Femara Letrozole
Femara (letrozole tablets) is an aromatase inhibitor indicated for the adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, as well as for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. It inhibits tumor growth by suppressing aromatase activity, thereby reducing estrogen synthesis. The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg taken orally once daily, either on an empty stomach or with food; the duration of treatment should be followed as directed by a physician.
Description
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Product Description
I. Basic Drug Information
Generic Name: Letrozole
Brand Name: Femara
Dosage Form & Strength: 2.5 mg/tablet (film-coated) | 30 tablets/box
Manufacturer: Novartis
Storage: Protect from light; store in a dry place below 30°C; avoid moisture.
Composition:
Active Ingredient: Letrozole (a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor)
Excipients: Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc. (Contraindicated in patients with lactose intolerance).
II. Indications
Indicated for the following conditions in postmenopausal women:
1. Adjuvant Therapy for Early Breast Cancer:
Post-operative treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence.
2. Extended Adjuvant Therapy:
For patients who have completed 5 years of tamoxifen therapy, continued use of Femara to reduce the risk of recurrence (for up to 4 years).
3. Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer:
First-line therapy: Locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer;
Second-line therapy: An alternative option following the failure of anti-estrogen therapy (e.g., tamoxifen).
4. Neoadjuvant Therapy:
For hormone receptor-positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer in patients who are not candidates for immediate surgery (treatment duration: 4–8 months).
5. Off-label Use:
Ovulation induction therapy for infertility associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (requires physician assessment). III. Dosage and Administration
Standard Regimen
| Indication | Dosage and Duration | Key Considerations
| All Indications | 2.5 mg orally once daily (may be taken with or without food) | Do not take a missed dose; resume medication according to the original schedule the following day.
| Adjuvant Therapy | Continue for 5 years, or until tumor recurrence | Sequential therapy with Tamoxifen: Letrozole for 2 years + Tamoxifen for 3 years.
| Patients with Hepatic Impairment | Child-Pugh Class C (Severe): 2.5 mg every other day | Mild to Moderate (Child-Pugh A/B): No dosage adjustment required.
| Patients with Renal Impairment | Creatinine clearance ≥ 10 mL/min: No dosage adjustment required | < 10 mL/min: Insufficient data; use with caution.
IV. Adverse Reactions
#Common Adverse Reactions (Incidence ≥ 10%)
The table below summarizes the major reactions and their frequencies by system classification:
| System Classification | Adverse Reaction | Incidence | Severity
| General Disorders | Hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats | 35%-53% | Low
| Musculoskeletal Disorders | Arthralgia/arthritis, bone pain | 25%-36% | Moderate (May lead to discontinuation)
| Metabolic Disorders | Hypercholesterolemia (Lipid monitoring required)| 52% | Moderate
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Nausea, vomiting, constipation | 11%-20% | Low
| Nervous System Disorders | Headache, dizziness | 4%-18% | Low
Serious Adverse Reactions (Requiring Emergency Management)
1. Skeletal Events:
Osteoporosis (12.2%), fractures (10.4%); the risk increases significantly with long-term use.
2. Cardiovascular Events:
Myocardial infarction (1.0%), stroke (1.5%); particularly in patients with a history of coronary heart disease.
3. Hepatotoxicity:
Elevated transaminases, jaundice (approx. 7%); severe cases may lead to liver failure. 4. Allergic Reactions:
Angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare but potentially fatal).
V. Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications:
1. Hypersensitivity to letrozole or any of its excipients (including lactose);
2. Premenopausal women (may induce ovarian hyperstimulation);
3. Pregnant and breastfeeding women (animal studies have demonstrated embryotoxicity).
Relative Contraindications:
1. Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C);
2. Uncontrolled osteoporosis or high risk of bone fracture.
VI. Precautions
1. Bone Health Management:
Monitor bone mineral density (via DEXA scan) prior to treatment and annually thereafter; supplement with calcium (≥1000 mg/day) and Vitamin D;
Concomitant use of bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronic acid) may reduce bone loss and the risk of recurrence.
2. Cardiovascular Monitoring:
Perform baseline and periodic assessments of blood lipids and ECGs; seek immediate medical attention if chest pain or dyspnea occurs.
3. Hepatic Function and Drug Interactions:
Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole), as this may increase plasma concentrations of letrozole;
Concomitant use of estrogen-containing medications (e.g., oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) is contraindicated, as this may reduce therapeutic efficacy.
4. Special Populations:
Patients with Lactose Intolerance: The excipients contain lactose, which may trigger diarrhea or abdominal bloating;
Athletes: May experience impaired athletic performance due to joint pain.
VII. Pharmacological Mechanism and Efficacy
Mechanism of Action: Potently inhibits aromatase, thereby blocking the conversion of androgens into estrogens and reducing serum estradiol levels by >80%.
Efficacy Data:
Adjuvant Therapy: Reduces the 5-year risk of recurrence by 50% (compared to tamoxifen);
Ovulation Induction: Achieves a live birth rate of 27.5% in patients with PCOS (higher than the 19.5% rate observed with clomiphene). Important Note: Before initiating treatment, confirm menopausal status (FSH > 40 IU/L and Estradiol < 20 pg/mL). The information provided above does not substitute for a medical prescription; specific medication usage must strictly adhere to a physician's instructions, and regular follow-up examinations are required to assess safety.
Product Specifications
Product Name: Novartis Letrozole Tablets 2.5mg * 30 Tablets/Box (Femara Letrozole)
Common Name: Letrozole Tablets
Active Ingredient: Letrozole
Dosage Form: Tablets
Specification: 2.5mg/tablet (Film-coated tablets); 30 tablets/box
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Indications: Indicated for postmenopausal women in the following situations:
1. Adjuvant Treatment for Early Breast Cancer:
Post-operative treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence.
2. Extended Adjuvant Treatment:
For patients who have completed 5 years of Tamoxifen therapy, continued use of Femara to reduce the risk of recurrence (for up to 4 years).
3. Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer:
First-line treatment: Locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer;
Second-line treatment: An alternative option following the failure of anti-estrogen therapy (e.g., Tamoxifen).
4. Neoadjuvant Treatment:
For hormone receptor-positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer in patients who are not suitable for immediate surgery (treatment duration: 4–8 months).
5. Off-label Use:
Ovulation induction therapy for infertility associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (requires physician assessment).
Dosage and Administration: 1. Adjuvant Treatment for Postmenopausal Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Dosage: Oral administration, 2.5mg once daily, for a duration of 5 years or as directed by a physician.
Duration: For post-operative adjuvant treatment, a full course of therapy is generally recommended to minimize the risk of recurrence.
2. First-line or Second-line Treatment for Postmenopausal Advanced Breast Cancer
Dosage: 2.5mg once daily, continued until disease progression occurs or until intolerable adverse reactions develop. 3. Preoperative Neoadjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer (Selected Regimens)
Dosage: 2.5 mg daily; the duration of treatment is adjusted based on the surgical plan and clinical condition (subject to physician assessment).