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INTRODUCTION ABOUT FOLLETRO TABLET
FOLLETRO TABLET contains Letrozole which belongs to the group of medicines called Hormonal Chemotherapeutic agents. It is used for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It can be given either as an initial therapy or following therapy with other medicines such as tamoxifen. It is also used for patients with advanced breast cancer with breast tumour spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can be defined as the uncontrollable growth and division of cells present in the breast. It is predominantly caused due to hormonal imbalance (increased estrogen production) or due to lifestyle factors. Symptoms include breast pain or tenderness, purple or red colored breasts, nipple discharge and lump growths.
Before taking FOLLETRO TABLET inform your doctor if you have any problems in your kidneys or liver. You must also inform your doctor before taking FOLLETRO TABLET if you have a history of any bone problems such as osteoporosis or joint pain.
FOLLETRO TABLET is only intended for use in women who have reached their menopause. It is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may cause serious harm to the growing baby. The most common side effects of taking FOLLETRO TABLET are hot flushes, fatigue, increased sweating, joint pain, hair loss, vaginal bleeding, and high blood cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor if any of these above side effect bothers you.
USES OF FOLLETRO TABLET
It is used:
- for breast cancer in postmenopausal women
- as an initial therapy or following therapy with other medicines (such as tamoxifen)
HOW FOLLETRO TABLET WORKS
FOLLETRO TABLET contains Letrozole which is an aromatase inhibitor acts by blocking the actions of an enzyme called aromatase in the body which is involved in the production of estrogen. This suppresses the release of excessive estrogen in the body that triggers breast cancer. As a result, it slows down from growing and spreading to other parts of the body.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take FOLLETRO TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLLETRO TABLET
SERIOUS
Stop taking FOLLETRO TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Signs of blood clot (such as difficulty in breathing, fainting, rapid heart rate, chest pain, bluish skin discoloration, leg, or foot pain)
- Tendon rupture causing bone pain, inflammation of the tendons
- Severe persistent blurred vision
- Severe fever, chills, or mouth ulcers due to infections
- Swelling and redness along a vein which is tender painful when touched
- Sudden onset of oppressive chest pain
- Signs of a brain disorder or a stroke (weakness, paralysis, or numbness in any part of the body, loss of coordination, nausea, or difficulty in speaking or breathing)
- Signs of allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face and throat)
- Hepatitis (symptoms include loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, yellow skin and eyes, nausea)
- Signs of serious skin reactions (such as skin rash, red skin, blistering and peeling of the skin, accompanied with fever)
COMMON
- Hot flushes
- Feeling weak or tired
- Increased sweating
- Joint pain, muscle pain
- Skin rash
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- Swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles
- weight gain
- Depression
- Hair loss, dry skin
- Vaginal bleeding
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
UNCOMMON
- Feeling anxious, nervous or irritated
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems, insomnia (lack of sleep)
- Pain or burning sensation in the hands or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Impaired sensation of touch, tingling or numbness
- Vaginal discharge or dryness
- Breast pain
- Thirst, taste disorder, dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Urinary tract infection, increased frequency of urination
- Cough
- Inflammation of the mouth and lips (stomatitis)
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.
Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Skin Rash Or Itching
Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if your skin rash worsens.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ContraindicatedFOLLETRO TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking FOLLETRO TABLET.
BREASTFEEDING
ContraindicatedFOLLETRO TABLET is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy, tired, drowsy or generally unwell after taking FOLLETRO TABLET.
ALCOHOL
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking FOLLETRO TABLET to avoid unwanted reactions.
KIDNEY
Use with CautionFOLLETRO TABLET should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
LIVER
Use with CautionFOLLETRO TABLET should be used with caution in patients with severe liver diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
ALLERGY
ContraindicatedDo not take FOLLETRO TABLET if you are allergic to Letrozole.
