Description

Femara (Letrozole) 2.5 mg Tablet – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Benefits

Femara 2.5 mg tablet, containing the active ingredient Letrozole, is a prescription medication widely used for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of medicines known as nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors and works by lowering estrogen levels in the body, helping slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that depend on estrogen.

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Product Information

• Brand Name: Femara

• Generic Name: Letrozole

• Strength: 2.5 mg tablet

• Drug Class: Aromatase inhibitor (nonsteroidal)

• Indication: Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women

• Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light

• Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals (brand originator)

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How Femara (Letrozole) Works

Femara is a highly selective aromatase inhibitor.

• It blocks the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into estrogens.

• By reducing estrogen production, Femara lowers circulating estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.

• This estrogen suppression slows the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.

• Letrozole binds to the heme group of the aromatase enzyme, making it highly effective in reducing estrogen biosynthesis.

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Indications & Approved Uses

Femara 2.5 mg tablets are FDA-approved for the following conditions in postmenopausal women:

1. Adjuvant treatment – after surgery for early-stage breast cancer.

2. Extended adjuvant treatment – to prevent recurrence after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy.

3. First-line treatment – for advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

4. Advanced disease treatment – in patients who have experienced progression after anti-estrogen therapy.

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Dosage & Administration

• Standard Dose: 2.5 mg tablet taken once daily (with or without food).

• Duration of Therapy: As prescribed by the oncologist, often several years depending on treatment goals.

• Elderly Patients: No dosage adjustment required.

• Liver/Kidney Patients: Use with caution under medical supervision.

💊 The once-daily dosing makes Femara convenient compared to some other therapies.

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Key Benefits of Femara 2.5 mg Tablets

✅ Effective in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treatment and prevention of recurrence.
✅ Convenient oral tablet with once-daily dosing.
✅ Improved survival outcomes in clinical trials compared to tamoxifen.
✅ Lower risk of blood clots compared to selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
✅ Well-established safety profile in long-term use.

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Side Effects & Safety Information

Like all medications, Femara may cause side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Hot flashes

• Joint or muscle pain (arthralgia)

• Fatigue and weakness

• Dizziness or blurred vision

• Night sweats

Serious Side Effects (seek medical help):

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) and increased fracture risk

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

• Liver function changes

• Cardiovascular concerns in high-risk patients

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Warnings & Precautions

• Pregnancy: Contraindicated – Femara may harm an unborn baby.

• Breastfeeding: Not allowed during therapy and for at least 3 weeks after last dose.

• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness and blurred vision – use caution.

• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to letrozole or any inactive ingredients.

• Pre-existing Conditions: Patients with liver, kidney, or bone health issues should consult a doctor before starting treatment.

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Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C).

• Keep away from heat, moisture, and sunlight.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

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Clinical Effectiveness

• Clinical studies show Femara is more effective than tamoxifen in preventing recurrence.

• Widely prescribed worldwide (over 1 million prescriptions annually in the U.S.).

• Provides superior disease-free survival rates in postmenopausal women.