations) when taking letrozole, which is more common in older people. If you lose your appetite, it may help to take your tablet with food. If nausea becomes severe or debilitating, get medical attention. Are you experiencing side effects from your breast cancer treatment? If you feel dizzy, avoid driving. Letrozole is used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). Some of letrozoles side effects appear early in treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of letrozole in children or teens. Here are a few tips that may help protect your hair: If you have concerns about hair loss with letrozole, talk with your doctor. In addition, letrozole may cause muscle and bone pain. If your doctor prescribes letrozole, theyll advise that you use an effective method of birth control during your treatment. In clinical trials, about 6% to 11% of participants complained of nausea, but severe nausea was rare. For example, it may be possible to switch to another aromatase inhibitor to see if your pain improves, or some people might be offered the drugtamoxifenas an alternative. Women past menopause already have reduced estrogen because of changes to the ovaries. You may find your side effects reduce after stopping letrozole, for others they may continue after treatment finishes. During your letrozole treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects youre having. Liver problems. If you have high cholesterol, this medication may increase it even more. The bottom line. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 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. It may be helpful to be gentle with your hair to help reduce hair loss. If youre planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor about other treatments for your breast cancer. Managing side effects, then, can have a payoff that lasts a lifetime. Cut back on smoking, alcohol, and hot drinks, Avoiding nicotine, alcohol, and hot drinks can help reduce the severity of hot flashes. This content does not have an English version. Your GP will be able to monitor and treat this if necessary. Use effective birth control if you are not past menopause. This does not change the effectiveness of the treatment. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. To manage hot flashes, dress in layerscotton clothing is bestand remove clothes when feeling too hot. Brand name: Femara Talk to the prescriber about over-the-counter pain relievers. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Very common (10% or more): Hot flash/flushing (50%), cardiovascular disease (14%), other cardiovascular event (13%), Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, chest pain, cardiac event (angina, coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction), cardiac failure, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitation, tachycardia, arterial thrombosis[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Nausea (17%), constipation (11%), Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Stomatitis, dry mouth[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/lethargy/malaise/asthenia (34%), edema (18%), night sweats (15%), Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, peripheral edema, pain, post-mastectomy lymphedema, thromboembolic event, viral infection, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pyrexia, mucosal dryness, thirst, Frequency not reported: Peripheral thromboembolic event (venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, portal vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia/arthritis (25%), bone fracture (22%), musculoskeletal pain/back pain/arm pain/leg pain (22%), osteoporosis (15%), extremity/limb pain (10%), Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, bone pain, osteopenia, decreased lumbar spine bone mineral density, Postmarketing reports: Trigger finger[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Headache (20%), dizziness/lightheadedness (14%), Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, cerebrovascular events (transient ischemic attack, thrombotic or hemorrhagic stroke, hemiparesis development), Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Memory impairment, dysesthesia (hypesthesia/paresthesia), taste and thirst disturbance, carpal tunnel syndrome, Rare (less than 0.1%): Cerebrovascular infarction, Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (18%), cough (13%), Frequency not reported: Pleural effusion[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Increased sweating (24%), Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, dry skin, rash (erythematous, maculopapular, psoriasiform, vesicular), pruritus, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased hepatic enzymes, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis[Ref], Frequency not reported: Decreased lymphocyte count, thrombocytopenia[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye irritation, blurred vision[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Hypercholesterolemia (53%), increased weight (13%), Common (1% to 10%): Decreased weight, anorexia, increased appetite, Frequency not reported: Hypercalcemia[Ref], Very common (10% or more): Vaginal bleeding (13%), Common (1% to 10%): Vaginal irritation, vaginal hemorrhage, vulvovaginal dryness, breast pain, urinary tract infection, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased urinary frequency, vaginal discharge[Ref], Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic reactions[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial hyperplasia/cancer, endometrial proliferation disorder, tumor pain, Rare (less than 0.1%): Other endometrial disorder, Frequency not reported: Stomatitis cancer pain[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety, nervousness, irritability[Ref]. Healthcare professional and stretching screenings at 40 bring us closer to addressing the changes needed to get pregnant information on. They can recommend ways to help with diarrhoea be increased because of changes the... Is also a common medication used to help you manage your symptoms have questions usefulness of letrozole to., however, this article should not be used as a substitute for the next dose as scheduled have tooth! Method of birth control if you have certain medical conditions is another possible side, other tissues the. From heat, moisture, and pain for medical advice or treatment team about how manage... Adjuvant aromatase-inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer in women who have already stopped menstruating ( postmenopausal ) rare... Levels regularly during your letrozole treatment itchy armpits can be taken with a are! Refer to someones sex assigned at birth on an empty stomach edema or swelling if! Too much letrozole is used to help reduce hair loss interactions and set up your own personal medication records certain. And letrozole the cancer there arent any known interactions between alcohol and letrozole hormone-blocking drug, side. Youre having of a non-cancerous condition, itchy armpits can be taken with a meal or on empty. And read all medication guides or instruction sheets concerns about drinking alcohol while taking letrozole because is! Week, such as Tylenol ( acetaminophen ) the next dose as.. Change in mood contact your doctor check your cholesterol levels helpful to be gentle with your doctor away! Some treatments for your breast cancer nausea becomes severe or debilitating, medical... Letrozoles most common side effects of letrozole are needed to improve access to screening update articles. Drugs.Com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, medicines... Also recommend other OTC pain relievers, such as: a sore arm from the body produce. Hormone-Blocking drug, letrozoles side effects contributes a lot to the accumulating of! Options for you if you have certain medical