Femara
Femara is indicated for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer and utilized to alleviate tumour growth in post-menopausal women.
- Categories
- Women's Health · Oncology Support · Pct & Men's Fitness
- Active ingredient
- Letrozole
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 2.5mg
Femara details
- Condition
- Breast Cancer
- Therapeutic class
- Aromatase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Aromatase Inhibitor
- Known off-label uses
- infertility
- Contraindications
- pre-menopausal status; pregnancy; breastfeeding; hypersensitivity to letrozole
- Minor side effects
- hot flushes; fatigue; hypercholesterolaemia
- Moderate side effects
- joint pain; nausea; osteoporosis; alopecia
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Novartis
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 30°C, keep dry.
- Drug interactions
- Tamoxifen; Oestrogen based supplements
- Age restrictions
- Strictly for post-menopausal women.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Precautions and warnings
monitor bone health; use with caution in moderate renal impairment; avoid if hepatic impairment is severe
Serious side effects
fractures, requires immediate medical attention; angina pectoris, requires immediate medical attention; myocardial infarction, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Femara is indicated for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer and utilized to alleviate tumour growth in post-menopausal women.
Mechanism of action
As a potent non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, it effectively blocks the production of oestrogen by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which leads to a significant decrease in serum oestrogen levels, thus slowing the growth of sensitive cancer cells.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Femara
Femara is the original brand of letrozole, a medication widely used in the management of breast cancer. Developed by Novartis, the medicine is supplied as a 2.5mg tablet. Letrozole serves as a significant hormonal therapy option for many patients requiring consistent long-term treatment for their condition.
Femara availability in Asia
Femara is registered across 14 markets including the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong, with availability also in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Generic letrozole, much of it made in India, is often more affordable for people far from a nearby pharmacy. This hormonal therapy is best used under a doctor’s care to monitor progress and adjust treatment as required.