Letrol 2.5mg Tablet

Uses of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet

• Treatment of Breast cancer
• Treatment of Infertility due to an ovulation

How does Letrol 2.5mg Tablet work?

Letrol 2.5mg Tablet falls under the class of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. It competitively binds to the haem of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the aromatase enzyme and inhibits the biosynthesis of estrogen in all the tissues. Thus inhibits the growth of breast cancer.

Side Effects of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet

• Hot Flashes
• Bone Pain
• Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
• Arthralgia
• Flushing
• Asthenia
• Edema (Swelling)
• Headache
• Dizziness

Quick Suggestions:

• You have been prescribed Letrol 2.5mg Tablet for the treatment of breast cancer or infertility due to anovulation.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Letrol 2.5mg Tablet affects you.
• It may cause increased sweating and hot flashes. Try to keep cool by wearing light and airy clothes.
• Your doctor may monitor your cholesterol level and bone mineral density (BMD) regularly as Letrol 2.5mg Tablet can alter their levels.
• Do not take Letrol 2.5mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Indication

Letrozole is indeed a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor with potent and specific actions. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in various tissues, including breast tissues. By competitively binding to the heme group of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the aromatase enzyme, letrozole effectively inhibits its activity.

The decrease in estrogen biosynthesis caused by letrozole has significant implications in the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. In estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells, the growth and proliferation of these cells are driven by the presence of estrogen. By reducing estrogen levels, letrozole effectively starves the cancer cells of their growth-promoting signals, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth and preventing further progression.

This mechanism of action makes letrozole an essential part of hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. By blocking estrogen production, letrozole helps to control the disease and improve outcomes in this specific subset of breast cancer patients. It's crucial for patients to adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen and follow their healthcare provider's guidance to optimize the benefits of letrozole therapy.

Pharmacology

A non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor with high specificity and potency is letrozole. It reduces estrogen biosynthesis in all tissues by competitively binding to the haem of the cytochrome P450 subunit to inhibit the aromatase enzyme. Letrozole inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells, acting as an antitumor agent.

Dosage & Administration of

Here is the dosing and administration of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet for advanced or locally advanced breast cancer and adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. It's crucial for patients to follow their doctor's instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment.

To summarize the dosing instructions:

Dosage for Advanced or Locally Advanced Breast Cancer and Adjuvant Therapy for Postmenopausal Women with Hormone Receptor-Positive Early Breast Cancer: The recommended adult dose is 2.5 mg of Letrol once daily.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment, the dose should be reduced by 50%. The recommended dose in such cases is 2.5 mg of LLetrol on alternate days.

Administration: Swallow the Letrol 2.5mg Tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

Food Intake: Letrol 2.5mg Tablet can be taken with or without food.

Individualized Treatment: The correct dose and duration of therapy will be determined by your doctor, taking into consideration your age, body weight, and the specific condition of your disease.

Compliance: It is essential to continue taking Letrol 2.5mg Tablet for the stipulated duration instructed by your doctor to achieve the best treatment results.

Patients should maintain regular communication with their healthcare provider throughout the treatment period. If there are any concerns or questions about the medication or its side effects, patients should promptly consult their doctor. Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, and individualized approaches are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Interaction

It's crucial to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking (Letrozole) or any other medication. Drug interactions can lead to altered responses to treatment, reduced efficacy, or an increased risk of side effects. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Inform Your Doctor About Other Treatments: Before starting Letrol 2.5mg Tablet, inform your doctor about any other medications or treatments you are currently undergoing. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal preparations. Some drugs may interact with Letrol 2.5mg Tablet, and your doctor can adjust the treatment plan accordingly to avoid potential interactions.

Planned Surgery or Vaccination: If you have a scheduled surgery or vaccination, let your doctor know about your Letrol 2.5mg Tablet use. There may be a need to temporarily discontinue the medication before the procedure or vaccination.

Avoid Concomitant Use with Tamoxifen: Letrol 2.5mg Tablet and tamoxifen are both used in the treatment of breast cancer, but they work through different mechanisms. Concomitant use of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet and tamoxifen should be avoided, as they may interfere with each other's effects.

Use Caution with Other Medicines: Certain medications, such as phenytoin (an anticonvulsant) and clopidogrel (a blood thinner), may interact with Letrol 2.5mg Tablet. When used together, they can affect each other's metabolism or increase the risk of side effects. Always use these medications with caution and under the guidance of your doctor.

It's essential to have open communication with your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment. Your doctor will consider potential drug interactions and any other relevant factors to create a suitable treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to letrozole or any other ingredients of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet.
• If you still get your period.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding.

Pregnancy & Lactation

the use of Letrozole in pregnant women is not recommended due to the potential risks of teratogenicity, maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, and an increased incidence of fetal malformations observed in animal studies. The information you provided highlights the findings from preclinical studies conducted in pregnant rats.

Teratogenicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause malformations in the developing fetus when exposed during pregnancy. Maternal toxicity refers to adverse effects on the pregnant mother. Embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity refer to harmful effects on the developing embryo or fetus.

While animal studies provide important data for evaluating potential risks to humans, the effects observed in animals do not always directly translate to humans. However, due to the lack of adequate and thorough studies in pregnant women, the potential risks of letrozole on human pregnancy remain uncertain. As a precautionary measure, the use of letrozole is contraindicated in pregnant women.

If a woman becomes pregnant while on letrozole therapy or is planning a pregnancy, it's crucial to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Alternative treatment options will be considered to avoid potential harm to the developing fetus.

For women of childbearing potential, reliable contraceptive measures should be used during letrozole treatment to prevent pregnancy. The safety and efficacy of letrozole have been demonstrated in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but it should be used with caution and under proper medical supervision to ensure appropriate patient selection and monitoring.

Precautions & Warnings

• Allergy and Menopause: Do not take Letrol 2.5mg Tablet if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It should also not be used if you have not yet gone through menopause (still getting your periods).
• Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures: Talk to your doctor before taking Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's if you have osteoporosis (thinning of bones) or a history of bone fractures.
• Severe Liver or Kidney Disease: Inform your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease before taking Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's.
• Tendon Inflammation or Injury: Letrol 2.5mg Tablet may cause inflammation in tendons or tendon injury. Contact your doctor if you experience any signs of tendon pain or swelling while taking the medication.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid taking Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations has not been established.
• Drowsiness and Dizziness: Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Only drive or operate machinery if you are fully alert.
• Not for Children: Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's should not be given to children, as its safety has not been established in this population.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's, as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
• Health Condition and Medications: Inform your doctor about your health condition and any other medications you are taking before starting Letrol 2.5mg Tablet 5's to rule out any potential side effects or interactions.

Following these precautions and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider can help ensure the safe and effective use of Letrol 2.5mg Tablet for breast cancer treatment.

Storage Conditions

• Store Letrol 2.5mg Tablet in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Discard unused medicine properly. Do not flush it in the toilet or throw it into the drain.