Fempro

Uses
Fempro (Letrozole) is used to treat breast cancer in women who are post-menopausal - that is, women who no longer have periods, either naturally due to their age or after surgery or chemotherapy. This medication is available in tablets containing 2.5 mg of the active ingredient, letrozole. Letrozole belongs to a family of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. They are also called "antioestrogens" because they act by reducing the production of oestrogen in your body.

Oestrogen stimulates the growth of certain types of breast cancer. These cancers are called "oestrogen-dependent." Reducing the production of oestrogen may help to keep the cancer from growing.

Dosage and Administration
Follow the directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

The usual dose is one Fempro (Letrozole) tablet daily. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water or other liquid. If your stomach is upset after taking the tablet, take it with a meal or after a snack.

Your doctor will check your progress to make sure the medicine is working and will decide how long your treatment should continue.

If you forget to take it: If it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 2 or 3 hours), skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablet as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one that you missed.

Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Fempro (Letrozole). It may have unwanted side effects in some people in addition to its beneficial effects.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

• Signs that blood clots may have formed, such as sudden severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, blurred vision or sudden loss of vision, slurred speech, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, painful swelling in the calves or thighs, chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing.
• Constant "flu-like" symptoms
• Tightness or feeling of heaviness in the chest or pain radiating from your chest to your arms or shoulders, neck, teeth or jaw, abdomen or back (sign of angina pectoris or heart attack)
• Numbness or weakness in arm or leg or any part of the body, loss of coordination vision changes, sudden headache, nausea, difficulty speaking or breathing (sign of stroke).

The above side effects may be serious. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects and they worry you:

• Swelling of the feet, ankles or other parts of the body due to fluid build up
• Skin rash, itching or dry skin
• Pain in the muscles, joints or bones; joint stiffness, arthritis
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Whitish, thick vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you unwell. Other side effects not listed above may happen in some people.

Precautions
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Fempro (Letrozole) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.