Letrozole
Product Information
Better health begins with the right choices.
Dr. M. Sharoyko
Internal Medicine Physician | MNr. 80134
Dr. Marina Sharoyko is a medical specialist in clinical pharmacology and internal medicine, with additional expertise in cardiology and physiology.
Description
Letrozole is a medication commonly used to stimulate ovulation in individuals experiencing difficulty with conception. Originally developed as a treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancer, Letrozole is now widely used off-label in fertility care due to its ability to help induce ovulation, particularly in people with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual cycles.
Letrozole works by lowering estrogen levels in the body. This temporary reduction in estrogen triggers the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn encourages the ovaries to mature and release an egg. By creating a hormonal environment that mimics the natural decline of estrogen before ovulation, Letrozole helps initiate the ovulatory process in individuals who do not ovulate regularly on their own.
The medication is typically taken as a short course, usually once daily for five consecutive days early in the menstrual cycle. Ovulation generally occurs approximately five to ten days after the last tablet, and timed intercourse or further fertility procedures are often recommended during this fertile window.
Letrozole is considered effective and is often preferred over older fertility medications for certain patients, as it tends to have fewer side effects and a lower risk of multiple pregnancies compared to drugs like clomiphene citrate.
Possible side effects include mild fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or hot flashes, though these are typically temporary. In rare cases, some users may experience visual changes or mood swings.
General Information
Letrozol contains letrozole, a medicine that blocks the aromatase enzyme and therefore reduces the body's oestrogen supply. It comes as easy-to-swallow 2.5 mg tablets.
Doctors prescribe it mainly for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after surgery or radiation, to cut the chance of recurrence. Short courses are also used off-label to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries, and in some men to treat gynecomastia or improve testosterone levels.
By blocking aromatase, the tablets prevent androgens (androstenedione, testosterone) turning into oestrogen. Tumours that "feed" on oestrogen shrink or stop growing, and the pituitary responds to low oestrogen by boosting FSH, which can kick-start ovulation.
The general dosage is 2.5-5 mg daily on cycle days 3-7.
Oestrogen levels fall within 48 hours; symptom or tumour-marker changes are usually seen over weeks to months. Fertility cycles are monitored by ultrasound within the same month.
Take it as soon as you remember unless your next scheduled dose is less than 12 hours away, then skip and continue. Never double a dose.
Safety & Side Effects
- Very common: hot flushes, night sweats, joint or muscle pain.
- Common: fatigue, headache, mild nausea, thinning hair, raised cholesterol.
- Occasional: bone thinning or fracture, carpal-tunnel tingling, depression.
- Rare but serious: severe skin rash, allergic swelling, liver-enzyme rise. Report yellow skin or severe abdominal pain urgently.
True allergy is rare. Stop tablets and get help if you notice hives, facial swelling, wheeze, or sudden rash.
Occasional dizziness or tiredness can occur; see how you react before driving or operating tools.
Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and St John's wort may speed up letrozole clearance, making it less effective. Always show your entire medicine list, including fertility injectables, statins, or HRT patches.
Yes, if monitored. Most women complete five years of adjuvant therapy; bone scans and lipid tests every 12-18 months keep risks low.
No. Letrozol can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk. Effective contraception is essential during use and for at least three weeks after the final dose.
Moderate alcohol does not interact directly but heavy drinking weakens bone and liver health - two areas already under watch while using Letrozol.
Usage & Administration
Swallow whole with water, at the same time daily, stored below 30°C in the original foil blister to keep moisture out.
Do not take Letrozol if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years, allergic to letrozole, or have severe liver disease uncontrolled by your doctor. It is not for pre-menopausal breast cancer unless combined with ovarian suppression.
Ordering & Delivery
To get [Product name], fill out a medical form or book a video consult with a doctor via Transtoyou. After approval, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for fast delivery.
[Product name] requires a valid prescription, which is issued after the doctor reviewed your answered in the medical questionnaire or via a video consultation with the doctor.
After approval by a doctor from Transtoyou, the prescription of [Product name] is forwarded to an affiliated pharmacy and typically shipped within 1–2 working days.
For safety and legal reasons prescription medication (RX) and in this case [Product name] is non-returnable once shipped.
