Letrol Film Tablet

Description

Letrol Film Tablet Composition and Presentation

Letrol Film Tablet is a film-coated tablet containing 2.5 mg of letrozole as the active ingredient. The tablets are yellow, round, biconvex, and film-coated, presenting a uniform and consistent appearance. They are available in blister packs of 30 tablets, providing a convenient and easy-to-use packaging solution for patients.

Mechanism of Action

Letrozole works by reducing the amount of estrogen in the body. It accomplishes this by blocking an enzyme called aromatase, which plays a crucial role in the production of estrogens. This mechanism of action is particularly effective in slowing or stopping the growth of certain types of breast tumors that are dependent on estrogen for their growth and proliferation.

Indications

Letrozole is primarily used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. It can be employed as the first line of treatment before breast cancer surgery, particularly when immediate surgery is not suitable. Letrozole can also be used as the first treatment after breast cancer surgery or following five years of treatment with tamoxifen, another widely used breast cancer medication. Additionally, Letrozole is utilized to prevent the spreading of breast tumors to other parts of the body in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Contraindications and Precautions

Letrozole is contraindicated in several specific situations:

1. Pregnancy: Letrozole can cause harm to the developing fetus and is therefore contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Patients must inform their healthcare providers if they think they may be pregnant.

2. Allergies: Letrozole should not be used by individuals who are allergic to the drug or any of its components.

3. Premenopausal Women: Letrozole is intended for use only in women who have gone through menopause and can no longer become pregnant. The clinical benefit of Letrozole in premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated.

4. Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while using Letrozole and for at least 3 weeks after their last dose.

Patients should also inform their healthcare providers if they have a history of liver disease (especially cirrhosis), osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone mineral density), high cholesterol, or if they are also taking tamoxifen. These conditions may require additional monitoring or adjustments to the treatment plan.

Dosage and Administration

Letrozole is available as a 2.5 mg tablet, and the usual recommended dose is one tablet taken once daily. Patients are advised to take Letrozole at the same time each day, as this can help establish a consistent routine and improve adherence to the treatment regimen.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water, without crushing or chewing. Letrozole can be taken with or without food, providing flexibility in terms of administration.

The duration of Letrozole treatment can vary, typically ranging from around 5 years to up to 10 years, depending on the individual patient’s needs and the recommendations of their healthcare team. It is important for patients to follow the prescribed treatment duration and not stop taking Letrozole without first consulting their doctor.

Missed Doses and Overdose

In the event of a missed dose, patients should take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless the next scheduled dose is due in less than 3 hours. In the latter case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken at the usual time. Patients should never take two doses of Letrozole at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If a patient accidentally takes more Letrozole tablets than prescribed, they should immediately contact a healthcare professional. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, blurred vision, or a fast heartbeat. Prompt medical attention is crucial in such situations.

Interactions and Precautions

Letrozole can interact with a number of other medications, and it is essential for patients to inform their healthcare providers about any other drugs they are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies.

There are 17 major drug interactions with Letrozole, including ethinylestradiol and tamoxifen. These interactions are considered highly clinically significant and should be avoided, as the risk of the interaction outweighs the potential benefits.

Additionally, there are 87 moderate drug interactions with Letrozole, such as with the cholera vaccine and eluxadoline. These interactions are moderately clinically significant, and combinations should generally be avoided, with use only under special circumstances.

Patients should also be aware of the potential for minor drug interactions with Letrozole, which are minimally clinically significant but may still require monitoring or adjustments to the treatment plan.

It is important to note that the use of herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking Letrozole is not recommended, as these can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

Storage and Disposal

Letrozole should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Patients should keep the medication out of the reach and sight of children and dispose of any outdated or unused Letrozole according to the instructions provided by their healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Letrozole can cause a variety of side effects, although not everyone who takes the medication will experience them. Some of the more common side effects associated with Letrol Film Tablet include:

Physical Side Effects:

• Hot flashes, warmth or redness in the face or chest
• Headache, dizziness, weakness
• Bone pain, muscle or joint pain
• Swelling, weight gain
• Increased sweating
• Increased cholesterol levels

Psychological Side Effects:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Spinning or whirling sensation causing loss of balance
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Nervousness

Digestive Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Metallic taste
• Stomach pain or upset
• Vomiting

Patients should be aware that these side effects may diminish over time as their body adjusts to the medication. However, if the side effects persist or become bothersome, they should consult their healthcare provider.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-up

Patients taking Letrozole will require frequent medical tests and monitoring, including assessments of their bone mineral density. This is important to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication, as well as to monitor for any potential side effects or complications.

Patients should also discuss the use of effective contraception with their healthcare provider, even if they have gone through menopause, as there is still a potential for pregnancy during Letrozole treatment.

Conclusion

Letrol Film Tablet, containing the active ingredient letrozole, has become an essential tool in the management of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Its mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of aromatase and the subsequent reduction of estrogen levels, has proven effective in slowing or stopping the growth of certain types of breast tumors.

By understanding the composition, indications, contraindications, dosage, interactions, and potential side effects of Letrol Film Tablet, healthcare providers and patients can work together to ensure the safe and effective use of this important medication. Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial to optimize the treatment outcomes and manage any potential complications or adverse events.

As research and clinical experience continue to evolve, Letrol Film Tablet remains a valuable option in the comprehensive approach to breast cancer management, offering hope and improved outcomes for postmenopausal women battling this challenging disease.

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Side Effects	Dosage	Benefits	Usage	Precautions
– Hot flashes – Headache – Bone pain – Swelling – Increased cholesterol – Anxiety – Constipation – Dry mouth	1 tablet of 2.5mg taken once a day	– Treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women – Can slow or stop the growth of certain types of breast tumors	– Used as first treatment before or after breast cancer surgery – Used to prevent breast tumor spreading to other parts of the body in patients with advanced breast cancer	– Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women – Not for use in premenopausal women – Avoid if allergic to letrozole – Tell doctor about liver disease, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, or if taking tamoxifen – Use effective birth control if not past menopause – Frequent medical tests needed