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This information is about a hormonal therapy called letrozole that is also commonly called Femara®. It is used to treat breast cancer. The information should ideally be read with our information about breast cancer and about secondary breast cancer.
Femara is a type of hormonal therapy that is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have had their menopause (change of life).
Hormonal therapies interfere with the production or action of particular hormones in the body. Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers and help to control the activity of cells and organs.
There are several different types of hormonal therapy. Your doctor can discuss with you which is best for your particular situation.
Many breast cancers rely on supplies of the hormone oestrogen to grow. In women who have had their menopause, the main source of oestrogen is through changing androgens (sex hormones produced by the adrenal glands) into oestrogen. This is carried out by an enzyme called aromatase. The conversion process is known as aromatisation, and happens mainly in the fatty tissues of the body.
Femara is a drug that blocks the process of aromatisation, and so reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. Drugs that work in this way are known as aromatase inhibitors. Other aromatase inhibitors include anastrozole (Arimidex®) and exemestane (Aromasin®).
Femara is a tablet which is taken once a day, ideally at about the same time each day. It does not matter whether this is in the morning or the evening.
Doctors take into account many different factors when planning each person's treatment, so it is important to talk things over with your specialist. They will make a decision about treatment based on current medical knowledge and your individual situation.
Femara can be used to treat women with early breast cancer (cancer that hasn't spread) after they have had surgery to remove the cancer. Giving treatment after surgery is known as adjuvant therapy.
Femara can also be given to women after completion of five years of tamoxifen treatment.
Research has recently looked at whether giving 2–3 years of tamoxifen followed by 2–3 years of Femara is better at preventing the breast cancer from coming back than just having tamoxifen for five years. The results of the research are still being analysed.
Sometimes Femara may be given before surgery to women with localised early breast cancer, to allow them to have a lumpectomy (removal of the lump) rather than a mastectomy (removal of the breast). Giving treatment before surgery is known as neo-adjuvant therapy.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), who advise doctors on the prevention and treatment of ill-health, have produced guidance on the use of aromatase inhibitors in early breast cancer. The guidelines currently recommend that an aromatase inhibitor, such as Femara, should be considered as an adjuvant treatment for all women with early breast cancer. The choice about which hormonal therapy to use should be made following discussion between the doctor and the patient, and should include information about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
Femara may be used to treat women whose breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic breast cancer). It may also be used to treat women whose cancer has come back after initial treatment with other hormonal therapies such as tamoxifen.
Each person's reaction to any medication is different. Most people have very few side effects with Femara, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone and may be different if you are having more than one drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects. However, we have not included those which are very rare and extremely unlikely to affect you.
If you notice any effects that you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so that they can monitor you.
Some people may have the following side effects to varying degrees:
Feeling sick (nausea), and being sick (vomiting) These effects are rare and usually mild. Feelings of sickness can often be relieved by taking your tablet with food or milk, or at night. Let your doctor know if any of these effects are troublesome, as medicines can usually be prescribed to control them.
Tiredness and headaches These are not common. It is important to get enough rest. Let your doctor know if you are getting headaches, as medicines can be prescribed to help.
Muscular aches and joint pain These are rare, but if they occur let your doctor know, as medication may be prescribed.
Hot flushes These are usually mild and may wear off after a period of time. Some people find that it is helpful to cut down on tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol. Recent research suggests that progestogen or some types of antidepressants may be helpful in controlling this side effect. Your nurse or doctor can discuss this with you.
Some women have found complementary therapies helpful. Your GP may be able to give you details about obtaining these on the NHS.
Hair thinning Some women notice that their hair thins while taking Femara, although this is usually mild.
Vaginal dryness This may occur while using Femara. Gels that can help to overcome the dryness are available. The gels can be bought from any chemist or can be prescribed by your doctor.
Risk of osteoporosis Women who have osteoporosis (weakened bones) or are at risk of it, should have their bones assessed before and during treatment with Femara. In some situations it may be necessary to start treatment to help prevent osteoporosis.
Your doctors will discuss the length of treatment that they feel is appropriate for your situation. Femara is often given for several months or years. Treatment with Femara may continue for as long as it is effective in controlling your cancer.
Femara may interact with other medicines. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
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