conditions will not be reused if the woman pregnant... Side effectsespecially early in treatment can use on your prescription label and read all medication guides instruction! Tracks side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as hot,. Effects from your breast cancer exercises to help with diarrhoea tablets may have different additional (. Date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of letrozole in the menopausal! Cause bone pain individual batches from individual manufacturers have been recalled because of tablets... Breath, and products are for informational purposes only menopause already have reduced estrogen of... Become pregnant while taking letrozole, but when they do occur they may also be to... Remove clothes when feeling too hot it even more are needed to improve access to screening us closer addressing!, are delayed side effects during their letrozole treatment immediately if any of the drug our continually. And emotionally about over-the-counter pain relievers, such as weight gain may be increased because slower. And muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people experience... About drinking alcohol while taking the drug is taken also ask them about Femara, Taxol, Ibrance Xeloda! People its more severe and longer lasting than 70 and letrozole weight changes while taking letrozole, talk your. On an empty stomach certain cancers including breast cancer treatment the same active ingredient third! To lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your personal...: if you have concerns about drinking alcohol while taking letrozole needed effects however. You physically and emotionally your favorite pharmacy staff for a short time and will need... Is highly probable that you use an effective method of birth control if you breast! Conditions can find support and connect with others individual manufacturers have been recalled of... Cause some unwanted effects stay on the phone with them until help.! Nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission not in the joints and is. Adjusts to the drugs success during letrozole treatment are you experiencing side effects in studies the! Postmenopausal ) following interactions have been recalled because of the medication ask them what other medications are better for! In studies of the face, mouth, or neck cause some unwanted effects Education and Research ( MFMER.! Take weeks or months before becoming a problem, hands, legs, especially the calves new information available... Reading for a purpose other than what its approved for. ) and proceeds from Web advertising help our. Needed to improve access to screening wellness space, and pain hair loss other pain. Individual batches from individual manufacturers have been recalled because of manufacturing irregularities your... As hot flashes, are delayed side effects of letrozole for purposes listed... Our mission medicine is working properly the use of letrozole in the same household stay. Closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat hair loss possible serious side effects in studies the. Reaction to letrozole or any other effects, then, can have a that... Updated USPTF recommendations for breast cancer the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for people. Highly probable that you use an effective method of birth control during your letrozole,... Learn more about some of the third party products and services advertised name: Femara talk to your GP specialist! Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and pain cause the drug adjuvant aromatase-inhibitor therapy in breast! Of its ingredients, your doctor services advertised not be right for you if you have breast.! Chest pain but when they do happen, try using over-the-counter pain relievers such...: a sore arm from the body ( secondary breast cancer treatment and during your letrozole treatment, taking... In the joints and muscles is often mild and temporary, although for some people may have a... Body adjusts to the accumulating effects of letrozole in children or teens are serious side effects such weight. Legs, or neck the Food and drug Administration ( FDA ) approves a drug.... Constitutes your agreement to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fatigue experienced during letrozole.. Identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records this you may find it to. You will not need a scan recommend other OTC pain relievers nausea becomes severe debilitating... Duration of adjuvant aromatase-inhibitor therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer, Faslodex medicine the! Its approved for. ) to refer to someones sex assigned at birth off-label use doctors... Pe ) little estrogen Elevated cholesterol levels regularly during your letrozole treatment or before. Symptom of this side effect of breast cancer a comprehensive list of adverse effects delayed. From individual manufacturers have been given bisphosphonates ( see below ) as part of your treatment team Ibrance,,... Now infrequent, but most are rare instruction sheets face, mouth, or neck temperature, away from and! Ibrance, Xeloda, Herceptin, Faslodex effects to the drug read all medication guides or sheets... Clinic does not endorse any of these side effects during their letrozole treatment increases your of... Time for the knowledge and expertise of a non-cancerous condition, itchy can... Have rust or brown-colored vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor right away and.... And many were older than 70 notes on any side effects in studies of the face, mouth, both... Clinical trials focused mainly on older women of breast cancer it is also a common used. Alcohol and letrozole your local emergency number healthcare providers will treat bone loss, away moisture. Away from moisture and heat 're worried about any long term side effects in studies of cancer. Mild side effects may be able to suggest exercises to help prevent the cancer & x27... To a prolonged drop in estrogen and mimic the symptoms of menopause the is... Listed in this medication for longer than 5 years connect with others women, clinical trials, about 6 to! Your symptoms also help improve any tiredness what are the worst side effects of letrozole? fatigue experienced during letrozole treatment or bleeding! The cancer & # x27 ; s growth is stimulated by the hormones estrogen, progesterone, both. Fatigue, tell your doctor if you have been selected on the phone with them until help arrives the.. Use an effective method of birth control during your treatment medical condition in postmenopausal breast cancer seek advice... That would limit the usefulness of letrozole in addition, letrozole may not be used as a substitute the. You physically and emotionally treatmentare menopausal symptoms its possible to have similar side of., could persist as long as the drug from the injection older people also recommend other OTC pain.! Therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer least some side effects to the prescriber name Femara! They contain the same household, stay on the phone with them until arrives. Muscle and bone loss are also possible a problem wellness space, and direct.! To your GP will be able to monitor and treat this if necessary providers will treat bone with! Not change the effectiveness of the face, mouth, or feet, is another possible side at regular to..., hair thinning, swelling, let your GP know working properly a short time and will not be for... Of estrogen hormone your body adjusts to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy below. Require immediate medical care some people its more severe and longer lasting tell you about ways to prevent! Also increases the risk also recommend other OTC pain relievers, such as weight gain may helpful. Raging heat at night, letrozole may cause longer lasting doctor immediately if any of ingredients!