USE IN PEDIATRICS
ContraindicatedFOLLETRO TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
USE IN GERIATRICS
Use with CautionFOLLETRO TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or older). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
OTHERS
FOLLETRO TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have not gone through menopause
Before taking FOLLETRO TABLET, inform your doctor if you have:
- a history of bone fractures or osteoporosis
- osteoporosis (weak bones) or joint inflammation
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking FOLLETRO TABLET inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- Other medicines used for cancer (Ex. tamoxifen, anastrozole)
- Cimetidine (medicine used to manage stomach ulcer)
- Warfarin (medicine used for blood thinning)
Over dosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more of FOLLETRO TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Letrozole |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Breast cancer in postmenopausal women |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep FOLLETRO TABLET out of reach of children
- Store FOLLETRO TABLET at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT FOLLETRO TABLET
Q: How does FOLLETRO TABLET works?
A: FOLLETRO TABLET contains Letrozole which is an aromatase inhibitor acts by blocking the actions of an enzyme called aromatase in the body which is involved in the production of estrogen. This suppresses the release of excessive estrogen in the body that triggers breast cancer. As a result, it slows down from growing and spreading to other parts of the body.
Q: Can I take FOLLETRO TABLET during breastfeeding?
A: No. FOLLETRO TABLET is not recommended for use in breast-feeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking.
Q: Can FOLLETRO TABLET cause headache?
A: Yes. FOLLETRO TABLET may cause headache in some individuals. If you experience headache, rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Q: Can FOLLETRO TABLET increase the risk of infections?
A: FOLLETRO TABLET may cause a drop in the number of white blood cells in the body and may weaken your immune system. As a result, you may be at greater risk of getting infected while taking FOLLETRO TABLET. To avoid this, your doctor will regular monitor your blood counts as a precaution. However, inform your doctor if you experience any signs of infection such as fever.
Q: Can the use of FOLLETRO TABLET make me feel tired?
A: Yes. FOLLETRO TABLET may make you feel tired easily. This is because, it reduces the levels of red blood cells in your blood and may make you anaemic. Consult your doctor if you experience tiredness after taking FOLLETRO TABLET. Tiredness can also occur if you have any pre-existing disease conditions such as liver or kidney impairment while taking this medicine.
Q: Can I drive a car after taking FOLLETRO TABLET?
A: FOLLETRO TABLET may make you feel tired, dizzy, or drowsy. Therefore, do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by FOLLETRO TABLET.
Q: How to take FOLLETRO TABLET?
A: Take FOLLETRO TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
Q: What should I do if I forget to take a dose of FOLLETRO TABLET?
A: If you forget to take a dose of FOLLETRO TABLET, or vomited immediately after taking the dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for the forgotten dose.
Q: How to control nausea caused due to FOLLETRO TABLET?
A: Generally, anticancer medicines are associated with uncontrollable nausea and vomiting. To avoid this, your doctor would prescribe a suitable medicine to control them along with FOLLETRO TABLET. If not, consult your doctor for a suitable anti-emetic medicine. Do not self-treat nausea.
REFERENCES
1. K.D. Tripathi, Essentials of medical pharmacology, Primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. Chapter - Hormones and related drugs. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page – 314.
2. Dong-xu He Xin Ma, Clinical utility of letrozole in the treatment of breast cancer: a Chinese perspective. Onco Targets and Therapies. March 2016. [Accessed on November 08th, 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4780194/pdf/ott-9-1077.pdf
3. Ajay S. Bhatnagar. The discovery and mechanism of action of letrozole. NIH: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC, PubMed Central. 3 Oct 2007. [Accessed on November 08th, 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2001216/
4. Accord Healthcare Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in Jan 2020] [Accessed on November 08th, 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6054.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Breast Cancer (CA 15.3/ ER/ PR)
AUTHOR DETAILS
Written By Dr. Janet.C, Pharm.D
Last updated on 21 Nov 2023 | 04:04 PM(IST)
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